Each December, a towering Norwegian spruce lights up Trafalgar Square in London, drawing visitors, photographers, and festive crowds from around the world.
More than just a seasonal decoration, the tree stands as a living symbol of gratitude and friendship between Norway and the United Kingdom.
Since 1947, Norway has sent a Christmas tree to England every year as a thank you for British support during the Second World War, turning a gesture of appreciation into one of Europe’s most enduring diplomatic traditions.
Historical Background
The roots of this tradition lie in the dark years of World War II. In 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Norway, forcing the Norwegian government and royal family into exile.
The United Kingdom became a crucial ally and refuge, hosting King Haakon VII and the Norwegian government-in-exile in London throughout the war.
From British soil, Norwegian leaders coordinated resistance efforts and maintained the country’s sovereignty despite occupation at home.
British military forces also played an essential role in supporting Norway during the war, particularly through naval operations in the North Sea and assistance to the Norwegian resistance.
These efforts came at great cost, and many British and Norwegian lives were lost. When the war ended in 1945, Norway emerged with a deep sense of gratitude toward the British people for their solidarity and sacrifices.
The First Tree in 1947
In 1947, just two years after the war ended, the city of Oslo presented London with its first Christmas tree as an official expression of thanks.
The gift was meant to symbolize peace, friendship, and remembrance, while also acknowledging the support Britain had provided during Norway’s occupation. What began as a single gesture soon became an annual tradition, repeated every year without interruption.
The decision to make the tree an annual gift reflected Norway’s desire to ensure that the memory of wartime cooperation would not fade with time. Each tree sent to London serves as a reminder of shared history and the importance of standing together during moments of crisis.
Selecting the Tree
The Christmas tree destined for Trafalgar Square is typically a large Norwegian spruce, often between 20 and 25 meters tall. It is selected months in advance from forests near Oslo, with great care taken to ensure the tree’s shape, health, and symmetry.
The selection process is treated with ceremonial importance, emphasizing the symbolic value of the gift rather than its decorative function alone.
Once chosen, the tree is cut shortly before Christmas and transported by sea and road to London. This journey itself reflects the logistical cooperation and planning between Norwegian and British authorities, underscoring the continued partnership between the two countries.
Ceremony Installation in Trafalgar Square
The arrival and lighting of the Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is marked by an official ceremony, usually attended by representatives from both Norway and the United Kingdom.
The Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo often take part, along with diplomats and community leaders.
The tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style, featuring vertical strings of lights rather than elaborate ornaments.
This minimalist approach reflects Scandinavian aesthetics and distinguishes the tree from other Christmas displays in London. Once illuminated, the tree becomes a focal point of the city’s holiday celebrations.
Cultural and Symbolic Meaning
For Norwegians, the tree represents gratitude, remembrance, and respect for those who fought and suffered during the war. For Britons, it stands as a recognition of international friendship and the enduring bonds formed through shared hardship.
Over the decades, the tree has come to symbolize not only wartime history but also ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
The tradition also reinforces the idea that diplomacy does not always rely on treaties or formal agreements. Sometimes, a simple, consistent gesture can communicate values such as loyalty, appreciation, and mutual respect more powerfully than words.
A Beautiful Enduring Tradition
More than seven decades after the first tree was sent, Norway continues to honor this tradition every year.
Even during periods of political change, economic uncertainty, or global challenges, the Christmas tree has remained a constant presence in Trafalgar Square. Its annual arrival reassures both nations that historical gratitude can evolve into lasting friendship.
In a world where international relationships can be fragile, Norway’s Christmas tree stands as a reminder that acts of kindness and solidarity, once given, can resonate for generations.
Each winter, as the lights shine over Trafalgar Square, the tree quietly tells a story of war, refuge, and an enduring thank you that began in 1947 and continues to this day.
