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 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 Christmas tree lighting ceremony was on Thursday 4 December, with the Mayor of London, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo taking part, and carol-singing led by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Dedication of the crib

As in previous years, a crib was provided by the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields. It features figures inspired by people and cultures from around the world, by Japanese artist Tomoaki Suzuki. There was a special dedication service on Sunday 7 December which started with a torch-lit procession, led by the Salvation Army Band with the Choir and Clergy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, from the church into the square.

Carol-singing

The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for the traditional carol-singing programme.

From Monday 8 December to Friday 19 December 2008 Trafalgar Square played host to groups performing Christmas carols in the square, by the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree. A large variety of groups from across the country took part, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. All were welcome to come to the square to listen - and perhaps join in.

Carol-singing groups wishing to take part, to raise funds for voluntary or charitable organisations, must book their one-hour slot(s) in advance - please see Carol-singing in the square for further information.

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 Trafalgar Sq Festival 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. In 2008 the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was on Thursday 4 December, with the Mayor of London, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo taking part, and carol-singing led by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Dedication of the crib As in previous years, a crib was provided by the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields. It features figures inspired by people and cultures from around the world, by Japanese artist Tomoaki Suzuki. There was a special dedication service on Sunday 7 December which started with a torch-lit procession, led by the Salvation Army Band with the Choir and Clergy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, from the church into the square. Carol-singing The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for the traditional carol-singing programme. From Monday 8 December to Friday 19 December 2008 Trafalgar Square played host to groups performing Christmas carols in the square, by the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree. A large variety of groups from across the country took part, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. All were welcome to come to the square to listen - and perhaps join in. Carol-singing groups wishing to take part, to raise funds for voluntary or charitable organisations, must book their one-hour slot(s) in advance - please see Carol-singing in the square for further information. 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.