The Oslo Christmas tree lit tomorrow

Children to witness the lighting of the huge Christmas tree …

Children to witness the lighting of the huge Christmas tree in the city centre. Iceland Monitor/ Ómar Óskarsson

Children and adults alike will delight at the annual official lighting of the Oslo Christmas tree on Austurvöllur square tomorrow in Reykjavik. The lighting of the tree is a traditional part of the Christmas celebrations for locals. 

For decades, the Norwegian people have donated a beautiful, tall Christmas tree to their cousins to the west. 

Much consternation was caused by the decision taken in 2014 by the Oslo City Council to stop the annual gift of a Norwegian Christmas tree to the City of Reykjavik.

In the face of Icelandic public dissatisfaction, Oslo City Council reversed the decision and sent a tree for Christmas 2014.

Joy was short-lived, however, as the tree was very badly damaged in stormy weather in late November last year in Reykjavik and had to be replaced by an Icelandic tree.

Last year, the tree was removed and taken into shelter mid-December due to an imminent storm. Hopefully, this year the weather will cause no more peril. 

The ceremony includes speeches by the Mayor of Reykjavik and Norwegian officials and is followed by carol singing and a show for children which may possibly be visited by a couple of strange bearded men in red. 

So note this Sunday, November 27th in your calender between 3.30 and 5 pm at Austurvöllur square, and make sure to dress warmly!

Weather

Clear sky

Today

-1 °C

Partly cloudy

Later today

4 °C

Partly cloudy

Tomorrow

1 °C