Header: Maybourne/Burberry
London’s festive season has officially begun in Mayfair. This week, Claridge’s revealed its highly anticipated Christmas Tree for 2025, created by Daniel Lee, the Chief Creative Officer of Burberry. Now in its fifteenth year, the hotel’s annual tree collaboration has become a major event for the city, drawing visitors to the Art Deco lobby to see how different designers interpret the holiday spirit.
A tribute to the Scottish highlands
Standing 16 feet tall, the tree is a traditional centrepiece that leans heavily into British heritage and the natural world. Lee designed the decoration to reflect the outdoors, using wild foliage and thistle throughout the branches. The thistle is a deliberate choice, serving as the national flower of Scotland and a direct link to the Scottish Highlands where Burberry produces its famous cashmere scarves.
The decorations focus on texture and warmth. The tree is draped with bows made from surplus Burberry fabrics, a choice Lee made to reference the Victorian use of bows as a symbol of unity. To bring in a touch of shine, the branches hold hanging brass bells inspired by the brand’s Equestrian Knight Design, alongside glass baubles handmade by a British glassblower.
Crowns and chess pieces
The design details extend from the very top of the tree to the lobby floor. A gold crown sits at the peak, acting as the topper. At the base, the display shifts from nature to comfort and play. Oversized, floor-standing chess pieces surround the bottom of the tree, nestled among cosy cushions and blankets that invite guests to imagine settling in for a long winter evening.
Commenting on the tree, Daniel Lee said:
“Claridge’s has always felt like home from the moment you walk through its doors, a true symbol of elegance and British heritage where I’ve enjoyed many special moments over the years.”
He explained that he wanted the tree to celebrate togetherness and tradition, using the rich textures and vibrant colours of the season. Thomas Kochs, the hotel’s Managing Director, welcomed Lee’s contribution, noting that the lobby has become a place for guests to dive into the creative world of Burberry.
The Burberry takeover
The festive atmosphere continues beyond the tree itself. Burberry has added specific design touches across the hotel. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by doormen wearing the iconic Burberry Check scarf. Inside, the famous check pattern appears on room key holders and even inside the lift, which now features a plush sofa and cushions covered in the design.
For those looking for a holiday drink, Claridge’s Bar is serving a new cocktail called the Winter Knight. Staff are also moving through the spaces with trolleys carrying sweets wrapped in check cones. Collectors will be interested in the annual festive bauble, a collaboration between the two brands. This year’s hand-painted ornament shows the Claridge’s Bell Boy Teddy Bear wearing a Burberry trench coat and scarf. It is a limited run, with only 300 pieces available in the hotel shop.
The scarf bar and pop-up
To accompany the lobby installation, Burberry has opened a pop-up shop on the ground floor. This space mirrors the energy of the tree and focuses on the brand’s outerwear and accessories. A dedicated Scarf Bar displays a wide range of scarves, from cashmere to silk twill, showing off the variety of check shades available. The shop also offers a selection of gifts, including rainwear, knitwear, and small leather goods, curated specifically for the holiday season.
The collaboration between Claridge’s and Daniel Lee offers a warm, texture-rich interpretation of a British Christmas. By mixing elements of the Scottish landscape with classic symbols like chess pieces and bows, the design creates an inviting atmosphere in the heart of Mayfair. The installation successfully connects the hotel’s history to the heritage of the Burberry brand. The tree and the pop-up shop will remain in the lobby until Sunday, 4th January.
