The annual lighting of the Oslo Christmas tree in Reykjavik went off without a hitch on November 29th, with an audience of over a thousand people in attendance. Young and old gathered around to see this yearly tradition in Austurvöllur Square despite the -11C degree temperatures and heavy snow. But the weather only seemed to add to the Christmas spirit as the smells of cinnamon and roasted almonds drifted through the air.
The Oslo Christmas tree is a yearly donation from the city of Oslo, Norway to the city of Reykjavik, and is lit at the end of November or first of December to mark the start of the holiday season. The festivities always begin with a Christmas concert, followed by a heartwarming performance by Icelandic musicians singing traditional Icelandic Christmas carols. Then the Mayor of Reykjavik accepts the Oslo Christmas tree from the ambassador of Norway, and the tree is finally lit. After the lighting are more songs and festivities, including entertainment from Iceland’s mischievous Yule Lads!
Check out this video to see this year’s lighting for yourself!
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