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Since 1947, Norway has been gifting a giant spruce to the people of London every Christmas. It’s given as a thank-you for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II and is picked from the forests outside Olso, months or sometimes even years in advance.
Once the tree has been selected it makes its way to us by sea, is popped on to a lorry and met by a specialist rigging team who put it up in pride of place in Trafalgar Square with help from a massive crane. Phew!
When it comes to decorating it, lights are strung vertically in traditional Norwegian fashion but this hasn’t always gone down well with the public. Last year’s tree saw people taking to social media to complain about it looking more like a cucumber than a bushy, festive fir.
If you’re intrigued to see if this year’s offering will look like a crazy disco gherkin, head to Trafalgar Square this Thursday December 7 at 6pm to see the lights being switched on.
Events following the lighting ceremony include the Blessing of the Crib on Sunday December 10 at 5.30pm where a torch-lit procession will begin on the steps of St Martin-in-the-Fields led by the Salvation Army Band with the church’s choir and clergy, and over 40 different carol singing groups performing under the tree between Dec 11 and 23.
Elsewhere: London’s most festive pub just turned on its Christmas lights and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Christmas in London.