Each and every year, a big old Norwegian spruce is proudly plonked in the middle of Trafalgar Square, courtesy of the lovely people of Oslo. And each and every year, that very same seasonal spruce receives an outrageous amount of Christmastime criticism, with many Londoners making it an annual tradition to put their two cents in on what they think of it.
Now look, it may not be the tallest or the twinkliest of London’s festive offerings, but it does come with the most heart-warming history, having been a festive tradition since 1947. And here at Secret London, we couldn’t imagine Christmas in the city without it. 2025 marks the 78th anniversary of the national tree-sure, and Westminster Council have just announced the date on which it is returning to its rightful spot in the heart of Trafalgar Square.
The history of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree
The Trafalgar Square tree is an annual Christmas gift to the people of London from the city of Oslo. It’s gifted to us as a rather hefty thanks for helping them out in World War II. When Norway was invaded in 1940, the King of Norway sought refuge in the UK, and the Norwegian government-in-exile set up shop in London. The spruce (that travels hundreds of miles across many days to get to us) symbolises the close relationship between the two countries.
When will the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree return for 2025?
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree will be lighting up on December 4 in a celebratory ceremony. Festive fun and frolics will be taking place from 5pm and the tree will be illuminated at 6pm. Visitors can expect to hear carols sung by the choir of the nearby St Martin-in-the-Fields, and some music from the Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army. A poem to the tree will be written and read by local children, and there will also be a performance by the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood. It all sounds pretty tree-mendous to us.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree will light up on December 4, and will remain twinkling away until January 5.
