London Trafalgar Square Christmas tree 2023: Switch on date and time

London's Trafalgar Square welcomed back its iconic Christmas tree this week, but when is the festive spruce set to light up?

The Norwegian spruce has become a familiar Christmas landmark in the capital over the years, with 2023 marking the 76th arrival of the festive tree. London has been gifted a tree each year by Norway since 1947 as a thanks for Britain's support in World War II.

This year's near-20m-high offering arrived in the city on Monday (December 4) following a 900-mile journey. Over the next few days, it will be decorated with vertically strung lights to echo traditional Norwegian fashion.

Here's when Londoners can see the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree light up this holiday season.

When will the 2023 London Trafalgar Square Christmas tree's festive lights turn on?

The illumination of the gifted Norwegian spruce takes place annually on the first Thursday of the festive month of December. Therefore, following this tradition, the 2023 Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be this Thursday, December 7.  

The 2023 London Trafalgar Square Christmas tree's lighting ceremony is set to start from 5.30pm on Thursday. As per the festive spruce's official X page, its lights will be turned on at 6pm.