London glitters at its best with some of the most enchanting Christmas tree displays during the festive season. However, one display also often called the ‘most famous Christmas tree’ in London is the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree!
Marking its 75th anniversary this year, this alluring tree blessing the streets in the heart of London comes from a long history. Enjoy staying in an incredible central London location with the Queens Park Hotel Bayswater and experience exceptional comfort in modern amenity-rich rooms as you see London brimming with festive cheer this season! Read on to find out more and plan your visit because you don’t want to miss out on watching this extra-special Christmas display!
About the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
The story dates to the year 1940 when King Haakon VII fled Norway and stayed in Britain. This was when Nazi Germany took over the King’s homeland and he along with his ministers set up their base in the North of the country. Soon after this, the King was forced to evacuate and set up his Haakon government in London as he stayed at Buckingham Palace, followed by his home in Kensington.
Every year since 1947, Norway has gifted this special Christmas tree to the people of London, showing gratitude for Britain’s support during the time of World War II. The historic Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, moments away from your accommodation near Hyde Park London is also a token of everlasting friendship between the two nations and continues to add charm to the bustling streets of London at the time of the festivities.
The Origin of the Tree
The famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a 50 to 60 year-old-tree that comes from the Nordmarka Forest on the southwest side of Oslo. It’s around the time of late November each year, that the 68-foot tree makes a 1000-mile journey by land and sea and comes to its rightful place in London- Trafalgar Square. The ceremony is attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Mayor of Oslo, and the British ambassador of Norway.
P.S. The tree is often described as the ‘queen of the forest’ by Norwegian foresters who look after it!
The Arrival of the Tree to London
Fuel yourself for a great day ahead with a sumptuous breakfast near Paddington Station as you head to see the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree adorned with 500 vertical strings of lights (energy-efficient bulbs) in traditional Norwegian fashion. Moreover, the Christmas tree arrives in London a few days before the switch-on and remains in its location until the Twelfth Night of Christmas, after which it is taken down for a sustainable recycling process.
Plan the most memorable holiday in London over the festive season as you look out for London hotels on special offers. Don’t miss the lighting ceremony of the most famous Christmas tree in the world on the first Thursday of December this year. The dazzling lighting ceremony will also involve carol singing, readings and poetry for the most immersive experience ever!
