How did the tradition of Norway giving London a Christmas tree begin?
The first Norwegian tree to be sent over to England was in 1942, at the height of the Second World War.
When the Germans invaded Norway in April 1940 King Haakon VII refused to appoint a Nazi-sympathising Prime Minister and escaped to London with his family and the remnants of his cabinet, establising a government-in-exile in the Norwegian Ambassador's Residence in Kensington.
A couple of years later, during a commando raid on the tiny island of Hisoy, a Norwegian resistance fighter called Mons Urangsvag decided to cut down a Norwegian Spruce and have it transported over to England as a gift for his king. (This original stump has since grown a new tree, and you can still see this 'first tree' by catching a boat over to the island today.)
Mons Urangsvag's tree was originally taken to the King's temporary home by Windsor Castle, but was later displayed in the centre of Trafalgar Square so that all Londonders might enjoy it (minus the lights, of course -- the blackout was still in effect!).
The next tree came over in 1947 when the Nowegian city of Oslo decided to thank Britain for its wartime support. This turned into an annual tradition that continues to this day.
Photo: Craig CrossHow does the tree travel from Norway to London?
Norwegian foresters usually pre-select a few good-looking candidates as much as ten years in advance from Oslomarka, the large area of forest that surrounds Norway's capital. They are then nurtured until they're around 20 metres tall and come springtime the best-looking tree is awarded the nickname 'Queen of the Forest'.
The following November it's chopped down in a special ceremony attended by the Mayor of Oslo, the British Ambassador to Norway and the Lord Mayor of Westminster.
It's then ferried 550 miles across the North Sea from the port of Brevik to Immingham, carried to London by lorry, and erected in the middle of Trafalgar Square by hydraulic crane.
Photo: Craig CrossHow tall is the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree?
The Norway Spruce (latin name Picea abies) is typically 50-60 years old, 20-25 metres (65-80 feet) tall, and weighs around four tonnes.
If it had been left to grow to old age then it would have likely have reached over 60 metres (200 feet) tall.
How is the tree decorated?
The tree is always decorated in the traditional Norwegian manner, with vertical strings of around 500 white lights topped off by a bright white star. You'll never see any glass baubels or glintzy tinsel. A plaque is then placed at the base which reads:
"This tree is given by the city of Oslo as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the years 1940-45. A tree has been given annually since 1947."
When is the tree lighting ceremony held?
The tree lighting ceremony is always held on the first Thursday of December, accompanied by Christmas carols and music from the Salvation Army band.
Photo: Craig CrossThe Mayor of Oslo and Lord Mayor of London both make speeches telling the story of the tree, and highlight the long friendship and continuing trade links between the two countries.
The two Mayors then switch it on together, in a symbolic act of co-operation.
When is the Christmas tree taken down?
The tree is taken down just before Twelfth Night and then chipped, composted and turned into mulch, which is then recycled on the capital's parks and gardens.
Norwegian trees in other British cities
Whilst the tree in Trafalgar Square is easily the most famous, the people of Norway actually gift several different trees to other British cities. The annual tradition of Bergen sending a tree to Newcastle, for example, is almost as old as Oslo's to London. You can also see Norwegian trees in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Grimsby and the Orkney Islands.
The author Craig Cross owns city-guide.london and has spent the last decade reviewing the capital’s landmarks, attractions and hotels. His guidebook London Squire is available from Amazon. This post was written on
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