When
Thursday 1st December 2011 - Thursday 5th January 2012
Where
Trafalgar Square
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 2011
This year marks the 65th 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. For 2011, the Christmas tree will be lit at 6pm on Thursday 1st December, at a ceremony featuring the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Mayor of Oslo, St Martin in the Fields choir and the Salvation Army.
Traditional lights at the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is decorated in traditional Norwegian style with hundreds of 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 dusk onwards throughout the festive season.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Carols
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting up ceremony takes place from 6pm, Thursday 1st December 2011. The tree will remain at Trafalgar Square until Thursday 5th January 2012.
The lighting ceremony and carol services are free to attend.
Christmas Lights London