Christmas in Trafalgar Square

See the tree and sing the songs for free in Trafalgar Square, from the tree lighting ceremony on Thursday 4th December 2008.

Every year since 1947 Norway has given the people of London a tree in thanks for their support in World War 2. It's usually a Norwegian Spruce over 20 metres high, at least 50 years old and covered in lovely (energy efficient!) white lights.

The Mayor of Oslo and the Lord Mayor of London turn on the tree lights at 6pm on Thursday 4th December alongside carol singers from Martin-in-the-Fields with the Westminster Salvation Army band.

Carol singing in Trafalgar Square is on every day from Monday 8th to Friday 19th December from 5pm-9pm. See the Schedule for 2008.

Christmas in Trafalgar Square begins from the lighting of the tree on Thursday 4th December and the carol singing continues daily from 8-19 December. The tree remains in the Square until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, where upon it is recycled.

Find out more about Christmas in Trafalgar Square.

How to get there

By tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines)

The following stations are within a few minutes' walk:

Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines)

By bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453 go past Trafalgar Square. Routes 22 and 94 will drop you at nearby Piccadilly Circus.

By rail: Charing Cross Station is a 2 minute walk away.