The Christmas tree is arguably the most iconic aspect of our midwinter celebrations.  In this lecture, given on St. Nicholas’ Day, Peter Medhurst delves into the past – as far back as the Book of Genesis – in order to tell the story of this remarkable ‘German toy’ as Dickens described it.

Our lecturer, Peter Medhurst, explains the origins and history of the Christmas tree with illustrations, words and music – performances include: Adam lay bounden, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree – Elizabeth Postern, O Tannenbaum, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Holy Night and Adolphe Adam.