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Every year, Norway gifts the UK a massive Christmas tree which stands proudly in Trafalgar Square. It’s a tradition that dates back to the end of World War II, as Norway thanks Britain for its support during the war. So, we’re excited to say that this year’s tree has just been felled in a forest just outside of Oslo, and will be making its way to Old Blighty soon.
The magnificent spruce was chopped down in a traditional ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Robert Rigby and the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe. To make this year’s tree more environmentally friendly, a sapling will be planted in its place and the chopped down one will travel part of the way in an electric truck.
The the 56-year-old, 20m high fir will arrive in London in time to be lit up in Trafalgar Square on December 5. It will be decorated with energy-efficient lightbulbs, hanging vertically in traditional Norwegian fashion.
Organisers described the spruce as ‘one of the world's most famous Christmas trees’ representing ‘friendship between cities and countries, peace, and solidarity.’
The British ambassador to Norway, Jan Thompson, said: ‘It isn’t Christmas in the UK until the Trafalgar Square tree arrives.’
She added that the tree had ‘brought joy to generations of Londoners’, and that ‘for many people visiting London it is as essential to see the Norwegian tree as to go Christmas shopping in Oxford Street or catch a show in the West End.’
Lindboe said that the tradition ‘was just as significant today as it was 77 years ago’.
Don’t miss London’s loveliest Christmas tree displays.
And here are the best Christmas lights in London.
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