Christmas is just around the corner and for many Londoners that means it'll soon be time to pay a visit to
Trafalgar Square to enjoy some heartwarming carol singing with the giant Christmas tree forming a wonderfully festive backdrop.
This year the nightly carol singing begins on the evening of Monday 5th December at 5pm. The carol singers comprise various groups from across London and beyond, and each are given a one-hour slot to entertain the gathered crowds. The singers help to raise money for a vast number of charitable organisations, so go along, enjoy the performances and offer a couple of coins if you can. Of course, you're free to join in with the carols, too.
The singing ends each evening at 9pm and will be taking place every night until Thursday 22nd December.
The enormous tree is a must-see affair, and a big part of London's Christmas tradition. A tree has been presented to the people of London from the people of Norway every December since 1947, as a thank you for the support Britain gave the Scandinavian country during World War II.
It's transported to the capital by boat and lorry in a complicated logistical operation lasting many days, and requires a hydraulic crane to manoeuvre it into position in Trafalgar Square. Once standing proud, it's decorated in the traditional Norwegian style, with vertical strings of lights.
The grand tree, usually over 20 metres high, really is a sight to behold and is quite possibly the prettiest tree in the whole of the United Kingdom - besides the one in the corner of your lounge, of course.
One word of advice if you do decide to head down to Trafalgar Square - wrap up well, as there's a good chance it'll be pretty darn cold down there!
Images: Top-
Dilff; third-Mike Fleming; fourth-Christine Matthews
