With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to bring on the Christmas cheer! Mark your calendar for the events below to jumpstart your 2021 holiday spirit!
Boston Holiday Lights Schedule:
Monday, November 29, 5-6pm | Copley Square Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 2, at 7pm | Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 2, at 8pm | Boston’s Public Garden
Friday, December 3, at 5 – 9pm | Light Up Seaport
Friday, December 3, at 6 – 9pm | Tree Celebration in the North End
Saturday, December 4, at 4:30 – 5:30pm | Annual Tree Lighting at the USS Constitution
Copley Square Tree Lighting
Monday, November 29, 5-6pm
Copley Square
Wreaths with red bows decorate Copley Square. As the Copley Square tree is lit, the Old South Church bell tolls. Look for appearances by Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty– plus live music by local groups including the Boston Pops Esplanade Brass Ensemble! Light refreshments will be served.
Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting & Frog Pond Skating Spectacular
Thursday, December 2, at 7pm
Boston Common
Since 1941, this annual tree lighting ceremony has turned Boston Common into a winter wonderland. This exciting event stars the special tree sent as a gift from Nova Scotia, which memorializes a 100-year bond formed between the citizens of Boston and Halifax after the Great Halifax Explosion of 1917. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will be joined by Santa and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Before the lighting, there is a free ice-skating show at Frog Pond from 5pm-6pm. This tree– along with over eighty trees throughout the Common and Public Garden–will be lit at 7:55 pm. Refreshments will be available.
Boston’s Public Garden
Thursday, December 2, at 8pm
Boston Common
Right after the brilliantly colored lights on Boston Common go on, so do the white holiday lights covering the bridge over the Lagoon and many of the Public Garden’s formally-sheared evergreens, giving an ethereal snowball effect across the entire park.
Light Up Seaport
Friday, December 3, at 5 – 9pm
Seaport Common (85 Northern Ave) Update address
Join in celebrating the most magical season of the year in Boston’s Seaport District. Live music, treats from nearby restaurants, breathtaking ocean views, and various give-aways fill this festival with Christmas cheer–all leading up to the tree lighting. Stop by District Hall for kids’ activities, a photo exhibit, and a cash bar for adults.
Tree Celebration in the North End
Friday, December 3, at 6 – 9pm
Hanover Street
Enjoy the festivities at the North End’s Christmas celebration. At the corner of Hanover and North Streets, you will be able to meet Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and caroling.
Annual Tree Lighting at the USS Constitution
Saturday, December 4, at 4:30 – 5:30pm
Charlestown Navy Shipyard
Join the USS Constitution crew in the Navy Shipyard in Charlestown for their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy holiday music, free hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit by Santa and his merry Elves. You can begin boarding the ship at 3:45pm and are also invited to observe the sunset with the crew as the ship fires her saluting battery at 4:12pm.
South Boston Christmas Stroll & Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 5, at 4pm
Medal of Honor Park
Kick off the South Boston holiday season with a host of activities as well promotions from local businesses. Have fun and, sip, shop and dine local all in one night! Enjoy a special tree lighting on East Broadway in front of the library, a visit from Santa and some old fashioned carolers!