Christmas traditions In the United Kingdom Christmas decorations are put up in shops and town centres from early November. Many towns and cities have a public event involving a local or regional celebrity to mark the switching on of Christmas lights. Decorations in people's homes are commonly put up from early December, traditionally including a Christmas tree, cards, and lights both inside and outside the home. Every year, Norway donates a giant Christmas tree for the British to raise in Trafalgar Square as a thank you for helping during the Second World War. Christmas carolers at Trafalgar Square in London sing around
1996 Trafalgar Square riots 1996 Trafalgar Square riots The 1996 Trafalgar Square riots in London occurred on 26 June 1996. After the England national football team were defeated by Germany in the knockout stage of UEFA Euro 1996 at Wembley Stadium, hooligans took over the Trafalgar Square in the West End of London. Up to 2,000 hooligans, many drunk, pelted police and civilians with bottles, smashed windows and shops and overturned cars. The Metropolitan Police deployed its public order unit in riot gear who were confronted by the hooligans. 66 people were injured and over 200 arrests were made. The events were a familiar