Past Event - Reference Only
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 2010 Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday 2nd December from 6pm and the tree is lit prior to 6.30pm. As the event is quite popular it is best to arrive early for a viewing position.
Carol-singing
The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for the traditional carol-singing programme. This year it will take place in the evenings, generally from 5pm to 9pm, fromTuesday 7 to Wednesday 22 December 2010. Different groups perform Christmas carols in the square, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations. All are welcome to come to the square to listen - and perhaps join in.
View the carol-singing programme Click Here to see which groups are singing when.
The carol-singing programme for Christmas 2010 is fully booked. Applications for 2011 will be available from September 2011.
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.