Wherever you turn, you’ll find beautifully decorated shopfronts, dazzling festive lights illuminating the streets, and majestic Christmas trees standing tall. I can’t recall ever living in a city as enchanting as London during the holiday season. To celebrate this magical time, I’m excited to share my top picks with you.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON brings you the most enchanting Christmas trees in London!

1. Covent Garden

To me, Covent Garden is the ultimate spot to soak in the Christmas spirit. Nothing compares to the giant Christmas tree standing proudly in the Piazza! With enchanting decorations and sparkling lights, the festive atmosphere becomes truly magical as night falls.

In particular, this year visitors can enjoy a daily snowfall on the West and North Piazza from 9th November until 27th December from 12pm until 7pm. Don’t expect a full snowstorm though, these snowflakes are here to mark the occasion above all… But kids will definitely love it!

I’ve read that the Christmas Tree comes from the same farm that the Royal Family gets their trees from, where three trees are planted for every tree that is cut down.

December in Covent Garden offers plenty of festive attractions to lift your spirits like here in 2021 the bustling Apple Market, striking sculptures of monumental balloon dogs by artist Whatsisname, Disney’s Frozen-themed Christmas displays, a captivating Lego immersive adventure, a winter tunnel, and a charming Christmas Village complete with eight luxury igloos and cozy chalets for dining and drinks.

Christmas activities change every year, so be sure to check online (details below) for the latest updates.

It’s well worth a stroll through Covent Garden at Christmas to admire the stunning tree and soak up the festive atmosphere during this magical time of year.

To beat the crowds, aim to visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

2. Trafalgar Square

It may not be the most lavishly decorated Christmas tree (it could use a few more ornaments up top!), but it certainly stands as the tallest in town!

On the bright side, its central location in Trafalgar Square offers a delightful setting to celebrate the Christmas season. Since December 2020, a charming Christmas market has popped up in front of the National Gallery, featuring stalls with holiday gifts and warm, festive drinks.

Here’s an intriguing historical tidbit: since 1947, a 20-meter tall Christmas tree has been shipped from Oslo to Trafalgar Square each year as a gesture of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II. It’s hard to imagine the incredible journey this majestic tree makes, not to mention the impressive feat of its installation!

3. National History Museum, South Kensington

This is a special Christmas Tree as it stands right in the middle of the National History Museum’s ice rink. A unique setting to feel the magic of Christmas, isn’t it?

2021 will be the final time that the museum will host the ice rink though (they plan to transform their five-acre gardens into a hub for urban wildlife), so if you want to make the most of this fabulous backdrop you’d better hurry!

4. Somerset House, The Strand

Another stunning Christmas tree can be found in the heart of Somerset House, where it stands gracefully in the courtyard near the ice rink. Its towering presence offers a warm, elegant welcome to all visitors.

The atmosphere here is amazing. I love the beauty of the surrounding buildings, the opportunity to either explore the Courtauld Gallery or enjoy some ice skating (or even have a glass of Moet & Chandon champagne who’s the official partner of the Christmas festivities), and the quietness of the place just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of The Strand.

5. St James’s

Though just a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square, this Christmas tree remains somewhat under-the-radar, with few tourists nearby. It’s a peaceful spot to admire and an easy one to photograph.

I love the style and elegance of St James’s and the perspectives around the tree.

The orange hues of the baubles and ornaments match perfectly well with the sunrise and sunset, it’s a marvel not to miss!

6. Duke of York Square, Chelsea

This Christmas Tree is certainly gigantic and rarely massively decorated. But as said Leonardo Da Vinci “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”!

Its location opposite the Saatchi Gallery on the Duke of York Square Food Market makes it impossible to miss.

It’s a perfect go-to especially if you want to sort out your Christmas shopping and enjoy the festive lights on Kings Road 🙂

7. Leadenhall Market, The City

I’ve discovered Leadenhall Market soon after arriving in London and have visited it regularly since then, especially at Christmas (for its beautiful Christmas tree and unique atmosphere) and in the summer.

Leadenhall Market is a buzzy, gorgeous covered market in the heart of the City of London, featuring a selection of boutiques, shops, restaurants, and bars.

It’s a hidden gem with a rich heritage and stunning architecture dating back to the 14th century (2021 marked the 700th anniversary of Leadenhall Market).

I highly recommend exploring this iconic London landmark at Christmas!

8. The Claridge’s hotel

Each year, a stunning Christmas tree graces the lobby of this iconic art-deco hotel in the heart of Mayfair, open for all to admire and enjoy!

I love the modern design of this Christmas tree, especially with its captivating lighting effects. It’s truly a breathtaking experience to step into this renowned hotel and see it in person.

9. The Connaught hotel, Mayfair

Standing in front of The Connaught is a striking 9-meter Christmas tree, designed by the hotel’s friends, the influential London-based artist duo Annie Morris and Idris Khan OBE.

Unfortunately, I could not come at night to admire it, as this Christmas Tree isn’t as minimalist as it looks during the day: “Morris’s Stack sculptures, featuring irregular spheres stacked in vibrant hues, are reimagined in 2D for The Connaught’s Christmas Tree. Individually lit, some with over 1,600 sparkling lights, they symbolize the uncertainty shaped by the pandemic, with beauty and light emerging from the unknown. Topping the tree is a shining figure of one of Morris’s ‘Flower Women,’ a recurring motif in her work.”

10. New Bond Street, Mayfair

While the Christmas tree is a highlight, it’s also worth visiting for the festive displays around it. The brands on New Bond Street, especially Cartier and Ralph Lauren, truly embrace the season, showcasing ever-more creative window decorations year after year.

11. Hay’s Galleria, Southwark

Hays Galleria may not be as famous as the other spots listed here, but it’s a hidden gem, especially during the holidays. The Christmas tree and festive shops create a magical atmosphere for all to enjoy!

There are several coffee shops and restaurants too and the proximity to Tower Bridge and the riverside make it a magical place to explore.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are about to visit any of these places soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

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To go further:
Covent Garden: London WC2E 9DD.
Website
Trafalgar Square: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN.
National History Museum: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, SW7 5BD.
Website
Somerset House: Strand, London WC2R 1LA.
Website
St James’s: Waterloo Place, City of Westminster, London SW1Y.
Duke of York Square: 80 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY.
Website
Leadenhall Market: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT.
Website
Claridge’s: Brook Street, London W1K 4HR.
Website
The Connaught: Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL.
Website
New Bond Street: New Bond Street, Mayfair, City of Westminster, London W1S.
Hays Galleria: 1 Battle Bridge Ln, London SE1 2HD.
Website

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