Every December since 1947, a towering Norwegian spruce has stood proudly in Trafalgar Square as the most meaningful Christmas symbol in London. This year’s tree, affectionately named “Ever Oslo,” began its remarkable journey on November 21, 2025, traveling over 700 miles from the forests of Nordmarka near Oslo to the heart of Britain’s capital. The 79th annual gift from Norway to the people of London represents far more than festive decoration—it embodies an enduring friendship forged during the darkest days of World War II and continues to symbolize international solidarity, gratitude, and the unbreakable bonds between nations who stood together against tyranny.
The Extraordinary Wartime Origins: Ian Fleming’s Christmas Tree Adventure
While the official tradition began in 1947, the remarkable true story of Trafalgar Square’s first Norwegian Christmas tree dates back to December 1942 and involves none other than Ian Fleming, the future creator of James Bond. Recently discovered documents from the National Maritime Museum reveal this extraordinary tale that reads like a spy thriller—because it was one. Fleming, then working as a Lieutenant Commander in British Naval Intelligence, orchestrated what would become one of London’s most cherished traditions during a memorable night at the Savoy Hotel.
Norwegian commando Mons Urangsvåg had just completed a daring raid on Hisøy, an island off Norway’s west coast between Bergen and Haugesund, bringing back two spruce trees he had felled during the covert operation. One tree was intended as a gift for Norway’s exiled King Haakon VII, who had fled to Britain after the Nazi invasion. After treating Urangsvåg to a luxurious dinner at the Savoy—rare luxury during wartime London’s rationing—Fleming and his colleague Lieutenant Commander Norman Denning joined the commando as they loaded the trees onto jeeps.
Fleming, displaying the creative flair that would later define his James Bond novels, suggested erecting the second tree in Trafalgar Square as a gesture of Anglo-Norwegian solidarity. With characteristic audacity, the group drove through London’s darkened streets under wartime blackout conditions and tied the tree to the north balustrade of Trafalgar Square. Since fairy lights were impossible during the blackout, they improvised with aircraft flares to illuminate their spontaneous Christmas display. Under the makeshift glow, Fleming, Denning, Urangsvåg, and several other naval officers shared a bottle of Norwegian Aquavit and toasted the liberation of Norway from Nazi occupation.
This remarkable midnight adventure established a tradition that would be formalized five years later when peace returned to Europe. The connection between Britain’s most famous spy novelist and one of London’s most beloved Christmas traditions adds an extraordinary layer of intrigue to what might otherwise seem a straightforward diplomatic gesture. Fleming’s experiences in Naval Intelligence would directly inspire his James Bond novels, and this Christmas tree caper exemplifies the real-world adventures that shaped his fictional creations.
The Official Tradition: From Gratitude to Annual Celebration
The formalized annual tradition commenced in 1947 when the City of Oslo began gifting a Christmas tree to London as a permanent expression of Norwegian gratitude for British support during World War II. Between 1940 and 1945, Britain provided crucial military, financial, and moral support to Norway, hosting the Norwegian government-in-exile and training Norwegian resistance fighters who would eventually help liberate their homeland. King Haakon VII himself spent the war years in Britain, and thousands of Norwegians fled to British shores to escape Nazi persecution.
The gift carries profound symbolic meaning that transcends ordinary diplomatic gestures. At the base of the tree stands a brass plaque bearing the inscription: “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.” This simple statement encapsulates a relationship forged not in peacetime prosperity but through shared sacrifice, courage, and determination in defending freedom against totalitarianism.
For nearly eight decades, this tradition has continued unbroken through changing political landscapes, economic challenges, and evolving international relationships. The annual gift demonstrates how gestures of gratitude can evolve into cultural institutions that bind nations together across generations. Children and grandchildren of those who lived through World War II now gather beneath the Norwegian spruce, many unaware of the specific historical circumstances that created the tradition but instinctively understanding it represents something deeper than seasonal decoration.
Ever Oslo: The 2025 Tree’s Journey from Forest to Fame
This year’s tree, christened “Ever Oslo” through a combination of expert selection and social media polling, is a magnificent 65-year-old Norwegian spruce standing approximately 20 meters (66 feet) tall. The tree spent decades growing in Nordmarka, the forests surrounding Oslo that provide the capital city with pristine wilderness landscapes within easy reach of urban neighborhoods. Norwegian foresters who nurture these trees fondly call potential candidates “queens of the forest,” acknowledging their exceptional size, symmetry, and beauty.
Tree selection is remarkably rigorous, involving Oslo’s Agency for Urban Environment and forestry experts who identify suitable candidates years or even decades in advance. The chosen tree must meet specific criteria including being a naturally growing Norwegian spruce in the Oslo forest, located close to a forest road for crane and truck access, aesthetically pleasing from all angles, and capable of fitting into specially designed transportation cradles. Some trees receive extra care for 5-10 years before selection, with planning stretching 50-60 years ahead—meaning today’s foresters are cultivating trees that won’t reach Trafalgar Square until 2075 or beyond.
The felling ceremony on November 20, 2025, became unexpectedly dramatic when an Extinction Rebellion climate protester climbed the tree and secured himself to its branches, creating what officials diplomatically termed a “minor postponement.” The demonstrator, later described by some observers as an “unwanted Christmas decoration,” delayed proceedings while authorities negotiated his safe removal. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions between traditional practices and climate activism, though the tree-felling eventually proceeded with Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe and Westminster’s Lord Mayor Paul Dimoldenberg wielding ceremonial axes alongside forestry professionals using chainsaws for the actual cutting.
Following the felling, Ever Oslo began its 180-kilometer journey via electric vehicle transport from Nordmarka to the port at Brevik, demonstrating Norway’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of this cherished tradition. At Brevik, crews carefully washed the tree to remove road salt that could damage its branches during the sea voyage. DFDS transported the precious cargo across the North Sea to Immingham, England, on a 26-hour voyage with the tree stored below deck for protection from corrosive saltwater spray. Recent improvements have reduced total transport time, helping preserve the tree’s branches and needles during its long journey.
Upon arrival in England, Ever Oslo traveled by lorry through the British countryside and into London, eventually reaching Trafalgar Square where specialist rigging teams employed a hydraulic crane to carefully raise the massive spruce into its vertical position. The entire operation requires precise engineering and coordination, as even minor damage to the tree during erection would mar its appearance throughout the festive season. The tree’s placement on the north terrace of Trafalgar Square positions it against the backdrop of the National Gallery, creating the iconic vista that millions of photographs capture each December.
The Lighting Ceremony: When London’s Christmas Season Officially Begins
The lighting ceremony scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, represents one of London’s most anticipated annual events, signaling the official countdown to Christmas throughout the capital. The ceremony begins at 5:00 PM GMT with entertainment including live music from bands and choirs, though the actual illumination of the tree’s 500 white lights occurs at the climactic moment at 8:00 PM. Thousands of spectators fill Trafalgar Square, bundled against December cold, their breath visible in the winter air as excitement builds toward the magical moment when darkness transforms into radiant light.
The ceremony brings together dignitaries symbolizing the enduring Anglo-Norwegian friendship that the tree represents. Westminster’s Lord Mayor Paul Dimoldenberg, Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe, the British Ambassador to Norway, and the Norwegian Ambassador to the United Kingdom stand together on the platform, their presence affirming that this tradition transcends individual politicians or governments to embody the relationship between peoples. The ceremonial throwing of the switch that illuminates the tree draws enthusiastic cheers from assembled crowds, many of whom have made attending the lighting ceremony an annual family tradition spanning multiple generations.
Following the illumination, The Salvation Army and St Martin-in-the-Fields choir lead the crowd in traditional Christmas carols, their voices carrying across the square and echoing off surrounding buildings including the National Gallery and South Africa House. This caroling tradition establishes Trafalgar Square as central to London’s Christmas celebrations, with the tree providing a focal point for subsequent carol-singing events throughout December. The combination of visual spectacle, musical performance, and community gathering creates an experience that photographs and videos cannot fully capture—the lighting ceremony must be experienced in person to appreciate its full emotional impact.
The tree’s decoration follows traditional Norwegian style, featuring vertical strings of white lights rather than the horizontal patterns common on British Christmas trees. This distinctive styling immediately identifies the tree’s Scandinavian origins and maintains authentic connection to Norwegian Christmas traditions. Energy-efficient LED bulbs consuming just 3.5 kilowatts of power replaced older halogen bulbs, reducing the environmental footprint while maintaining the luminous beauty that draws crowds throughout the festive season. The simplicity of white lights against dark green needles creates elegant visual contrast that sophisticated contemporary lighting designers might envy.
Christmas at Trafalgar Square: Carol Singing and Community Celebration
Following the lighting ceremony, Trafalgar Square becomes London’s premier outdoor venue for Christmas carol singing throughout December, with performances scheduled from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekends. Different charitable organizations and volunteer groups perform on various dates, using the event to raise funds for worthy causes while spreading festive cheer. Music in Offices hosts their annual carol singing event, bringing together choir members and members of the public to celebrate beneath the world-famous tree while collecting donations for Royal Trinity Hospice.
The open-access nature of these caroling events exemplifies London’s inclusive approach to public celebration. Anyone can join the singing regardless of musical ability or experience, with participants encouraged to bring printed or digital copies of song sheets and dress warmly while adding festive adornments like Santa hats, Christmas jumpers, and twinkling lights. The atmosphere combines reverent religious observance with joyful secular celebration, acknowledging Christmas’s dual nature as both Christian holy day and cultural festival embraced by people of diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Since 2009, the Poetry Society has commissioned new poems annually for display on banners around the tree’s base, adding literary dimension to the visual and musical festivities. These commissioned works range from contemplative reflections on the season’s meaning to playful verses celebrating London’s diversity and energy. In some years, schoolchildren perform poems at the lighting ceremony, involving young Londoners in traditions they will hopefully continue throughout their lives. This integration of poetry demonstrates how Trafalgar Square’s Christmas celebration embraces multiple art forms rather than limiting itself to purely visual spectacle.
The Blessing of the Crib ceremony adds religious significance to Trafalgar Square’s Christmas programming. Scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2025, this event features a torch-lit procession from St Martin-in-the-Fields church to Trafalgar Square, led by the Lakeside Brass Quintet alongside the church’s choir and clergy. The procession culminates in a dramatization of the nativity story incorporating carols, music, prayer, and occasionally a live donkey, creating family-friendly religious theater that communicates Christmas’s Christian origins to audiences who might never attend traditional church services. The event positions Trafalgar Square as public sacred space where religious and secular London converge during the festive season.
Trafalgar Square: The Perfect Setting for London’s Christmas Icon
Trafalgar Square’s selection as home for Norway’s annual gift reflects the location’s significance in British national life and London’s urban geography. Constructed in the 1840s to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the square occupies a commanding position in central London where the Strand, Whitehall, and Charing Cross converge. Nelson’s Column rises 169 feet above the square’s center, with the admiral’s statue overlooking the area he historically defended. The square’s original purpose as a site for celebrating British military achievement creates poignant contrast with the Christmas tree’s message of peace and international friendship.
The square functions as London’s premier gathering place for celebrations, protests, commemorations, and public events. New Year’s Eve celebrations, political demonstrations, victory celebrations, and memorial vigils all occur in this space that belongs equally to all Londoners and visitors. Positioning Norway’s Christmas gift here rather than in a less prominent location acknowledges the tree’s status as a gift to all London rather than to government or institutions. Anyone can visit Trafalgar Square at any time without tickets, security screening, or restricted access, making the Christmas tree genuinely accessible to the entire city.
Architectural surroundings enhance the tree’s visual impact. The National Gallery’s neoclassical facade provides dignified backdrop, while St Martin-in-the-Fields church adds ecclesiastical elegance. The square’s hard landscaping—stone paving, fountains, and bronze statuary—creates dramatic contrast with the organic form of the living (or recently living) tree. At night, the illuminated spruce becomes a beacon visible from surrounding streets and from elevated viewpoints throughout central London. The tree’s reflection shimmers in the square’s fountains when they operate, multiplying its visual presence.
Transport accessibility makes Trafalgar Square easy to reach from throughout London and beyond. Charing Cross Underground and mainline stations sit immediately adjacent, while Leicester Square and Embankment tube stations lie within easy walking distance. Numerous bus routes serve the square, connecting it to neighborhoods across Greater London. This accessibility ensures that the tree is not merely a landmark for tourists but a destination for Londoners from all boroughs who make special trips to see it or encounter it during routine journeys through central London.
Environmental Responsibility: From Living Tree to Sustainable Mulch
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree’s lifecycle demonstrates commitment to environmental responsibility that transforms what could be simple waste into valuable resource. The tree remains on display until January 5, 2026, just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is carefully removed from the square. Rather than being discarded in landfill, the entire tree undergoes chipping and composting to create mulch that enriches soil in London’s parks and gardens. This recycling ensures that Ever Oslo’s final contribution continues benefiting London’s urban environment long after the festive season concludes.
The composting process breaks down the tree’s needles, branches, and trunk into organic matter rich in carbon and nutrients. Once fully decomposed, this material improves soil structure, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually releases nutrients to support plant growth. Gardens across London benefit from mulch derived from previous years’ Christmas trees, creating a full-circle narrative where Norway’s gift continues giving through multiple seasons. Parks departments particularly value this high-quality organic material that might otherwise require purchase from commercial suppliers.
Tree transportation has evolved to minimize carbon emissions, with the 2025 journey employing electric vehicles for land transport in both Norway and England. DFDS’s ship crossing of the North Sea represents the journey’s most carbon-intensive segment, though shipping remains more fuel-efficient than air transport would be for cargo of this size. Future innovations might further reduce environmental impact, though the fundamental challenge of moving a 66-foot tree across 700 miles of sea and land will always require significant energy expenditure.
Critics occasionally question whether the tradition should continue given growing awareness of carbon footprints and climate change. Defenders argue that the tree’s symbolic value justifying its environmental cost, particularly given ongoing efforts to minimize impact through efficient transport, LED lighting, and comprehensive recycling. The tradition also draws attention to Norway’s sustainable forest management practices, where carefully controlled logging maintains healthy forests while providing timber and other forest products. The trees selected for Trafalgar Square would likely be removed during normal forestry thinning operations even without the London gift tradition.
Global Recognition: Britain’s National “Tree-sure”
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has achieved iconic status extending far beyond London to become recognized internationally as symbol of British Christmas celebrations. The tree maintains its own Instagram account @trafalgartree with thousands of followers who track its annual journey from Norwegian forest to London landmark. Media coverage of the felling, transport, and lighting ceremonies reaches audiences across Europe and beyond, with the story’s combination of historical significance, international friendship, and festive tradition appealing to diverse viewers.
The tree appears prominently in films, television programs, and advertisements set during London’s Christmas season, its distinctive vertical light strings immediately identifying the Trafalgar Square location to knowledgeable viewers. Tourist photographs taken beside the tree number in the millions, shared across social media platforms where they inspire others to add Trafalgar Square to their London itineraries. For many international visitors, seeing the Norwegian tree in person represents a highlight of their trip, comparable to viewing Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, or Tower Bridge.
The tree serves diplomatic functions beyond its original purpose, with the annual felling and lighting ceremonies providing opportunities for British and Norwegian officials to reaffirm bilateral relationships. Trade discussions, cultural exchanges, and political cooperation between the two nations often receive renewed attention around the tree’s arrival, leveraging public interest in the tradition to highlight broader Anglo-Norwegian partnership. This diplomatic utility demonstrates how cultural traditions can support concrete policy objectives while remaining genuine expressions of friendship rather than cynical public relations exercises.
Educational institutions throughout Britain use the Trafalgar Square tree tradition to teach children about World War II history, international relations, and the importance of gratitude and friendship. School curricula incorporate the tree’s story into lessons about the war years, Norway’s occupation and resistance, and Britain’s role supporting allied nations. These educational applications ensure that younger generations understand the historical context that makes the tree meaningful rather than viewing it as merely decorative. Teachers report that the tree’s story resonates with students more effectively than purely textbook accounts of wartime alliance, demonstrating how tangible traditions communicate historical lessons across generational divides.
Comparing Trafalgar Square to Other London Christmas Trees
While Trafalgar Square hosts London’s most historically significant Christmas tree, numerous other notable trees appear throughout the capital during the festive season. Covent Garden’s famous tree, suspended upside-down from the market building’s ceiling, offers avant-garde spectacle that contrasts with Trafalgar Square’s traditional presentation. The Natural History Museum’s towering tree in its grand entrance hall provides Victorian architectural grandeur, while Kew Gardens’ 40-foot illuminated tree at Christmas at Kew creates botanical context. St Pancras International station’s magnificent tree welcomes arriving Eurostar passengers, establishing London’s festive credentials before visitors even exit the terminal.
Each tree serves different purposes and appeals to varied audiences. Covent Garden’s inverted tree and elaborate light displays target shoppers and Instagram influencers seeking bold visual statements. The Natural History Museum’s tree appeals to families combining museum visits with seasonal activities. Somerset House’s tree complements the ice rink, creating comprehensive festive destination. Trafalgar Square’s tree, by contrast, carries historical weight and symbolic meaning that transcend purely aesthetic or commercial purposes. It represents friendship, gratitude, and shared history rather than promoting shopping, entertainment, or institutional branding.
The Trafalgar Square tree’s simplicity distinguishes it from more elaborate competitors. While other venues feature colored lights, animated projections, or coordinated music, the Norwegian spruce maintains traditional white lights arranged vertically in Scandinavian style. This restraint creates dignified elegance that more flamboyant displays cannot replicate. The tree’s power derives from what it represents rather than purely from visual spectacle, though its impressive size and prominent location certainly contribute to its impact.
Free access sets Trafalgar Square apart from ticketed venues like Somerset House’s skating rink or Kew Gardens’ illuminated trail. Anyone can visit at any time to see the tree, take photographs, and participate in carol singing without financial barriers. This democratic accessibility aligns with the tree’s origins as a gift to all London rather than to specific groups or institutions. The square’s public nature ensures that the tree belongs equally to wealthy and disadvantaged Londoners, tourists and residents, young and old.
Visitor Information: Experiencing London’s Most Famous Christmas Tree
Trafalgar Square is accessible 24 hours daily throughout the tree’s display period from early December through January 5, 2026, allowing visitors to experience the tree on their own schedules. Early morning visits offer peaceful contemplation before tourist crowds arrive, while evening hours showcase the illuminated tree against London’s nighttime skyline. Weekend afternoons during carol singing sessions provide the most festive atmosphere, though also the largest crowds. Strategic timing based on personal preferences enhances the experience.
Photography is unrestricted, with the square’s open nature and public status meaning visitors can take unlimited photos without permission or restrictions. The tree photographs particularly well from several angles: directly in front showing the National Gallery backdrop, from the south showing Nelson’s Column alongside the tree, and from elevated positions on the square’s north terrace looking down across the illuminated spruce. Night photography captures the lights’ full impact, though requires steady hands or tripods for exposure times necessary in low-light conditions.
No admission fees or ticketing apply to viewing the tree, making this quintessentially accessible London experience. Security presence in Trafalgar Square ensures public safety without creating barrier to casual access. Visitors can arrive spontaneously without advance planning, though those specifically hoping to attend the lighting ceremony or particular carol singing sessions should verify dates and times through official sources including the London.gov.uk website and Westminster Council communications.
The area surrounding Trafalgar Square offers extensive amenities including cafes, restaurants, and public facilities. St Martin-in-the-Fields church operates a cafe in its crypt, providing warm refreshments and atmospheric seating in historic vaulted chambers. The National Gallery offers free admission to world-class art collections, making combined visits practical for those seeking cultural enrichment alongside festive experiences. The portrait restaurants and bars in surrounding buildings provide viewpoints overlooking the square for those willing to purchase meals or drinks.
Transport connections make reaching Trafalgar Square straightforward from anywhere in London. Charing Cross station serves Northern and Bakerloo Underground lines plus mainline rail. Leicester Square station (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Embankment station (Northern, Bakerloo, District, and Circle lines) lie within easy walking distance. Numerous buses stop adjacent to the square, while the area’s pedestrian-friendly streets encourage walking from nearby attractions including Westminster, Covent Garden, and the South Bank. No parking exists immediately adjacent, with public transport overwhelmingly the most practical access method.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree tradition begin?
The official tradition began in 1947 when Oslo started gifting an annual tree to London as thanks for British support during World War II. However, the very first Norwegian tree in Trafalgar Square appeared in 1942, placed there by Ian Fleming (future James Bond author) and Norwegian commandos after a wartime dinner at the Savoy Hotel. This remarkable origin story adds spy thriller intrigue to what became a cherished diplomatic tradition.
Where does the tree come from?
The tree comes from Nordmarka, the forests surrounding Oslo, Norway. Oslo’s Agency for Urban Environment carefully selects a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) 50-60 years old and over 20 meters tall. Trees are chosen years in advance based on size, symmetry, location near forest roads, and aesthetic quality from all angles. Some receive special care for 5-10 years before felling, with planning extending 50-60 years ahead for future trees.
When is the 2025 tree lighting ceremony?
The lighting ceremony takes place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM GMT with entertainment, music, and caroling. The actual illumination of the tree’s 500 white lights occurs at 8:00 PM in a climactic moment attended by the Lord Mayors of Westminster and Oslo, plus Norwegian and British ambassadors. Thousands of spectators gather in Trafalgar Square for this annual event that officially signals the countdown to Christmas in London.
What happens to the tree after Christmas?
The tree remains in Trafalgar Square until January 5, 2026, just before Twelfth Night. It is then removed, chipped, and composted to create mulch used throughout London’s parks and gardens. This sustainable recycling ensures the tree continues benefiting London’s environment long after the festive season, enriching soil and supporting plant growth across the capital’s green spaces.
Can I attend carol singing at the tree?
Yes, carol singing events occur throughout December from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekends. Various charitable organizations and volunteer groups perform, and members of the public are welcome to join regardless of musical ability. Bring song sheets (printed or digital), dress warmly, and consider festive attire. Events are free, though donations support participating charities.
Why does Norway give London a Christmas tree?
The tree expresses Norwegian gratitude for British support during World War II (1940-1945). Britain hosted Norway’s government-in-exile, provided military assistance, trained resistance fighters, and sheltered refugees including King Haakon VII. The tree symbolizes enduring friendship forged during the war years and represents how gestures of gratitude can evolve into cultural institutions binding nations across generations.
How tall is the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree?
The tree typically stands over 20 meters (approximately 66 feet) tall, though exact height varies annually. This year’s tree “Ever Oslo” is a 65-year-old Norwegian spruce selected for its impressive size, perfect symmetry, and suitability for the prominent Trafalgar Square location. The tree’s towering presence makes it visible from surrounding streets and neighboring areas throughout central London.
How is the tree decorated?
The tree features traditional Norwegian decoration with 500 white lights arranged in vertical strings rather than the horizontal patterns common on British trees. This distinctive Scandinavian styling immediately identifies the tree’s Norwegian origins. Energy-efficient LED bulbs consuming just 3.5 kilowatts replace older halogen bulbs, reducing environmental impact while maintaining beautiful illumination throughout the festive season.
How does the tree travel from Norway to London?
The journey begins with electric vehicle transport 180 kilometers from Nordmarka to Brevik port. After washing to remove road salt, DFDS ships the tree across the North Sea to Immingham, England—a 26-hour voyage with the tree stored below deck for protection. Electric vehicles complete the final leg to London, where specialist rigging teams use hydraulic cranes to erect the massive spruce in Trafalgar Square.
What is the connection to Ian Fleming and James Bond?
Ian Fleming, future creator of James Bond, placed the first Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square in December 1942. After dining with Norwegian commando Mons Urangsvåg at the Savoy, Fleming suggested erecting one of two trees the commando had brought from Norway. Using jeeps and aircraft flares, Fleming and colleagues created an impromptu Christmas display, toasting Norwegian liberation with Aquavit. This wartime adventure exemplifies the real-world experiences that later inspired his spy novels.
Is there a fee to see the tree?
No, viewing the tree is completely free. Trafalgar Square is public space accessible 24 hours daily without tickets, admission fees, or advance booking. This democratic accessibility ensures the tree belongs equally to all Londoners and visitors regardless of economic circumstances. The free, unrestricted access aligns with the tree’s origins as a gift to all London rather than to specific institutions or privileged groups.
When was the 2025 tree cut down?
Ever Oslo was felled on November 20-21, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe and Westminster Lord Mayor Paul Dimoldenberg. The felling experienced brief delay when an Extinction Rebellion climate protester climbed and secured himself to the tree, creating what officials diplomatically termed a “minor postponement” before proceeding with traditional ceremonial and professional cutting.
What is the Blessing of the Crib ceremony?
This religious event on Sunday, December 8, 2025, features a torch-lit procession from St Martin-in-the-Fields church to Trafalgar Square, led by the Lakeside Brass Quintet with choir and clergy. The ceremony includes dramatization of the Christmas nativity story with carols, music, prayer, and sometimes a live donkey, communicating Christmas.
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