Each Christmas, London’s finest landmarks, hotels, eateries, and department stores compete for the most spectacular displays as the city transforms into a glittering wonderland of all things festive!

From British designer Paul Smith’s design for Claridge’s to Anna Lomax’s glowing installation at V&A Museum, be inspired by London’s most artistic designs of the season.

The Aqua Shard x Frédéric Malle Christmas Tree

Located on Level 31 of The Shard — also referred to as the Shard London Bridge and formerly London, Bridge Tower — is an unparalleled installation, featuring a 22ft-tall red and silver Christmas tree, complete with giant chrome baubles.

The Londoner x Kate Halfpenny

The Londoner — the world’s first super boutique hotel — partnered with British bridal wear designer Kate Halfpenny to create a stunning centrepiece that celebrates both the magic of weddings and the joy of the holiday season.

In a playful twist on tradition, Halfpenny has replaced conventional baubles with chic monochrome disks inspired by gold coins — a clever nod to her own name. Oversized bows, crafted from repurposed bridal fabric offcuts, adorn the tree, embodying both The Londoner’s commitment to sustainability and Halfpenny’s dedication to conscious design.

Sketch London: A Sweet Christmas

This Christmas, Sketch London — Mayfair’s iconic art and dining destination — unveils its enchanting annual installation, A Sweet Christmas. A highlight? The crystal tree with a rotating windows created for luxury jewellery and accessories brand Mehbs Yaqub for the Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library.

Christmas at Covent Garden

For the first time in the theatre’s history, the Royal Ballet and Opera revealed a magnificent tutu Christmas tree in the Linbury Theatre Foyer. Designed by Hugo Dalton, the tree reflects the heritage and artistry of the Royal Ballet and Opera, and is sustainably made from over 45 borrowed Royal Ballet tutus and reams of recycled tulles.

All Lit Up! by Anna Lomax

London’s V&A Museum hosts All Lit Up! by Anna Lomax, a site-specific installation located in the space’s dome. The conifer tree, made from lights, marks the museum’s annual Christmas tree installation. Taking the columns in the V&A’s Dome as inspiration, the design manipulates the solid structure of the column into the form of a tree, embodying the playful, celebratory spirit of the Christmas period. The design creates a parallel between the elegance of an evergreen conifer tree and the strength of a column, referencing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s popularisation of the Christmas tree. The installation uses light as its central medium, which is playfully animated throughout the day to bring magic and sparkle to the festive period.

CREDIT: www.vam.ac.uk

Paul Smith for Claridge’s

Each Christmas, the historic Mayfair hotel invites a different designer to create a spectacular tree for their grand foyer. It’s become a much-loved and eagerly anticipated tradition, drawing in flocks of visitors each season who rush to see the new tree. And this year, it’s Paul Smith’s turn.

Smith has long had a personal connection to Claridge’s, often enjoying his Christmas lunch there, so when the call came through, he jumped at the chance. Along with his team, he has created a tree which reflects the eclectic, whimsical sensibility for which he’s best known. The branches of the 20ft tree – which was unveiled on 20th November – are filled with 100 specially made birdhouses, as well as mechanical contraptions built by artist Nik Ramage. Around the base of the tree is a gathering of ‘off-cut’ creatures – curious critters made from scrap wood by Hackney-based Studiomama.

CREDIT: www.paulsmith.com

The Londoner x Kate Halfpenny takes a bow! (elledecoration.co.uk)

Royal Ballet and Opera Tutu tree.

All Lit Up! by Anna LomaxVictoria And Albert Museum

Designer Paul Smith proudly stands in front of his Christmas tree for Claridge’s.

It’s all in the details (www.paulsmith.com)

The Aqua Shard x Frédéric Malle Christmas Tree (aquashard.co.uk)