Christmas Tree to London: A tradition with meaning

The Christmas tree of 2026

This year’s tree grew on Høgåsen in Sørkedalen, Oslo.

The tree is approximately 21 metres tall and estimated to be around 75 years old. Its exact age will be determined after it has been felled, and its annual rings can be counted.

The tree is a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies). The species arrived in this part of Norway just over 2,000 years ago, having gradually spread westwards after the last Ice Age.

The tree has been named “Jolly Cheery” and was the public's favorite when the candidate trees were presented on social media.



This year's three candidates


In 2026, three trees were shortlisted for this annual tradition, and the public was invited to share their preferences through an informal poll on social media. The Mayor considered both public feedback and expert advice before making the final decision.


 

Video: Watch the three candidates for this year’s Christmas tree (Facebook)

Tree feeling ceremony

Everyone is welcome to attend the tree cutting ceremony on Friday, 20 November, from 10:00 to 11:00. 

The ceremony will take place at the tree’s location, at coordinates 59.982404, 10.594070.

Visitors must arrange their own transport to the site.

Programme

• Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe will lead the tree felling ceremony.
• Special guests include the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Karen Scarborough, and the British Ambassador to Norway, Jan Thompson.
• In keeping with tradition, pupils from an international school and the school closest to the tree have been invited to sing Christmas carols. This year, pupils from Oslo International School, Sørkedalen School and Bogstad School will take part.
• Coffee brewed over an open fire will be served.
• An official lunch will be held at Finnerud for invited guests.
  
  Video: Highlights from the felling of Oslo’s Christmas tree gift to London 2025 (YouTube)

How to get to the tree

The tree is located on Høgåsen in Sørkedalen. 
 

By car 

• You can park at the Årnes car park along Sørkedalsveien.
   

By public transportation

• Take bus 41 towards Sørkedalen and get off at Bjørnsgard.
• From Bjørnsgard, it is approximately 1.8 kilometres uphill to the tree, or about a 30-minute walk.
• From Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November, almost the entire Oslo metro network will be closed. Check the Ruter app or ruter.no for updated departure times and travel information before setting off.

Lighting Ceremony at Trafalgar Square

The lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, 3 December 2026, at 18:00.

Programme

• The ceremony will be led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Karen Scarborough, and the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe.
• Oslo will contribute with a performance by the Norwegian Boys’ Choir, Sølvguttene.
• The event is open to the public.