London Christmas trees criticised as ‘advert cones’
London stations are exhibiting their seasonal Christmas tree, which has raised questions of whether these displays are festive celebrations or clever pieces of brand promotion.
Eye-catching trees have captured commuters’ attention in busy London railway stations this Christmas.
But a debate is swirling online around these less-than-traditional festive features.
Some Londoners have expressed unease the trees are effectively promoting major brands and shows.
“I actually just messaged a photo of [The Stranger Things tree] to my sister to say Stranger Things promo is crazy this year, it’s mad”
Looming large at the centre of Waterloo Station, a Stranger Things-themed tree has appeared, marking the release of its 5th season.
One fan told City News she had come specifically to visit the tree, and was delighted her favourite show was being recognised in London.
Stranger Things Christmas Tree: Waterloo Station
The tree appears to represent the different worlds of the show – one side is vibrant and green with festive ornaments akin to the regular 1980s Hawkins town; the other is dark and ominous like the Upside-Down world where the monsters dwell.
One passer-by said, “I think it’s fabulous… I think they should be scattered around everywhere”
But others have taken to Reddit to criticise the tree.
“That’s gone beyond sponsored, that’s just a straight-up advertisement”
“Here’s your ad-supported festive cone”
This Stranger Things tree is not the only sponsored display in the city; King’s Cross station has a Harry Potter Tree, and Claridge’s has a more traditional display by Burberry.
Credit: Claridge’s Press Team
Claridge’s, in their press report, described their tree as “a Victorian symbol of unity” and said the wild foliage and thistles were a nod to Burberrys’ connection to the Scottish Highlands.
Harry Potter Christmas Tree: Kings Cross Station
The Harry Potter tree near Platform 9¾ has become a popular Christmas attraction.
Designed by the Warner Bros.’ visual merchandising team, this tree features 800 baubles and 50 large name tags. The tree sits within a miniature hut, containing Honeydukes, a shop selling sweets, and other stores like Olivander’s famously found on Diagon Alley.
Fans told us it embodies the Christmas undertones of the series and thought it to be a fitting touch.
Lucy Neal, an advertising social producer, said the Stranger Things tree had “got a lot people talking, which fundamentally would have been their aim”.
Christmas advertisements are different because they’re “more emotive and more emotionally-driven reaction from audiences.”
She suggests the Claridge’s tree was more widely accepted as it incorporated ideas of nostalgia and community.
HeadlineLondon Christmas trees criticised as ‘advert cones’
Short HeadlineCommercialised Christmas trees are taking over London railway stations
StandfirstLondon stations are exhibiting their seasonal Christmas tree, which has raised questions of whether these displays are festive celebrations or clever pieces of brand promotion.
Eye-catching trees have captured commuters’ attention in busy London railway stations this Christmas.
But a debate is swirling online around these less-than-traditional festive features.
Some Londoners have expressed unease the trees are effectively promoting major brands and shows.
“I actually just messaged a photo of [The Stranger Things tree] to my sister to say Stranger Things promo is crazy this year, it’s mad”
Looming large at the centre of Waterloo Station, a Stranger Things-themed tree has appeared, marking the release of its 5th season.
One fan told City News she had come specifically to visit the tree, and was delighted her favourite show was being recognised in London.
Stranger Things Christmas Tree: Waterloo Station
The tree appears to represent the different worlds of the show – one side is vibrant and green with festive ornaments akin to the regular 1980s Hawkins town; the other is dark and ominous like the Upside-Down world where the monsters dwell.
One passer-by said, “I think it’s fabulous… I think they should be scattered around everywhere”
But others have taken to Reddit to criticise the tree.
“That’s gone beyond sponsored, that’s just a straight-up advertisement”
“Here’s your ad-supported festive cone”
This Stranger Things tree is not the only sponsored display in the city; King’s Cross station has a Harry Potter Tree, and Claridge’s has a more traditional display by Burberry.
Credit: Claridge’s Press Team
Claridge’s, in their press report, described their tree as “a Victorian symbol of unity” and said the wild foliage and thistles were a nod to Burberrys’ connection to the Scottish Highlands.
Harry Potter Christmas Tree: Kings Cross Station
The Harry Potter tree near Platform 9¾ has become a popular Christmas attraction.
Designed by the Warner Bros.’ visual merchandising team, this tree features 800 baubles and 50 large name tags. The tree sits within a miniature hut, containing Honeydukes, a shop selling sweets, and other stores like Olivander’s famously found on Diagon Alley.
Fans told us it embodies the Christmas undertones of the series and thought it to be a fitting touch.
Lucy Neal, an advertising social producer, said the Stranger Things tree had “got a lot people talking, which fundamentally would have been their aim”.
Christmas advertisements are different because they’re “more emotive and more emotionally-driven reaction from audiences.”
She suggests the Claridge’s tree was more widely accepted as it incorporated ideas of nostalgia and community.
