Lighting Up The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

For the last 60 years, the people of Oslo have sent the UK a lovely Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square.

The gift is a symbol of friendship and thanks for our support during WWII when Norwegian royals and Resistance leaders set up base in London.

Tonight, Thursday December 4th, is when this year’s tree is officially unveiled.

Of course, the tree in question is a bit bigger than the ones you and I might have at home – last year’s was 60ft tall. (Imagine trying to drape tinsel over that.)  Another difference is that while we can pop to our local market to get one, last year’s Trafalgar tree was reportedly chosen 15 years before it was cut down.

Did you know: In 2008, the tree was dressed with energy efficient halogen bulbs to reduce the electricity consumption.

If you’re working in or around London, why not head over to the Square to watch the illumination ceremony? It’s a nice way to share in some collective good cheer.
You should get there for 6pm and, if it’s anything like 2013’s event, you’ll be treated to singers and a brass band playing Christmas #carols.

Once it’s all lit up, you could stroll over to the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields for a bite to eat in their famous Cafe in the Crypt.  But if that’s a bit too spooky, you’ll be just five minutes from China Town.  Either way, it sounds like a great evening to me.