Claridge's reveals 2025 Christmas tree designed by Burberry's Daniel Lee

As far as we’re concerned, the big reveal of the Claridge’s Christmas tree marks the beginning of the festive season.

It’s the fifteenth year that the great and good from the fashion world have been invited to reimagine the Christmas tree for Claridge’s. Past alumni include Louis Vuitton, Diane von Furstenberg, Paul Smith, Karl Lagerfeld, Kim Jones, Jimmy Choo and John Galliano. Bestowed with the honour this year? Daniel Lee for Burberry.

It is certainly the meeting of two British cultural behemoths and the result has finally been unveiled: a towering 16ft tree covered head to toe in 600 Burberry bows, all crafted from the fashion house’s surplus fabric. The tree also features wild foliage, thistles (the national flower of Scotland, a nod to Burberry’s connection to the Highlands), bells, and baubles handmade by a British glassblower.

The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2025, designed by Burberry’s Daniel Lee (Claridge's)

Dotted around the tree are oversized chess pieces in the style of the Burberry Knight, placed on the lobby’s famous black and white check floor to resemble an active chess game.

The iconic Burberry Check will be omnipresent from the moment guests enter Claridge’s. After being ushered in by doormen wearing Burberry scarves, they will be handed a key holder in the Burberry Check, which can be used in the new, revamped elevator. The elevator features a plush check pattern on the sofa and cushions.

(Claridge's)

The partnership extends into Claridge’s Bar, where guests can enjoy a specially crafted Burberry cocktail, Winter Knight, while trolleys offer Burberry-branded sweets wrapped in check cones. The Claridge’s shop will stock this year’s festive bauble: a hand-painted Claridge’s Bell Boy Teddy Bear dressed in a classic Burberry trench and scarf. It doesn’t get more British than that. Only 300 of these baubles will be made and they’re only available in the Claridge’s shop.

The revamped Claridge’s elevator features Burberry’s iconic check pattern (Claridge's)

“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,” says Lee. “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”.

Meanwhile Claridge’s Managing Director, Thomas Kochs, has said, “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.”

Here is every tree that has come before:

Paul Smith, 2024

Sir Paul Smith unveiled the Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2024 (Sir Paul Smith Has Unveiled The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2024)

Louis Vuitton, 2023

Claridge's Christmas tree 2023 by Louis Vuitton (Claridge's)

Jimmy Choo, 2022

(Claridge’s)

Kim Jones for Dior, 2021

(Claridge's)

Kally Ellis for McQueen’s, 2020

(Claridge’s)

Christian Louboutin, 2019

(Claridge's)

Diane von Furstenberg, 2018

(Daniel Hambury/@stellapicsltd)

Karl Lagerfeld, 2017

(Claridge's)

Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson, 2016

(Claridge's)

Christopher Bailey for Burberry, 2015

(Claridge's)

Dolce and Gabbana, 2014

(Claridge's)

Dolce and Gabbana, 2013

(Dave Benett)

Kally Ellis for McQueen’s, 2012

(Claridge's)

Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, 2011

(Claridge's)

John Galliano for Dior, 2010

(Claridge's)

John Galliano for Dior, 2009

(Claridge's)