Christmas in Trafalgar Square

Christmas tree lighting ceremony

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.

The 2009 Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on Thursday 3 December 2009.

The Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Mayors of Oslo and London at the Christmas tree lighting in Trafalgar Square - photo by Rogan Macdonald In 2008 the Mayor of London, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo took part in the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and there was carol-singing led by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Dedication of the crib

On Sunday 6 December 2009 the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields held its service for the dedication of the crib which is then placed in Trafalgar Square.

Carol-singing

The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for the traditional carol-singing programme. In 2009 over 50 groups performed Christmas carols in the square, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. Bookings for Christmas 2010 will be taken from September 2010 onward.

About the tree

The Trafalgar Square Christmas 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 completes its journey by lorry. A specialist rigging team erects it in the square using a hydraulic crane. It is 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 Forthcoming events Christmas Other events Managing the square Transformation History	Christmas in Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony 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. The 2009 Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on Thursday 3 December 2009. In 2008 the Mayor of London, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo took part in the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and there was carol-singing led by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Dedication of the crib On Sunday 6 December 2009 the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields held its service for the dedication of the crib which is then placed in Trafalgar Square. Carol-singing The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for the traditional carol-singing programme. In 2009 over 50 groups performed Christmas carols in the square, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. Bookings for Christmas 2010 will be taken from September 2010 onward. About the tree The Trafalgar Square Christmas 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 completes its journey by lorry. A specialist rigging team erects it in the square using a hydraulic crane. It is 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.