Burberry’s Daniel Lee brings British elegance to Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2025, a dazzling 16ft creation of bows, bells, and Mayfair magic
When British Icons Collide: Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2025 by Daniel Lee for Burberry
Every year, Claridge’s Christmas Tree marks the official start of the London festive season. Since its inception 15 years ago, this iconic Mayfair ritual has become a beacon for design lovers and hotel insiders alike, an annual tradition where fashion meets hospitality in the most dazzling way. This year, Claridge’s has invited Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Burberry, to create its 2025 Christmas Tree, a collaboration that feels as inevitable as it is inspired. The grand unveiling will take place on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, in the hotel’s famous Art Deco lobby, which will once again transform into London’s most photographed festive stage.
A Tree Rooted in British Craft, Nature and Nostalgia
The 16 foot Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2025 stands as an ode to British tradition, textile artistry and the landscapes that inspire Burberry’s heritage. The branches are adorned with bows, a Victorian symbol of unity, all handcrafted from surplus Burberry fabrics, adding a sustainable touch to the seasonal spectacle. The tree is also styled with wild foliage and Scottish thistle, a reference to Burberry’s Highland connection and to the region where the house’s iconic cashmere scarves are woven. The result is a strikingly organic silhouette that draws from the natural beauty of the United Kingdom’s countryside.
Brass bells inspired by Burberry’s Equestrian Knight Design hang between the branches alongside delicate baubles handmade by a British glassblower. At the top sits a glowing gold crown, while the base features oversized chess pieces, soft cushions and warm blankets that create an inviting winter tableau.
Daniel Lee shared: “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 have enjoyed many special moments over the years. 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. Christmas is my favourite time of the year.”
Burberry Touches Throughout Claridge’s
This year, the collaboration extends far beyond the tree itself. Claridge’s has subtly dressed the entire hotel in Burberry’s unmistakable codes. Guests arriving at the entrance are greeted by doormen wearing the iconic Burberry Check scarf, while inside, even the room key holders and the hotel lift have been redesigned with Check details. The lift’s plush sofa and cushions have been reupholstered in tartan-inspired textures, offering guests a playful moment of discovery.
At Claridge’s Bar, a special cocktail – the Winter Knight – brings Burberry spirit to the drinks menu, while festive trolleys roam the lobby with sweets wrapped in charming check-patterned cones. Collectors will adore this year’s limited-edition bauble, created exclusively by Burberry for Claridge’s: a hand-painted ornament depicting the hotel’s beloved Bell Boy Teddy Bear dressed in a classic Burberry trench coat and scarf. Only 300 pieces are available, sold exclusively at Claridge’s Shop.
The Burberry Festive Pop-Up at Claridge’s
On the hotel’s ground floor, Burberry has created a dedicated festive pop-up, extending the tree’s aesthetic into a fully immersive retail experience. At its heart is the Scarf Bar, showcasing the brand’s soft accessories—from cashmere to silk twill—in an elegant array of colours, textures and Check variations. The pop-up also features a curated collection of outerwear, rainwear, knitwear, leather goods and small gifts, making it one of Mayfair’s most stylish stops for holiday shopping. It feels like a boutique built specifically for the gifting season: intimate, tactile and unmistakably Burberry.
Claridge’s: Where Christmas Legends Begin
Every winter, Claridge’s transforms into the capital’s festive heart—its glittering tree the symbol of London’s grand hotel magic. “Christmas is always the most magical time of the year at Claridge’s,” says Thomas Kochs, Managing Director. “This festive season we are honoured and delighted to welcome long-standing friend Daniel Lee into our lobby.” From Dior to Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton to Jimmy Choo, the hotel’s past collaborators read like a who’s who of global style. And with Burberry now stepping into the spotlight, 2025 promises to be one of its most quintessentially British editions yet.
See also:
Throwback to all Claridge’s Christmas Trees made by famous designers!
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
