Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, Annual Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, United Kingdom
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is a spruce on Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, United Kingdom, gifted annually by Norway. The tree is decorated with around 500 white lights and a star at the top, standing in the center of the square beside the fountains.
The first spruce was brought to London in 1947 as a token of gratitude from Norway for British support during World War II. Since then, Oslo has sent a new tree each winter as a symbol of this lasting friendship between the two countries.
The tree's name recalls the Norwegian tradition in which the city of Oslo selects a special spruce for this purpose each year. Visitors can listen to choirs singing beneath the lit tree during Advent, raising donations for charity organizations.
The lighting ceremony takes place on the first Thursday of December and draws many spectators. The tree remains on the square until January 6th and is then turned into compost for gardens.
A tree in 1942 was secretly cut by a Norwegian resistance fighter and sent to the exiled King Haakon VII in England. This early gesture began a tradition now known worldwide as a symbol of peace and solidarity.
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This collection gathers destinations that embody Christmas traditions around the world. It explores winter celebrations from the Arctic Circle to European historic centers, passing through major American cities. Each location offers its own interpretation of year-end festivities. The selection...
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