Norwegian Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

The tree lighting ceremony involves concerts, a model train track, and visits by the Norwegian royal family, amongst other events.

In 1997, the government of Norway delivered a Christmas tree to Washington Union Station, as a sign of goodwill between the two countries and as a gift of thanks for U.S. assistance during World War II.

[1] The model train and its journey through scenes of Norway was designed by Styrkar Braathen from the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.

In 2004, celebrations included a choir performing after an invitation by Ambassador Knut Vollebæk, and Princess Märtha Louise of Norway lighting the tree.

[7] In 2013, the Christmas tree was decorated with 20,000 lights, the flags of each country, and 700 ornaments depicting The Scream by Norwegian Edvard Munch.

Amongst the events taking place that year included music by Wicked Sycamore, Rayshun LaMarr, East of the River Steelband, and TenThing.

Amongst the speakers at the lighting ceremony were Ambassador Anniken Krutnes, an official from the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, and the president of Washington Performing Arts.