Norwegian Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

The Norwegian Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., is an annual gift from the people of Norway to the United States that is displayed in Washington Union Station. The tradition began in 1997 after a proposal by Ambassador Tom Vraalsen. The tree in Union Station is one of several that Norway donates to various countries as a gift of thanks for assistance in World War II. The tree lighting ceremony involves concerts, a model train track, and visits by the Norwegian royal family, amongst other events. The tree is between 30 and 35 feet (9.1 and 10.7 m) tall and is decorated with thousands of lights, the flags of the U.S. and Norway, and themed ornaments. One year the tree was decorated with 700 ornaments depicting The Scream by Norwegian Edvard Munch. According to one reporter from the Hill Rag, the tree and model train have become "one of Washington's most popular holiday traditions."

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