A familiar sight, an overlooked story

Lydia Houghton | Features

Date posted: 24 Dec 2025

'18 December 1947, Norwegian Christmas tree arrives for the first time in London, to be placed in the middle of Trafalgar Square.' Source: PICRYL

Did you know that one of London's most famous Christmas landmarks is rooted in a deeply Christian story of sacrifice, peace, and reconciliation?

I'm talking about the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. Each December, the Norwegian Pine stands, at an impressive 65 feet tall, in the heart of London . Its lighting ceremony takes place on the first Thursday of December, featuring carols and performances, and the tree continues to grace the UK's capital city until early January. Many people know that the tree comes from Norway, but few pause to ask why.

The gift that followed darkness

Since 1947, Norway has gifted the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree each year as a gesture of thanks for Britain’s support during the Second World War, which included sheltering the Norwegian King during the Nazi occupation.