Living History Tree!

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a Norwegian spruce given to the people of London by the city of Oslo each year. The tradition began in since 1947 after WWII when the British helped the Norwegian resistance to fight the Nazis who had overrun their country. The tree is prominently displayed in Trafalgar Square outside the National Gallery from the beginning of December until 6 January.

The lights are switched on by the Lord Mayor of Westminster on the first Thursday of December and the ceremony includes music and carol singing. The decoration of 500 white lights is in the Norwegian style - it's an enduring and special symbol of thanks for the co-operation between nations during wartime.