Norway donates a Christmas tree to London every year. Here’s how the tradition began

London’s Christmas Tree Illuminates Historic Norway-UK Bond

London’s iconic Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square was illuminated Thursday evening, continuing a 76-year tradition that symbolizes the enduring friendship between London and Oslo.

The annual lighting ceremony, traditionally held on the first Thursday of December, marks the beginning of London’s countdown to Christmas and celebrates a relationship forged during one of Europe’s darkest periods.

This year’s tree, affectionately nicknamed “Ever Oslo,” stands approximately 20 meters tall and is estimated to be about 60 years old. The Norwegian spruce beat out two competitors dubbed “Nordic Star” and “Fjord Fir” to earn its place of honor in one of London’s most famous public spaces.

The tradition dates back to 1947, just two years after the conclusion of World War II, when Norway established the annual gift as a gesture of gratitude for Britain’s support during the Nazi occupation. When German forces invaded Norway in 1940, King Haakon VII and his government fled to London, where they established a government-in-exile and coordinated resistance efforts.

During this period, the BBC and its Norwegian counterpart, NRK, broadcast news in Norwegian from London, providing vital information to Norwegians who risked punishment by secretly listening despite Nazi radio bans. These broadcasts became a crucial lifeline connecting occupied Norway with the outside world.

The selection process for each year’s tree begins years in advance. Potential candidates in the Oslo forest receive special care for 5-10 years before final selection. The chosen tree undergoes a carefully orchestrated journey to reach its destination in London.

After a ceremonial felling on November 21, the spruce was carefully loaded into a specialized cradle and transported approximately 180 kilometers to a Norwegian port. There, it underwent a freshwater rinse to remove road salt before embarking on a 26-hour sea voyage to Immingham, located about 239 kilometers north of London. Protected below deck to shield it from damaging saltwater, the tree then completed its journey by truck to Trafalgar Square.

In keeping with Norwegian tradition, the tree is decorated with vertical strings of lights, creating a distinctive appearance compared to many other Christmas displays. This lighting style honors the Norwegian custom while creating a visual reminder of the tree’s origins.

Environmental sustainability is also part of the tradition. After the holiday season concludes, the tree will remain in place until January 5, known as the Twelfth Night of Christmas. It will then be removed, chipped, and composted for mulch, ensuring it continues to serve a purpose even after the celebrations end. Additionally, a replacement tree will be planted in the Oslo forest, maintaining the ecological balance.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has become more than just a seasonal decoration; it represents a living monument to international cooperation and friendship. Social media has embraced the tradition, with this year’s tree being promoted as “Britain’s national tree-sure.”

As visitors gather to admire the illuminated spruce in coming weeks, they witness not just a festive display but a symbol of how historical alliances can evolve into lasting cultural traditions that span generations.