Picture this: Your very own Christmas tree design beaming brightly from the historic Battersea Power Station in London, visible for all to see during the festive season. It's not just a dream—Apple is making it a reality with their exhilarating 'Your Tree on Battersea' drawing competition, inviting everyone in the UK to unleash their creativity on the iPad. And here's where it gets truly engaging: This isn't just about doodling; it's a chance to blend technology with holiday magic in a way that could put your art right alongside famous creators. But keep reading to discover how you can join in and what makes this event so special.
Organized by the creative minds at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, this initiative celebrates the holiday spirit by encouraging UK residents to craft digital Christmas trees using their iPads. Hosted by the charming British comedian Munya Chawawa, it's the very first time the public has been invited to design and submit their festive creations for a shot at glory. The winners won't just get bragging rights—they'll see their trees projected onto the river-facing chimneys and wash towers of Battersea Power Station, right next to professional designs from renowned artists and celebrities like Sir Stephen Fry and David Shrigley OBE. Think of it as a democratic art show where everyday creativity meets the spotlight, turning this iconic London landmark into a canvas for the holiday season.
Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, shared his enthusiasm: 'Harnessing the incredible power and flexibility of our latest iPad models, we're thrilled to spread Christmas joy across Battersea Power Station and spark imaginative holiday fun nationwide. It's truly inspiring to witness such diverse talents from various fields uniting with Munya Chawawa—we're eager to see these innovations displayed next to the public's own masterpieces.' For beginners just starting out with digital art, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore how iPads, paired with accessories like the Apple Pencil, make drawing intuitive and fun, transforming simple sketches into professional-looking designs without needing advanced skills.
The competition kicked off and is now accepting entries until midnight on November 23. Out of all submissions, 24 lucky public designs will be selected to shine on Battersea Power Station's chimneys. On December 4 at 5 p.m., Apple will host a grand unveiling event, projecting the winning public entries alongside the commissioned artwork for everyone to admire. But here's the part most people miss: This event isn't just about the winners—it's a celebration of inclusivity, showing how technology can democratize art and include voices from all walks of life.
To help participants get started, every one of Apple's 39 UK stores will offer free 30-minute 'Today at Apple' sessions from November 6 to 22, dedicated to guiding folks through creating and submitting their Christmas tree ideas. These sessions continue through December 22, ensuring there's plenty of time to experiment with iPads and Apple Pencils during the holidays, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned artist. It's like having a friendly workshop right in your local store, complete with expert tips on using apps to bring your visions to life.
Of course, you don't have to leave home to participate. Submitting is straightforward—just follow these three easy steps, designed with simplicity in mind for anyone, even if you've never tried digital drawing before:
Step One: Head to apple.com/uk/apple-christmas-trees on your iPad to download the template, then launch a drawing app to begin. (For those unfamiliar, drawing apps on iPad are user-friendly tools that let you sketch with your finger or a stylus, offering endless possibilities without the mess of traditional art supplies.)
Step Two: Design your Christmas tree—go for whimsical and wonderful, or embrace the bizarre and unconventional. Imagine adding festive elements like quirky ornaments or even fantastical creatures to make it uniquely yours.
Step Three: When you're ready, submit your entry at apple.com/uk/apple-christmas-trees. Remember, the deadline is midnight on November 23, so don't wait too long!
Looking back, this tradition began in 2023 with the legendary artist David Hockney crafting his 'Bigger Christmas Trees' on an iPad Pro, proving how the device can handle ambitious, large-scale projects. Last year, in 2024, Aardman Animations—famous for Wallace & Gromit—used the iPhone 16 Pro Max to produce a delightful short animation of the duo constructing Christmas trees, blending stop-motion charm with modern tech. These examples highlight how Apple's devices are evolving to support all forms of creativity, from static art to dynamic storytelling.
And this is where it gets controversial: Is this competition truly leveling the playing field between amateur public submissions and the polished works of established artists, or does it subtly favor professional polish? Some might argue that technology like iPads empowers everyone to create, democratizing art in a way that traditional barriers couldn't. Others could see it as a marketing ploy, prioritizing Apple's products over genuine creative equity. What do you think—should public art compete on equal footing with commissioned pieces, or is there a risk of diluting the spotlight? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different take on how tech influences holiday traditions!
