Deck the halls: The best festive trees and windows

Dolce & Gabbana at Harrods

Juxtaposed against last year's A Very British Fairytale by Burberry, this year Dolce and Gabbana will take over Harrods' windows with their take on an Italian Christmas. Complete with Sicilian puppets of the designer duo, the windows celebrate the love of family and the traditions of Christmas, all served with a "hefty dose of fun and Italian spirit". This iconic partnership sees 14 magnificent scenes evocative of their homeland, including a classic Italian kitchen, a men's tailors and a perfumery.

Sketch Lecture Room and Library

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Featuring some rather spectacular partnerships from some of London's most exciting florists, Christmas at Sketch has had a bit of a shake up this year. With each celebrating their own individual style, the tree features a winding floral peacock by Figa & Co, whimsical decorations by JamJar Flowers that fill the middle section, and Carly Rogers Flowers has created its own world at the bottom with Rebel Rebel taking the crown. If that wasn't Instagram-worthy enough, in the Sketch gallery, artist Chris Levine has created an immersive laser and sound installation for the festive period with an accompanying Christmas cocktail, named the Electrictide.

Tiffany's Old Bond Street

Remembering its iconic window dresser Gene Moore, Tiffany & Co continues its tradition of showcasing masterful design alongside a signature Moore motif – little life drawing figures in playful scenarios. To create a Tiffany Holiday, the windows of 25 Old Bond Street have undergone a yuletide facelift with dazzling Rubelli silk backdrops featuring over two million stars and miniature versions of their classic "starburst" chandelier by Austrian glassmaker, Lobmeyr. Capturing the magic of the gift-giving season, these intricate miniature scenes are a sight to be seen.

The Royal Exchange

The contemporary luxury shopping destination in London’s square mile has joined forces with design house Georg Jensen for a festive transformation. Founded in 1904 by the master silversmith Georg Jensen, the Danish brand has covered the 25ft tree in hundreds of baubles. Taking centre stage at the entrance of The Royal Exchange, the recently illuminated sparkling evergreen is the crowning glory of Christmas in the City this year.

Claridge's and Karl Lagerfeld

Known for its designer collaborations, this year London's legendary Mayfair hotel welcomes a festive installation inspired by Karl Lagerfeld's childhood memories of Christmas. Decorated with a series of inverted spruce trees, the renowned fashion designer remembers Christmas trees as 'the strongest souvenir' of his 'happy childhood'. The centrepiece in the hotel's lobby is a 16ft high inverted tree reminiscent of a silver stalactite with silver gilded roots topped with a multi-facetted mirrored star reflecting magical light across the Art Deco room.

Selfridges

Unveiling its first set of Christmas windows on 19 October this year, Selfridges was the first department store in the world to debut a festive display. A jubilant affair, the Selfridges Oxford Street windows pay homage to London's most famous parades and carnivals. Adorned with festive floats decorated in luxurious Christmas embellishments, this year’s scenes include a marching band, maypole dancers, bicycle-riding hipsters and 10 pearly-buttoned Santas, taking inspiration from the Pearly Kings and Queens of London.