Downing Street Christmas tree facts for kids

The Downing Street Christmas tree and door wreath

The Downing Street Christmas tree is a special Christmas tree placed right outside 10 Downing Street in London. This is where the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom lives and works. The tree usually arrives in late November. A special lighting ceremony happens in early December, which is often shown live on TV by news channels like BBC News.

The Story of the Downing Street Christmas Tree

The tradition of having a Christmas tree at Downing Street started in 1982. This was when Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister.

Picking the Perfect Tree

Each year, members of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association have a competition. They compete for the 'growth of the year' (best tree) and 'champion festive wreath'. The winners get to provide their tree and wreath for display outside 10 Downing Street.

Growers judge each other's entries about two months before Christmas. The winning tree must be about 18 feet 6 inches (about 5.6 metres) tall.

The Lighting Ceremony

The Prime Minister usually hosts the tree lighting ceremony. Other members of the Prime Minister's family often join in. They usually say a few words before the lights are switched on.

Many guests attend this special event. These include staff members, volunteers from charities, and members of the British Armed Forces with their families.

Who Switches on the Lights?

The Prime Minister or their partner usually switches on the lights. Sometimes, they get a little help! For example, in 2012, David Cameron invited finalists from The X Factor TV show to help. In 2008, Sarah Brown, whose husband Gordon Brown was Prime Minister, switched on the lights. She had help from Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts. After the tree is lit, people often sing Christmas carols.

Gallery

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  Theresa May switches on the lights, 2017.

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  Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office walking past the tree

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  Tree and wreath provided by winners from Dartmoor in Devon, 2019.

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  Christmas wreath from Dartmoor, 2019.

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  2009 tree from Hastings, East Sussex.

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  2013 tree from Christmas Common in Oxfordshire