Why is there no Xmas tree in Trafalgar Square?

A 20-metre Norwegian spruce, a traditional gift from Oslo since 1947 to thank the UK for World War II support, is in Trafalgar Square for 2025/2026. "Ever Oslo" was felled in November 2025, arrives in early December, and features traditional vertical lighting. It stays until 6 January, then is recycled.

What happened to the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square?

The tree remains until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted, to make mulch. The very first Trafalgar Christmas tree from Norway appeared in 1942.

Does Trafalgar Square have a Christmas tree?

About the tree

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is usually a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) over 20 metres high and 50 to 60 years old.

Why is the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square so bad?

2022's 21-metre tree was bullied because of its apparent lack of needles, which some say made it look so straight and narrow that it resembled a cucumber instead of a Christmas tree. Ouch.

What date does the tree go up in Trafalgar Square?

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree goes up and is lit during a ceremony on the first Thursday in December, with the tree typically arriving in London a few days before that date from Oslo, Norway as a gift symbolizing WWII gratitude, remaining until early January. For 2025, the lighting ceremony was on Thursday, December 4th.
 

Christmas tree gifted by Norway lights up London's Trafalgar Square | AFP

Where is the most Christmassy place in London?

For the ultimate Christmassy feel in London, head to Covent Garden for its giant tree and lights, Regent Street for its iconic angel lights, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for a massive festive market and carnival; while Chelsea's Sloane Square offers charming local lights and markets, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
 

What's the deal with Trafalgar Square?

Trafalgar Square is named after Britain's victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Although Britain won, war hero Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was killed during the battle on his ship, HMS Victory. Nelson's contribution was remembered with Nelson's Column, a key feature of the square.

Why are there four lions in Trafalgar Square?

What do the statues mean in Trafalgar Square? The four bronze lions at the base of Nelson's Column were added in 1867, sculpted by Sir Edwin Landseer. They're often interpreted as symbols of British strength, courage, and empire.

What is the story behind the tree in the Trafalgar Square?

Every year since 1947, Oslo, Norway has presented London with a special gift: an enormous Christmas tree that stands at the center of Trafalgar Square. The tree serves as a token of gratitude to Britain for its assistance to Norway during World War II.

How long does the tree stay up in Times Square?

The tree, usually a Norway spruce 69 to 100 feet (21–30 m) tall, has been a national tradition each year since 1933. The official 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting occurred during a live broadcast on December 3, 2025. The tree will remain on display until 10 January 2026.

What is the most famous Christmas tree in London?

No list is complete without Trafalgar Square's world-famous tree. Since 1947, Norway has gifted London a towering spruce as a symbol of gratitude. Adorned with simple vertical lights, it's both beautiful and historic. The lighting ceremony is a true London tradition, typically taking place in early December.

Does Buckingham Palace have a Christmas tree?

Christmas trees arrive at Buckingham Palace

Every year, three trees are placed in the Marble Hall - and a garland is fixed along the grand staircase.

What statue is missing in the Trafalgar Square?

Fourth plinth. The fourth plinth is the northwest plinth in Trafalgar Square in central London. It was originally intended to hold an equestrian statue of William IV, but remained empty due to lack of funds.

Why did the Christmas tree close?

Christmas Tree Shops closed due to a "complete breakdown" after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2023, struggling with declining sales, defaulting on a $45 million loan, and failing to find a buyer, leading to the liquidation of all stores by August 2023. The company, bought by Handil Holdings in 2020, couldn't restructure operations as hoped, with insufficient revenue to support its plan. 

Which country donates their Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square?

Each year, Oslo gives a Christmas tree as a token of the Norway's gratitude to the people of London for their crucial assistance during the years 1940–1945. The tradition started in 1947 and continues to this day. The tree lighting ceremony takes place on the first Thursday in December each year.

Why is there a 12 foot statue of a black woman in Times Square?

The 12-foot statue of a Black woman in Times Square, titled "Grounded in the Stars" by artist Thomas J. Price, was placed to challenge traditional monuments and notions of identity, representing an ordinary person to encourage reflection on diversity and Black women's presence in public spaces, contrasting with historic male figures and sparking debate about representation and societal views. 

Why do lions engage in homosexuality?

Lions' allegiance

Homosexuality is common among lions as well. Two to four males often form what is known as a coalition, where they work together to court female lions. They depend on each other to fend off other coalitions. To ensure loyalty, male lions strengthen their bonds by having sex with each other.

Why are there so many pigeons in Trafalgar Square?

Pigeons began flocking to Trafalgar Square even before the space was completed in 1844. Feed sellers soon established themselves, flogging bags of seed to visitors throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Why is there an empty plinth in Trafalgar Square?

The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square remained empty for 150 years after a statue of William IV on a horse was never erected. Since 1998 the space has been occupied by a rolling programme of different artists' works known as London's Fourth Plinth Commission.

What does Trafalgar mean in Arabic?

However, as Tailor explained, the word “Trafalgar” is derived from the Arabic name “Taraf al-Ghar”, meaning “Cape of the Cave”.

Was Trafalgar Square bombed in WWII?

But a war was still raging above and tragically some stations took hits from bombs, both indirect and direct. On 12 October 1940, Trafalgar Square station was hit resulting in 7 fatalities to shelterers. This image of the street view is from the London Transport Museum collections.

What is the least Christmassy town in the UK?

Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.

What is the most beautiful Christmas street in London?

What is the most Christmassy street in London? As London transforms over the festive period, you'll find Christmas cheer wherever you go. Head to Oxford Street to see some of the city's most dazzling Christmas lights, and don't forget to wander down nearby Carnaby Street for its cool displays.