Christmas in Trafalgar Square

Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square - photo by James O Jenkins Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas.

Carol-singing

The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for the traditional carol-singing programme. In 2007 over forty different groups of carol singers from across the country took to the stage, singing to raise money for good causes.

The dates for carol singing in 2008 will be announced later in the year and groups will be able to book slots online from September. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the carols. Visitors to the square can also visit the Café on the Square, which will be serving seasonal treats.

About the tree

In 2007, marking the 61st year of the tradition, the Norwegian Christmas tree was lit on 6 December by the Mayor of Oslo and the Lord Mayor of Westminster. The ceremony began at 6pm with carols sung by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields, accompanied by the Westminster Salvation Army band.

The tree is usually a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) over 20 metres high and 50-60 years old. It is selected from the forests surrounding Oslo with great care several months, even years, in advance. The Norwegian foresters who look after it describe it fondly as 'the queen of the forest'.

The tree is felled in November during a ceremony in which the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the British ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo participate. It is brought to the UK by sea, then complete its journey by lorry. A specialist rigging team erects it in the square using a hydraulic crane. It will be decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion, with vertical strings of lights - energy-efficient light bulbs are used.

Recycling the tree

The Christmas tree remains in Trafalgar Square until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted, to make mulch.


Trafalgar Square	Home > Events in Trafalgar Square > Christmas in Trafalgar Square
Visiting the square In and around Events Trafalgar Sq Festival Forthcoming events Christmas Other events Managing the square Transformation History	Christmas in Trafalgar Square Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas. Carol-singing The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for the traditional carol-singing programme. In 2007 over forty different groups of carol singers from across the country took to the stage, singing to raise money for good causes. The dates for carol singing in 2008 will be announced later in the year and groups will be able to book slots online from September. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the carols. Visitors to the square can also visit the Café on the Square, which will be serving seasonal treats. About the tree In 2007, marking the 61st year of the tradition, the Norwegian Christmas tree was lit on 6 December by the Mayor of Oslo and the Lord Mayor of Westminster. The ceremony began at 6pm with carols sung by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields, accompanied by the Westminster Salvation Army band. The tree is usually a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) over 20 metres high and 50-60 years old. It is selected from the forests surrounding Oslo with great care several months, even years, in advance. The Norwegian foresters who look after it describe it fondly as 'the queen of the forest'. The tree is felled in November during a ceremony in which the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the British ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo participate. It is brought to the UK by sea, then complete its journey by lorry. A specialist rigging team erects it in the square using a hydraulic crane. It will be decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion, with vertical strings of lights - energy-efficient light bulbs are used. Recycling the tree The Christmas tree remains in Trafalgar Square until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted, to make mulch.	Did you know? Probably the smallest police box ever built is located in Trafalgar Square, along with the statues and fountains.