Christmas is almost upon us — and London is really beginning to get into the festive spirit.
Yuletide illuminations are getting switched on and markets packed with wintry delights are starting to pop up all over the capital.
However, it wouldn't be Christmas without a massive great tree, and luckily, London obliges.
There are traditional Norwegian spruces, jewellery-inspired marvels and contemporary art installations on display across the city. This is where the see the very best of them.
Covent Garden
The Evening Standard had a big part to play in this year’s festive centrepiece in Covent Garden, helping to pick the 55ft Christmas tree that is standing tall in the piazza. It is adorned with more than 115,000 lights, as well as a bauble courtesy of the Standard’s new Insider platform, which launches soon. There will be a performance from the Kingdom Choir, who sang at Harry and Meghan’s wedding earlier this year, as well as a brand new light installation in Conduit Court at the switch-on event.
From November 13, West Piazza, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF
St Pancras International station
Jewellery icon Tiffany has teamed up with St Pancras International to unveil the station’s first ever Christmas tree. It is replete with 600 bottles of eau de parfum, 600 handcrafted paper flowers and 600 baubles — there is even a Tiffany shop below it, offering gift-wrapping and bottle engravings.
From November 12, St Pancras International station, N1C 4QP
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square’s festive offering is steeped in tradition. Each year since 1947, Norway has gifted London a Norwegian spruce from the forests around Oslo, in thanks for Britain’s assistance during the Second World War. This year’s tree will stand at over 80ft tall and be decorated in a traditional Norwegian style. It will be homed in Trafalgar Square, which will also host carol singing from December 10-21.
From December 6, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
V&A Museum
The V&A always does something a little bit different for its Christmas tree. Last year, it hosted a 'singing tree', created by Es Devlin, which was made of up thousands of words and accompanied by a choir of voices. Before that, it featured a tree made from velvet-clad antlers and another that featured 100,000 Swarovski crystals. This year’s tree comes courtesy of architects Studio Weave and will be “a spectacular 21st-century architectural gateway”.
From November 27, Grand Entrance of the V&A, SW7 2RL
Claridge’s
Fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg is the woman behind the Christmas tree at Claridge’s this year. The so-called Tree of Love will take pride of place in the lobby of the famous Mayfair hotel. Last year, Karl Lagerfeld provided the festive installation, which featured an eye-catching, upside-down spruce hung above a luxurious sheepskin rug.
From November 27, Claridge’s, Brook Street, W1K 4HR
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is also getting in on the act this year, with a 20ft tree that will stand in the middle of the market. The switch-on ceremony will be helmed by Peter Estlin, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and will also feature performances from the Rockabella Christmas Belles and City Chamber Choir. Many of the market's restaurants and bars will be serving up festive goodies, too.
From November 16, Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LT
The Royal Exchange
Claudia Winkleman will turn on the lights that decorate the Christmas tree at the Royal Exchange this year. Decorated by luxury department store Fortnum and Mason, the tree will stand at 25ft tall and be covered in miniature Fortnum’s hampers and sparkling ornaments. The switch-on event will also feature carolling from the East London Chorus, with plenty of mulled wine and mince pies on hand to aid the yuletide merriment.
From November 21, The Royal Exchange, EC3V, 3LR
Somerset House
During the festive season, Somerset House is best known for its excellent ice-skating rink. But there's plenty more reasons to pay a visit, not least because of the glorious 40ft tree that will take residence in the courtyard. Elsewhwere, there will exhibitions, DJ sets and alpine-themed pop-up restaurants.
From November 14, Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
