Christmas at Trafalgar Square 2017 - Christmas 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.

Don’t miss the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree on 7 December 2017 in Trafalgar Square at 6pm. 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

10 December 2017, 5.30pm

Join a special blessing of the crib ceremony on Sunday 10 December 2017 in Trafalgar Square.

The event will begin with a torch-lit procession at the steps of St Martin-in-the-Fields led by the Salvation Army Band with the church’s choir and clergy. The crib is designed by Tomoaki Suzuki with figures inspired by Londoners from around the world. It will be on display in the square throughout December.

Previous residents of the fourth plinth- Trafalgar Square

"Alison Lapper Pregnant" by Marc Quinn. Credit: John Stillwell/PA

Marc Quinn's sculpture of the disabled artist Alison Lapper was displayed from September 2005 until October 2007.

Lapper, who was born with no arms and shortened legs due to a congenital disorder, posed naked for Quinn when she was eight months pregnant.

Thomas Schutte's "Model for a Hotel 2007". Credit: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire.

"Alison Lapper Pregnant" was replaced with a very different artwork - an architectural model of a 21-story building.

The coloured glass sculpture by German artist Thomas Schutte, "Model for a Hotel 2007" was unveiled in November 2007 and occupied the plinth until the end of May 2009.

Steve Pratt, 54, from London, stands on the Fourth Plinth as part of Anthony Gormley's "One & Other".Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Next came Anthony Gormley's "One and Other" - a "living monument" which involved members of the public taking to the plinth.

The space was occupied by different people - chosen by ballot - every hour, 24 hours a day, for 100 days.

Yinka Shonibare's "Nelson's Ship In A Bottle". Credit: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire

From 2010 to 2012, the plinth was home to Yinka Shonibare's "Nelson's ship in a bottle" which commemorated the Battle of Trafalgar.

"Powerless Structures by Scandinavian duo Michael Elmgreen & Ingar Dragset. Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

And currently in position is a giant bronze sculpture of a boy astride a rocking horse. It is called "Powerless Structures

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