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.

Historic tradition 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.

New for 2008
This year marks the 62nd tree to come to London from the City of Oslo, a perennially popular occasion celebrating goodwill and friendship at Christmas. Celebrate a landmark Christmas event in the capital and get in the spirit of the season in traditional style.

Traditional lights at the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree will be decorated in traditional Norwegian style, with 500 individual white lights. The tree itself is traditionally 20 – 25 metres tall and the sight of it decorated in white light has become an iconic London Christmas image. The lighting ceremony is traditionally attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, formally announcing the arrival of the tree in London from the forests surrounding Oslo.

Christmas festivities at Trafalgar Square
The lighting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree includes a programme of festive events, some of which are ongoing until Christmas Day, including carol singing and more. After the initial lighting ceremony, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lights will be turned on from noon until midnight daily throughout the festive season.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree will be lit at 6pm on Thursday 4th December 2008. The tree will remain at Trafalgar Square until Monday 5th January 2009.

Carol singing will take place daily from Monday 8th December - Friday 19th December 2008. The lighting ceremony and carol services are free to attend.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Carols

Other London Christmas events

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Recycling

Christmas in London

Crib Ceremony at Trafalgar Square

Natural History Museum Christmas Fair

Christmas at Geffrye Museum

Christmas Carols at Hampton Court

Medieval Christmas at Tower of London

Winter Wonderland Tickets

Slow Food Market London

Affordable Christmas Parties

Carnaby Christmas Decorations

Christmas Lights London

Bankside Winter Festival

Christmas Parties

Southwark Cathedral Christmas Carols

Christmas Trees London

Santas Grottos London

Christmas Delight at Covent Garden

Ice Skating London

Barbican Christmas Festival

Christmas at Southbank Centre

Santas Secret Village London