Lights on Reykjavík's Oslo Tree switched on
Hundreds of people gathered at Austurvöllur on the First Sunday of Advent as the lights on the Oslo Tree were switched on during a festive ceremony. Excitement filled the air as Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir led the countdown to light up the 6,800 bulbs adorning the 40-foot Sitka spruce from Heiðmörk.
People didn't let the chilly weather keep them away this year, since the celebration is an essential part of the holiday season for many Reykjavík residents. The Reykjavík Brass Band set the mood and put everyone in the Christmas spirit, while Unnsteinn Manúel and Salka Sól performed a selection of holiday favorites. The band featured Örn Ýmir Arason on bass, Þorvaldur Þór Þorvaldsson on drums, Örn Eldjárn on guitar and Tómas Jónsson on keyboard. Sausage-Snatcher and Bowl-Licker came to town for the special day and delighted children and adults alike with their funny antics and playful spirit. We also learned that trolls’ feet don’t get cold, as Christmas-Tufti showed up barefoot and cheerful, waving to the crowd. Katla Margrét Þorgeirsdóttir hosted the ceremony as in previous years, and the entire program was interpreted in sign language by Agnes Steina Óskarsdóttir and Guðrún Heiða Guðmundsdóttir.
Symbol of the strong friendship between Oslo and Reykjavík
This marks the 74th time an Oslo Tree has been erected at Austurvöllur. For many decades, the city of Oslo gave Reykjavík residents a Norwegian Christmas tree, but even though the tree now comes from Heiðmörk, this doesn't change the friendship between the cities, and Norwegians continue to actively participate in the ceremony. Oslo City Councilor Sirin Stav addressed the crowd and presented Reykjavík residents with books translated from Norwegian that will be available for checkout in all the city's school libraries. Johann Anda, an 11-year-old Norwegian-Icelandic boy, received the honor of lighting the Christmas tree alongside the mayor.
Oslo Tree lights illuminated Nov. 30, 2025
