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Trafalgar Square Christmas tree begins journey from Norway

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November 28, 2025
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Trafalgar Square Christmas tree begins journey from Norway

One of the capital’s most recognisable holiday traditions has begun as this year’s Trafalgar Square Christmas tree begins its journey to the UK from Norway. The tree, called Ever Oslo, was felled by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, and Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe, at a ceremony in the Forest of Oslo just outside of the city. It is around 60 years old and stands at 20m tall.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is often seen as the unofficial beginning of the festive period in London, with the annual gift from Norway having been a popular tradition since 1947. It marks gratitude for Britain’s support during the second world war when King Haakon VIII of Norway was given refuge and the country’s government-in-exile was based in London. After the end of the war, the Nordic nation began sending a tree annually as a symbol of gratitude, now reaching its 78^th year.

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For 2025, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree represents “far more than just history,” Westminster City Council say. “It now stands for friendship and solidarity between cities and nations, and for peace in a world often marked by uncertainty. In times of division, symbols of unity matter more than ever.”

This year, the ceremony looks to the future. A social media poll helps to inform the final decision alongside expert advice. After the success of last year, electric vehicles are being used for land transport in both countries, beginning with the 180km drive from the forest to the port. The tree then boards a ship to Immingham in Lincolnshire before arriving in Trafalgar Square.

Once it arrives, it will be decorated in a traditional Norwegian style with 25m festoon energy-efficient lightbulbs which will be switched on by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and Mayor of Oslo in a festive ceremony on Thursday 4th December.

For more updates on Westminster, visit EyeOnLondon Westminster.