The heart of London will officially embrace the festive season this evening as the world-famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is illuminated in a cherished annual ceremony. The much-anticipated switch-on event, a highlight of the capital's winter calendar, returns tonight, Thursday 4 December 2025, drawing thousands to the iconic square.
What Time Does The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Light Up?
The festive celebrations are scheduled to begin at 5pm, with a programme of live entertainment leading up to the main event. The official Christmas tree lighting ceremony itself, the moment the tree sparkles to life, will take place at 6pm. The event is expected to conclude around 6:30pm.
Attendees can look forward to a host of seasonal performances to set the mood. The programme includes carols from the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields, music by the Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army, and a drum display from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood. Adding a special Norwegian touch, the Det Norske Jentekor girls' choir will perform, and children from Westminster will read a poem dedicated to the tree.
A Gift From Oslo: The History & Details of the Tree
The towering centrepiece is far more than a seasonal decoration; it is a powerful symbol of friendship. The Norwegian spruce is an annual gift from the people of Oslo, Norway, to London, given in gratitude for British support during the Second World War. This heartwarming tradition began in 1947 and has continued without fail every year since.
Each tree is typically a 50- to 60-year-old Norwegian fir, standing over 20 metres tall. It is carefully selected from forests near Oslo, shipped across the North Sea, and erected in the square. It is then decorated in a traditional Norwegian style with approximately 500 white lights.
How Long Will The Christmas Tree Remain in Trafalgar Square?
Once illuminated tonight, the tree will become a central festive beacon for Londoners and visitors alike. It will remain proudly on display in Trafalgar Square throughout the entire festive season. According to plans, the tree will be taken down and recycled after 5 January 2026, marking the end of this year's display.
This Christmas tree lighting ceremony, coupled with the mass carol singalong, remains one of London's most beloved and time-honoured festive moments, officially signalling the start of Christmas in the capital.
