Trafalgar Lights Up the Night

Tree lighting
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Christmas festivities kicked up into high gear when the Trafalgar Christmas Tree was light up.  Patrick was working, so I decided to go and see the ceremony to light the tree.  I was expecting something very much like in New York and although it was nothing like that, it was a very lovely way to spend an evening.

The tree is donated to London every year by the Norwegians, as a token of gratitude for help during World War 2.  This year was a very special celebration, as the Norwegian Royal Family attended and did the honours of turning on the lights.

a very lovely way to spend an evening

The celebration began with the bells of St. Martin in the Fields ringing, and then a Norwegians boys choir sang some Christmas Carols, a brass band played and then there were speeches by the Mayor of Westminster and Norway's Crown Princess.  As soon as the speeches were done, the Princess hit the button and turned on the lights.  It was really quite lovely, but very funny at the same time as people ooo-ed and awww-ed over a very simple looking lights display.

Although this was not the coolest or the most fun thing that I have done in London, I do recommend to anyone visiting London over Christmas to take it in.