Christmas trees, Christmas lights and festive decorations are seen all across London during December.   It makes the city extremely inviting in the late afternoon and evening for shopping and exploring.  Featured below are 8 Christmas trees across London during this festive season.

Covent Garden Christmas Tree
Covent Garden is located in London’s West End, which is extremely popular with visitors and Londoners who enjoy shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture.   The Apple Market is also located here and you can find a range of crafts and antiques.

Covent Garden Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey 

Hays Galleria Christmas Tree
Hays Galleria is located directly off the famous Thames Path and inside the historic Hays Wharf.   There are pubs and restaurants and market stalls that sell a wide variety of items including jewellery, paintings and ceramics.

Hays Galleria Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey

Leadenhall Market Christmas Tree
Leadenhall Market is one of the oldest markets in London dating back to the 14th century.  Originally a meat/game/poultry market, the restored Victorian covered market now has a lot of upmarket shops, restaurants and pubs that are quite popular with city workers.

Leadenhall Market Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey

Royal Exchange Christmas Tree
The Royal Exchange in London was founded in the 16th Century and was twice destroyed in a fire.   Rebuilt in the 1840s, it housed the Lloyd’s insurance market for nearly 150 years, but today has become a popular destination for its luxury shops and restaurants.  This year the Royal Exchange Christmas tree was decorated by Tiffany & Co.

Royal Exchange Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey

Somerset House Christmas Tree
Somerset House is a major art and cultural centre in the heart of London with a year-round programme of exhibitions, workshops, etc.  During the Christmas season at Somerset House there is also an ice rink and pop-up Christmas market.  This year the Somerset House Christmas tree was decorated by Fortnum & Mason.

Somerset House Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey
St Paul’s Cathedral Christmas Tree
St Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1673 and is one of the most famous and recognisable sights in London. At 365 feet (111 metres) high, it’s dome dominated the London skyline for 300 years and was the tallest building in London until 1962.  This Christmas tree is actually located on St Paul’s Churchyard.

St Paul’s Cathedral Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey
St Pancras International Christmas Tree 
St Pancras International is home to Eurostar and an exciting collection of shops, restaurants and bars, including Europe’s longest Champagne bar.  The St Pancras International Christmas tree this year was created from 2000 Disney Store soft toys.

St Pancras International Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Trafalgar Square is named in honour of British Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory over the combined Spanish and French Navy off Cape Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.  Since 1947, the City fo Oslo presents to the City of London a beautiful Christmas tree as a token of gratitude, celebration and commemoration of Britain’s support during the Second World War. The lighting of this Christmas tree in early December is for most the official start of the Christmas season in London.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. Photo: © Ursula Petula Barzey

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree like others across London are taken down just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas  (5th January).  So there is still plenty of time to visit in person or better yet plan for next year.  Each of the major areas in Central London really do go all out with their Christmas tree, lights and decorations.