Trafalgar Square Christmas tree begins its annual journey from Norway

The long-standing tradition started in 1947
Robert Dex @RobDexES25 November 2023

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has started its journey to London after the 70-ft fir was felled in Norway.

It is the 76th year the City of Oslo has sent a tree to the capital as a token of gratitude for British support to Norway during the Second World War.

During the conflict, Norwegian King Haakon VII sought refuge in London which was also home to the country's government-in-exile while many Norwegians tuned into radio broadcasts from the UK which kept them informed of the course of the war and the feats of the Norwegian resistance.

This year's tree was grown in Nordmarka - a heavily forested area north of Oslo - and was around 70 years old and 19 metres tall when it was felled.

The Trafalgar Square tree being cut down in Norway
Sturlason/City of Oslo

After leaving the forest, it is driven more than 100km to the port of Brevik where it is loaded on to a ship to the UK with a short stay in UK customs before another lorry brings it to London.

The tree is due to arrive next month ahead of the official lights ceremony on December 7 where it will be decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion, with vertical strings of energy-efficient lights.

The tree felling ceremony is hosted by the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe with special guests The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, councillor Patricia McAllister, and British Ambassador, Jan Thompson.

The annual ceremony was also attended by local primary school children, officials who are involved with the maintenance of the forest and members of the public.

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