.jpg)
TheDowning Street Christmas tree is theChristmas tree placed onDowning Street, outside10 Downing Street, which is the official office and residence of theprime minister of the United Kingdom. It arrives near the end of November and is lit in early December for a liveBBC News programme.[1][2]
The tradition began in 1982 whileMargaret Thatcher was in office.[3] Members of theBritish Christmas Tree Growers Association take part in an annual competition for "growth of the year" and "champion festive wreath" and winners provide their trees andwreaths for display outside No. 10 Downing Street. All entries are judged by fellow growers around two months beforeChristmas in various categories. The winning tree must be18+1⁄2 feet tall (5.6 metres).[4]
The tree is ceremonially lit by theprime minister andhis or her spouse, who usually say a few words first. The event is attended by various guests such as staff members, charity volunteers,British Armed Forces and their families, who singChristmas carols afterward.[5]
In 2012,David Cameron asked finalists fromThe X Factor to assist him in the lighting.[6] In 2008, Prime MinisterGordon Brown'swife Sarah lit the lights with the help ofCub Scouts andBeaver Scouts.[7]
.jpg)
.jpg)
![Tree and wreath provided by winners from Dartmoor in Devon, 2019.[8]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aChristmas_2019_Downing_Street_Decoration_(4).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)| Buildings |  .jpg) | |
|---|---|---|
| Residence | ||
| Prime Minister's Office | ||
| Miscellaneous | ||
51°30′12″N0°07′40″W / 51.5033°N 0.1277°W /51.5033; -0.1277