Christmas is such a special time of year and suits London perfectly. As soon as the temperature drops and the nights start drawing in, you know the city will offer the perfect backdrop for twinkling lights, beautifully adorned Christmas Trees and impressive outdoor installations.
We interviewed some of the most prominent personnel at a selection of London’s best hotels. They gave us a unique perspective on rising to the festive occasion and the stories behind their impressive seasonal installations.
Iconic - Claridges, Mayfair:
Legendary Claridges, an art Deco London landmark, in the heart of Mayfair. Timeless elegance coupled with impeccable service, offering a quintessentially Christmas experience.
We spoke with Richard Eagleton, CEO of Claridge’s Flowers.
1. What inspired this year’s Christmas installation theme? Are there any new elements or designs that guests should look out for?
This year's decorations are in rich, festive hues of copper and gold with dark green pine balanced with touches of jade for a sophisticated look that draws from the hotel's iconic colour. Handmade glittering gold Art Deco inspired stars hang throughout the hotel. Not to be missed, the beautiful six-metre-wide gold and copper tree in Claridge's Restaurant from which a constellation of gold and mirrored stars hang on satin ribbons - meaning that those in the centre tables can dine under the stars.
2. Could you share any unique or behind-the-scenes stories about the setup and design process of the decorations this year?
I start working on Christmas in January with a trip to Christmas world in Frankfurt - the largest trade show of its kind, where we looked for baubles and other beautiful decorations. October is a whole month of preparation, and it takes 15,000 glass baubles, 5km of fairy lights, and enough garland to run from the hotel to Bond Street Station. 25 people then install the decorations during one magical night - equivalent to more than six weeks of full-time work in just one night.
3. For those visiting during the Christmas period, are there any festive events or special experiences planned to make their stay extra special?
This winter step into a festive wonderland at Claridge’s, the legendary Mayfair hotel. From the talk-of-the-town tree to the breath-taking decorations, Claridge’s are synonymous with Christmas. With season’s greetings and glorious gifts galore, there will be Mayfair magic aplenty throughout November and December for everyone to enjoy. In true Claridge’s style, there will be yuletide treats aplenty. As Father Christmas paces the Claridge’s corridors, carrots and mince pies will be carefully placed on mantelpieces and stockings will decorate the fireplaces throughout the hotel. Christmas Day morning will see a choir singing carols, and a festive feast will be prepared in hallowed kitchens. Claridge’s Restaurant, The Foyer, the French Salon and The Drawing Room will all be open for Christmas lunch.
4. Looking ahead to 2025, what are some exciting new features, experiences, or renovations that guests can anticipate at your hotel?
Mindful Mondays - an opportunity once a month to join us for a Monday morning of mindful relaxation in the hotel with Sound Healing led by Stephanie Waxberg followed by a Meditative Floral Design class with Glenn Shaw.
5. How do your Christmas decorations this year reflect the unique character and heritage of Claridge’s? Any personal touches that make them stand out?
Look out for 'A Palace Of Stars' - a limited-edition hand-painted illuminated glass cloches with delicate cut-paper sculptures inside (inspired by the architecture of the hotel itself and to evoke the joy of hotel life at Christmas) - a collaboration between Claridge's Flowers and artist Sam Wood.
A three-metre-high version of the cloche is the main feature of the exterior decorations above the hotel's main entrance.
Fabulously flamboyant - Broadwick Soho, Soho:
The townhouse’s playful aesthetic, crafted by the acclaimed interior designer Martin Brudnizki, exudes vibrancy, glamour and creative flair in the heart of Soho. Their fun festive installations reflect this.
We spoke to Andrea Gelardin, Creative Director.
1. What inspired this year’s Christmas installation theme? Are there any new elements or designs that guests should look out for?
This year’s Christmas installation was inspired by the timeless charm of a traditional British Christmas, we wanted to reimagine it through a playful Soho lens. The idea was to capture the nostalgic essence of the season—crackers, mince pies, chocolates—while giving it an unexpected twist that feels fresh and full of character. Guests should look out for some delightful new elements this year: oversized crackers spilling open, sweets wrapped as ornaments, and of course, our elephants dressed in festive bowler hats. It’s all about blending classic holiday imagery with whimsical, eye-catching details that surprise and delight
2. For those visiting during the Christmas period, are there any festive events or special experiences planned to make their stay extra special?
For those joining us this festive season, we’ve curated a few extra-special experiences to make your visit truly magical. Our head bartender, Catalin Ciont, has crafted the Love Actually, a sensational blend of gin, vermouth, warming spices, and a touch of orange blossom. Inspired by the film it’s a nod to our Flute cocktail theme celebrating movies filmed in and around Soho—this one definitely captures the spirit of the season. Better yet, £2 from each order will support StreetSmart, helping to fund vital homeless projects across London.
In the lead-up to Christmas, we’re hosting a sing-along evening in Flute on December 10th. Chris Hamilton will be at the piano, playing all-time favourite festive songs for us to enjoy together. Just a quick note - it’s a standing event, and we won’t be taking table reservations. You can still however book your spot on our website.
For something a touch more traditional, Bar Jackie will be serving mulled wine, perfect for cozying up either indoors or on our piazza-like heated terrace, where you can enjoy the buzz of Soho wrapped in festive cheer. It’s the perfect way to toast the season in true Broadwick style.
3. Looking ahead to 2025, what are some exciting new features, experiences, or renovations that guests can anticipate at your hotel?
Our ambition isn’t just to elevate the guest experience but to continue reflecting and amplifying the pulse of Soho itself—its creativity, its mischief, its irresistible charm. Here’s to another year of storytelling, surprises, and staying true to our roots. I strongly recommend signing up to our newsletter and staying in touch.
4. How do your Christmas decorations this year reflect the unique character and heritage of Broadwick Soho? Any personal touches that make them stand out?
The elephants on the façade represent Broadwick Soho’s logo and the symbol of the hotel. Elephants are extremely loyal and intelligent animals with empathy and compassion. They are well known for their emotional and social skills and are true family animals. They are affectionate and conscientious with incredible memory and recognition. These are attributes and values that Broadwick Soho aspire to emulate as a brand and as an independent family business. Guests will find references to elephants throughout our hotel. Most impressively, the elephant is represented within our Suites, in the form of an elephant-shaped cocktail bar made from antique Indian brass, handmade by local skilled craftsmen in Jaipur and commissioned exclusively for the hotel.
The historical Rosewood, Holborn:
The building's Edwardian heritage is seamlessly integrated with contemporary luxury offering a distinctly London experience, full of Christmas traditions with a modern twist.
We spoke with Maela Jouy, Director of Communications.
1. What inspired this year’s Christmas installation theme? Are there any new elements or designs that guests should look out for?
This year, Rosewood London presents an enchanting festive experience inspired by ‘The Art of Hosting’ – celebrating the timeless rituals of welcoming guests into an elegant home. Our magnificent 24-foot Christmas tree, crafted by acclaimed florist Paul Thomas, stands proudly in our iconic courtyard. The distinctive palette of rich burnt orange and forest greens an unexpected yet refined aesthetic, complementing our winter terrace experience, Hacienda 1942, in partnership with Don Julio 1942. This harmonious blend extends throughout the hotel, where Paul Thomas’ artistic arrangements transform each space with bespoke seasonal displays – from our lobby to the distinctive settings of Holborn Dining Room, Mirror Room and Scarfes Bar. Guests will discover thoughtful hosting elements woven throughout – artful table settings, ambient lighting and carefully curated decorative touches that create an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. Each element has been designed to offer our guests a contemporary interpretation of festive luxury while maintaining the timeless elegance for which Rosewood London is renowned.
2. Could you share any unique or behind-the-scenes stories about the setup and design process of the decorations this year?
This year's festive design at Rosewood London honours the essence of traditional hospitality while introducing contemporary elements that make it distinctly our own. The choice of burnt orange alongside classical festive greens offers an elegant departure from convention, harmoniously connecting our interior design with the warmth of our Hacienda 1942 winter terrace. Light plays a central role in this year's concept, with enhanced illumination thoughtfully integrated throughout both internal and external spaces.This focus on creating warm, welcoming atmospheres through carefully considered lighting brings an added layer of sophistication to our festive environment, embodying the true art of hosting.
3. For those visiting during the Christmas period, are there any festive events or special experiences planned to make their stay extra special?
Rosewood London offers thoughtfully curated experiences designed to create magical moments for guests of all ages. Children will delight in special visits from Father Christmas, while our signature holiday traditions including Christmas stockings bring an extra touch of warmth to each stay. Our youngest guests can participate in our enchanting Elves on the Shelf adventure, adding an element of daily discovery to their Rosewood London experience.
In the Mirror Room, our Festive Art Afternoon Tea celebrates our continued collaboration with multi disciplinary artist John Booth. Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins has crafted three exquisite cakes inspired by Booth’s distinctive artistic vision: ‘The Pear’, featuring gingerbread and salted caramel; ‘The Bauble’, a celebration of chocolate and mandarin; and ‘The Tree’, an elegant composition of vanilla and cassis. Available daily from 12:00p.m. to 5:45p.m., this artistic culinary experience can be enhanced with champagne, cocktails, or non-alcoholic alternatives (price: from £85).
For a truly special memento, guests can take home our bespoke Christmas bauble – a hand-painted glass ornament crafted using a 200-year-old traditional ‘inside painting’ technique. Each piece features an intricate depiction of our iconic façade, creating a timeless keepsake of their Rosewood London festive experience.
4. Looking ahead to 2025, what are some exciting new features, experiences, or renovations that guests can anticipate at your hotel?
Looking ahead to 2025, Rosewood London remains committed to crafting exceptional moments for our guests. While we prefer to keep an element of surprise, our team continues to develop innovative experiences and cultural programming that will enchant and delight throughout the coming year.
5. How do your Christmas decorations this year reflect the unique character and heritage of Rosewood London? Any personal touches that make them stand out?
This year’s festive decorations perfectly embody RosewoodLondon’s approach to refined hospitality – honouring British traditions while adding our modern, eclectic flair. The Christmas tree in our iconic courtyard, crafted by Paul Thomas, showcases this by incorporating traditional elements and unexpected styling. Throughout our Grade II-listed building, classic festive components – from Christmas trees and wreaths to natural pinecones –are reimagined with the addition of burnt orange accents. This bold yet elegant colour choice naturally complements our Hacienda 1942 winter terrace while adding warmth to our historic surroundings. It’s this careful balance of tradition and innovation that makes this year’s decorations distinctly Rosewood London, reflecting our commitment to creating a uniquely welcoming environment for our guests.
Moriarty wishes you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year however you celebrate.
