Trafalgar Square Christmas tree

A Norwegian commando, Mons Urangsvåg, had arrived in London shortly before Christmas with two spruce trees, felled during a raid on Hisøy, an island off the west coast of Norway between Bergen and Haugesund.

[1] The tree has provided a central focus for the Trafalgar Square traditional carol-singing programme, performed by different groups raising money for voluntary or charitable organisations.

[2] The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is typically a 50- to 60-year-old Norway spruce, generally over 20 metres tall.

[citation needed] The Trafalgar Square tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style and adorned with 500 white lights.

[4] The ceremony, led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, includes a band and choir followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights.