Claridge’s has lifted the curtain on one of London’s most anticipated festive traditions, unveiling its 2025 high-fashion Christmas tree designed by Daniel Lee, the chief creative officer of Burberry. The tree, revealed in the hotel’s lobby on 25 November, marks the 15th year that the Mayfair landmark has invited a leading fashion house to reinterpret the Christmas centrepiece in its own style.

Lee’s creation embraces tradition but filters it through Burberry’s distinctive lens. The 16-foot tree is dressed with around 600 bows, each crafted from surplus Burberry fabrics and chosen as a Victorian symbol of unity. Hanging bells and sculptural chess pieces weave in references to the heritage Equestrian Knight Design, one of the house’s most recognisable emblems. A gold crown tops the tree, while oversized chess pieces stand at its base, creating a theatrical focal point for the lobby.

For Lee, the commission carries personal significance. “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 said. “Being invited to design the hotel’s annual Christmas tree is a huge honour. I saw it as an opportunity to celebrate tradition and togetherness – expressing the season through vibrant colours and rich textures.”

Claridge’s managing director, Thomas Kochs, echoed the sentiment. “Christmas is always the most magical time of the year at Claridge’s and this festive season we are honoured and delighted to welcome long-standing friend Daniel Lee into our lobby. We look forward to seeing guests and visitors immerse themselves in the creative world of Burberry.”

The hotel has a long history of turning its Christmas tree into a fashion moment. Past designers have included Karl Lagerfeld, who imagined an upside-down white tree, and Diane von Furstenberg, whose six-metre-tall Tree of Love featured more than 8,000 hand-painted silver leaves and glass spheres.

Located on Brook Street in Mayfair, Claridge’s houses 269 guest bedrooms along with bars and restaurants that make it one of London’s most celebrated addresses. Each year, its Christmas tree draws visitors from across the world, transforming the lobby into an annual showcase of creativity, craft and festive spectacle.