Ok, so it might not quite be December just yet, though it’s just around the corner and we like to be ahead of the curve here at Secret London. So, if you’re already planning on where to cop your Christmas tree in London, then this list below should help you out!
1. The Christmas Forest, Various Locations
When something is called ‘The Christmas Forest’, you just know it’s going to be a winter wonderland. They’ve got locations in Battersea, Dulwich, Highbury, Hackney, Finsbury Park, Stoke Newington, Ealing, Kensal Green, Putney, Richmond, and the Lea Valley. They also sell gorgeous festive wreaths, and bunches of mistletoe – but even better than the chance of a festive snog is the knowledge that for every Christmas tree they sell, The Christmas Forest plants a tree in the Sahel region of Africa. Having done it for thirteen years, they’re now closing in on the 300,000th tree planted. Much better than a patronising Christmas charity single, isn’t it?
📍You’ll find The Christmas Forest at various locations across London. You can find out more here.
2. Bloom & Wild, Online
Living space at a premium? Fortunately, Bloom and Wild have an adorable solution: mini Christmas trees! They are ridiculously cute, and super-practical, leaving much more room for all that Christmas booze. Standing at a mighty 40cm tall, these little trees are delivered in an even littler box, so they’ll even fit through the letterbox. You could even splash the cash and get one for each flatmate, to avoid squabbling over the decorations.
📍Order them online from Bloom & Wild’s website here.
3. Capital Gardens, Alexandra Palace, Wandsworth & East Sheen
Capital Gardens are really going all out this year. Not only do they have three garden centres – on Wandsworth Common , in East Sheen and a stunning one up at Alexandra Palace – but during previous years they’ve also held pop-ups in Richmond Park, Bushy Park, the UNESCO-listed Greenwich Park and Highgate too. There are four tree-types to choose from and intricate Christmas decorations available on the side, while their Ally Pally centre has in the past had a Santa’s Grotto for the kids.
📍You’ll find Capital Gardens at various locations in London. You can find out more here.
4. Pines and Needles, Various Locations
You’ll find Pines and Needles all over London in the months before Christmas – quite fitting, given that you’ll find pine needles all over your house for months after Christmas. They’ve got no fewer than 20 locations across the capital, in (deep breath) Barnes, Battersea Park, Brick Lane, Brockwell Park, Camden, Chiswick, Clissold Park, Ealing, Fulham, Kenwood House, Kingston, Maida Vale, Notting Hill, Regents Park, Shoreditch, Upper Holloway, Victoria Park, Wandsworth Bridge Road, Wandsworth High Street, and Wimbledon Park.
Having started in Scotland in 1995 when the founders were wee teenagers, Pines and Needles has grown exponentially since then, and now the kilt-clad tree-vendors are a staple of a London Christmas. They even sold Prince Harry a tree in 2016!
📍You’ll find Capital Gardens at various locations in London. You can find out more here.
5. Creekside Christmas, Online
On the downside, Creekside Christmas won’t be bringing back their Camden Market pop-up this year. Instead, they’re running an online store, with trees available in seven different sizes (go for the 10ft one and DAMN THE CONSEQUENCES) and of three different varieties. They can also throw in lights and stands, so your pad will be looking swish in no time.
📍Order them online from Creekside Christmas’ website here.
6. Camden Garden Centre, Camden
Christmas tree suppliers don’t come with much more pedigree than this. Camden Garden Centre supply London institutions like the London Dungeon, and No. 11 Downing Street (home of the Chancellor of the Exchequer), so you know they’re bloody good. Add some real Lapland tinsel, and your Christmas is all set up. Plus, you can tie it in with a trip to Camden with all of its excellent restaurants and pubs.
📍You’ll find the Camden Garden Centre at 2 Barker Drive, St Pancras Way, NW1 0JW.
🚇 Nearest stations are Camden Town and Camden Road.
7. Green Elf Trees, Online
When ordering through Green Elf Trees you’ll be struck by a trio of benefits. Not only will you skip the pain of lugging it from shop to home, but you’ll be paying for a worthy Christmas tree from the most sustainable tree delivery service in the UK, who in 2022 donated £3 from every sale to a choice of five charities, including one helping Ukrainian refugees (Refugees at Home). Co-founders Matt Bouloux & Caleb Silcock said: “Everyone can now celebrate the festive season knowing they’ve made a better decision for the environment and their community. Whether you prefer a traditional style tree or a pot-grown one, all Green Elf options are sustainability focused” – which is always a winner in our books.
📍Order them online from Green Elf Trees’ website here.
8. The Nunhead Gardener, Various Locations
London isn’t exactly thin on the ground when it comes to picturesque plant shops and glorious garden centres, but if you tell us that there’s a little horticultural haven nestled inside a railway arch at Nunhead station; you can bet your bottom dollar that we’ll come running.
What started out as a derelict patch of bramble-covered land was discovered by Peter Milne and Alejandro Beltran back in 2015, and transformed into an idyllic, independently owned garden store: The Nunhead Gardener. For the festive period, they’re selling trees, stands and are also offering deliveries for £10.95 too. They’ve also now expanded to beyond just Nunhead – you can also find them in Camberwell, Mayfair and at Elephant and Castle too.
📍You’ll find The Nunhead Gardener at various locations in London. You can find out more here.
9. Columbia Road Flower Market, Hoxton
Ah yes… we couldn’t do a roundup of where to buy a Christmas tree in London without mentioning this one. On top of all their bloomin’ fabulous blooms, this Sunday market is also a great spot to get your festive firs during the month of December. A perfect Sunday activity we’d argue!
📍You’ll find the Columbia Road Flower Market at Columbia Road, Hoxton, E2 7RG.
🚇 Nearest station is Hoxton.
So there you have it – a roundup of the very best places to cop yourself a Christmas tree in London. Best start planning what decorations you’re gonna buy to adorn it then!
Also published on Medium.