© Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, Wikipedia
The much anticipated annual family event is nearly here… For many Londoners the lightning ceremony of the Norwegian Christmas tree and the carol singing in Trafalgar Square is the very first sign of Christmas.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been an annual gift to the people of London by the city of Oslo, Norway, each year since 1947 as a token of gratitude for British support during the Second World War. The Norwegian tree is cut outside Oslo, then shipped by boat. It’s usually more than 20 meters high and decorated with vertical strings of lights using energy-efficient light bulbs. This lighting ceremony serves not only as the start of a countdown but it’s also a truly magical event.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony 2013 takes place Thursday 5th of December 2013 at 6pm.
The Norwegian Seaman’s Church in St Olav’s Square, Southwark invites everyone from 7pm and onwards, serving gingerbread cookies and mulled wine. The Olav’s choir will be entertaining with English and Norwegian Christmas Carols.
The Christmas tree remains in Trafalgar Square until the 6th of January, when it is taken down for recycling.
I am so pleased to have found this site. It has provided me with much needed information as my Norwegian Granddaughter is about to be Confirmed in Roros this weekend.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and beautiful photographs. I have learned so much.