Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree - Trafalgar Square, London, UK
N 51° 30.491 W 000° 07.688
30U E 699289 N 5710249
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a gift from the city of Oslo to the people of London each year. This gift is made as a token of gratitude for assistance given by the British during World War II and has been an annual event since 1947.
Waymark Code: WMJN7B
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/08/2013
Views: 16
This is one of those things that everyone, in London at
least, knows about so there is no plaque explaining the gift. The annual event
is televised and written about in newspapers and is thus well documented. Once
the tree is decorated and lit, in early December, it feels as though the festive
season has arrived. The tree is removed in early January.
The
Greater London Authority (GLA) website tells us:
From early December until the New
Year, come and celebrate the festive season in London’s iconic Trafalgar
Square.
Christmas on Trafalgar Square starts with the lighting of the world famous
Christmas Tree on 5 December. The tree comes from Norway, a historic
tradition that’s happened every year since 1947.
On 8 December, you can join a torchlit procession for the Blessing of the
Crib at the steps of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Designed by Tomaki Suzuki, the
crib will be on display throughout December. Get more information on the St
Martin-in-the-Fields website.
Finally from 9-22 December, there’ll be Carol Singing beneath the tree. More
than 50 groups will be taking part, with performances from 16.00-20.00 on
weekdays and from 14.00-18.00 on weekends.
The
Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce website tells us:
Celebrate the beginning of
Christmas and take part in a time-honoured London tradition with the
lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square has been presented with a large Norwegian tree each winter
for over 60 years as a token of friendship and gratitude for Britain’s
assistance during World War II. This historic tradition has become a
definitive Christmas event in London, marking the onset of the festive
season.
This year marks the 67th tree to come to London from the City of Oslo, a
perennially popular occasion celebrating goodwill and friendship at
Christmas.
For 2013, the Christmas tree will be lit at 6pm on Thursday 5th December, at
a ceremony featuring the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Mayor of Oslo, St
Martin in the Fields choir and the Salvation Army.