Every year, since 1947, the people of Norway have given the people of London a Christmas tree. This gift is in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II.
About the tree
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is usually a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) over 20 metres high and 50 to 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.
The lighting ceremony
Don’t miss the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree, which takes place in Trafalgar Square on Thursday the 5th of December 2024. The 25-metre-high tree is a gift from the people of Norway to London, in thanks for Britain’s support in World War II. This historic tradition has happened every year since 1947 and signals the countdown to Christmas in London.
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.
Blessing of the Crib
Join a special blessing of the Crib ceremony in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 8th December 2024.
Meet on the church steps for a torch-lit procession to Trafalgar Square led by the Lakeside Brass Quintet with the Choir and Clergy of St Martin-in-the-Fields.
For more information please visit the St Martin-in-the-Fields website.
From
“The Christmas season officially opens in Central London with the switching on of the lights to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. Our annual gift from the people of Norway in recognition of Britain’s help during World War Two, the tree has been a feature of the capital since 1947. This is how I, with my Kodak Retinette 1b, recorded the scene [more than] fifty years ago [in December 1963]: “
taken from my post https://derrickjknight.com/2013/12/06/a-gift-from-norway/
After drafting this I cleared six months worth of administration and accompanying filing, including a detailed 20 page questionnaire about my cancer treatment.
Elizabeth joined us for dinner again to help us clear the freezer for the amount of food required for the Christmas influx of family. Today we enjoyed Jackie’s wholesome chicken and vegetable stewp with fresh crusty bread accompanied in my case by Bediani Saperavi Premium 2022 dry red wine and Elizabeth’s FreeDamm non-alcoholic lager.
What a wonderful tradition. How lucky of you to be gifted with such!
Thank you very much, Dale
Yes, the Scandinavians remember and believe in giving thanks.
They do. Thank you very much, GP
I have never heard of this tradition, Derrick, its so wonderful! The questionnaire sounds like a pain in the bum to fill out. I’m glad that you are okay!
Thank you so much, John
You are welcome sir. 😊
Such a beautiful post! How gratifying to know that Norway continues to acknowledge the help. traditions like this make for a healthy and happy world.
Thank you so much, Zakiah
Thank you for sharing this tradition and history connection. Praying the cancer treat info, and treatment is not needed ever again.
Much appreciated, Chrissy
Lovely to read about these British Christmas traditions. Over here it is all about the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in NYC and the White House Christmas Tree in DC.
Thank you very much, Pat
This is so lovely and heart-touching! Thank you for sharing it! I have relatives who are Norwegian. Several were born in Norway. 🙂 So I’ve heard about some of this before. 🙂
20 page questionnaire! Ack! Continued prayers and healing wishes for you for healing and future good health. ❤️
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
PS…when reading the post you shared from 2013, I “saw” Brian there in comment. I still miss him here on WP. (sad face)
Thank you very much, Carolyn. Good to learn that your Norwegian relatives have passed on the story. Seeing those who are no longer with us, like the old curmudgeon, is a very poignant aspect of looking a older posts. XX
That is a beautiful tradition, Derrick! Thank you! I love your photo from so long ago.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tradition. How lovely that you will need so much room for food for family visits!
Much appreciated, Merril
Beautiful post and a lovely tradition Derrick.
Thank you very much, Arlene
What a wonderful Christmas tradition, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Rosliene
A wonderful story of remembrance from WW 11… and what a fabulous sight it must be, Derrick … in Geelong we have a Christmas Tree floating on the bay …
https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas/calendar/item/8d884c5b6c29a48.aspx
Many thanks, Ivor, for your comment and the link
You’re welcome, Derrick
What a wonderful tradition!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Thanks for the information Derrick.
Much appreciated, Andrew
Really interesting… and great photo!
Thank you very much, Luisa
As always, you’re most welcome!
I think, it is the best Christmas gift for all UK people, which shows how grateful Norwegian people!
Thank you so much, Alexander
It would be good to think that the extensive questionnaire is contributing to evidence based treatment rather than just a huge bureaucratic heap of paper. Can you follow up what happens to it?
I doubt I will be able to follow up – it is anonymous. Mind you, one question asked whether we would be prepared to participate in further research. I said yes, but I wondered how that would be possible without my contact details. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
What a lovely tradition, Derrick. Thank you for sharing your eloquent explanation.
Much appreciated, Eugi
My pleasure, Derrick.
How nice of Norway to give a tree every year. Did you hear about the saw-whet owl found in the tree in Rockerfeller Center in 2020? It was inadvertently shipped. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54996314
Thank you very much, Sherry, especially for the link. A fascinating story with some lovely pictures.
Fascinating story of the Norwegian tree.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful!
Thank you very much, Riba
It’s a simply splendid tree
Thank you very much, Sheree
What a fabulous tradition, Derrick. Thanks for sharing.
Much appreciated, Robbie
Wow. We leave. Something new everyday. What a lovely tradition.
Thoughtful too
Thank you very much, Mimi
I am embarrassed to admit that I just learned that the twelve days of Christmas begin ON Christmas. I thought they were the twelve days leading up to Christmas. Maybe I learned this at one point in my history, then forgot. I have heard of this tree before and I love the tradition of it. It must be a wonderful environment to be a part of, when you stand there with the crowd.
Thank you very much, Crystal