As Christmas approaches, festive decorations and Xmas trees are adorning spaces worldwide. St Pancras Station in Central London stands out with a distinctive Christmas tree that promises to evoke the warmth of a cosy evening by the fireplace, book in hand.
This 12-metre-tall Christmas tree at the Victorian St Pancras Station building in London is crafted entirely from hand-painted books, a creative collaboration with Hatchards, the renowned bookshop located within St Pancras.
Tune into joy: The Christmas tree serenading you with audiobook cheer
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Hatchards, with its first outlet dating back to 1797 in St James, and believed to be the oldest bookstore in London, brings a touch of literary charm to the holiday season. According to House and Garden, the tree aims to rekindle the joy of reading, featuring a winding staircase that invites visitors to explore up to 270 bookshelves stacked with over 3,800 hand-painted books. Among these literary treasures are classics like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and CS Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Adding a delightful twist, the lower section of the book-filled Christmas tree at St Pancras Station features 12 nooks where travellers can indulge in a five-minute excerpt from an audiobook—a welcome escape for those seeking a reprieve from technology without fully disconnecting.
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Hatchards believes that this Christmas tree serves as a poignant reminder of the joys of reading, especially at a time when many are glued to their phones. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the station, the holiday season provides an opportunity for people to slow down, either to enjoy a good read or simply to savour a few moments of listening to a captivating audiobook. The added bonus, of course, lies in the festive spirit that permeates the entire experience!
(Hero and feature image credit: @stpancrasinternational and @hatchstpancras/Instagram)
Related: Embrace Festive Holiday Spirit At These Gorgeous Christmas Destinations Around The World
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
