[title]
Every year, Norway sends the UK a massive Christmas tree that gets put up in Trafalgar Square. The tree is part of a decades-long tradition in which the Norwegians thank the Brits for their help during the Second World War by chopping down a big fir and sending it to us.
Now that Halloween and Bonfire Night are out of the way, it’s officially time to start thinking about Chrimbo in the capital. And that means the mighty Norwegian spruce will soon be on its way to Old Blighty. Here’s what you need to know about when the tree will be in Trafalgar Square, and when the lights are set to be switched on.
RECOMMENDED:
When every London Christmas lights display returns for 2026.
When every major festive market reopens for 2026.
When does the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree arrive in London?
The spruce typically gets felled in a forest just outside of Oslo at the end of November. We can confirm that the great tree will arrive in Britain in early December. It will be put up in London on Thursday December 3.
Trafalgar Square Christmas tree switch-on date
The exact date for the switch-on hasn’t been announced yet. Last year it was illuminated on December 4, so expect it to be around then. We’ll update you when we know.
What else can we expect from the festive event?
Again, details are yet to be released, but the big switch-on is usually a majorly festive affair, with choir singing, live bands and performances. The tree will also be surrounded by a Christmas market, selling food and gifts, which will be open from November 6 to January 3.
Plus: The exact date that Oxford Street’s 2026 Christmas lights will switch on.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.