Brighten the Holidays in Cambridge with Boston's Christmas Tree Lightings
There are few places that can rival Boston's charm especially during the holiday season, and what better way to ring in the Christmas festivities than at one of Boston's Christmas tree lighting events? Watch as the city twinkles to life and enjoy live entertainment and special appearances from Jolly Old Saint Nick. From spectacles and lighted wonderlands to holiday shows and concerts, Boston has enough holiday cheer to get even the Scrooge in your family in the spirit.
The Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting has been a time-honored tradition dating all the way back to 1931. Each year, Boston's tree is a gift from Nova Scotia as a thank you for Boston's help in the 1917 Halifax Explosion. This year, the Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday, November 21st from 6pm-8pm on Tremont Street near the Visitors Information Center.
Kick off the festivities with a free ice-skating show from some of The Skating Club of Boston's top figure skaters. Peruse food vendors, grab refreshments and enjoy live entertainment all evening long. At 8pm the Mayor will bring more than 7,000 lights to life on the Common's towering Christmas tree. After the tree lighting, take a walk through the Public Gardens, where more than 80 trees will be covered in white lights for a magical wintry spectacle. To close out the evening, lights will also illuminate the night sky in a holiday fireworks display.
Other Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities in Boston
If Christmas lights bring out the big kid in you then Boston will tickle your childish fancy with these other tree lighting events happening around the city throughout November and December,
Boston Trellis Ceremony in Christopher Columbus Park
On November 18th at 5:00pm don your festive Christmas sweater and head to the Annual Trellis Lighting Ceremony at Christopher Columbus Park where you can warm up with hot chocolate while being serenaded by Christmas carolers.
Watch as the Mayor turns this 260-ft. trellis into a winter wonderland with more than 50,000 blue-and-white LED lights. See you yourself why Christopher Columbus Park has been named one of the "Ten Most Romantic Places in Boston" (just in case you're planning to propose this Christmas).
Macy's Christmas Tree Lighting
Macy's always gets in the holiday spirit with festive window displays each year and Friday, November 22nd at 5pm this popular department store will turn Boston's Downtown Crossing into a paradise of holiday lights. Before the Christmas lighting festivities, Santa and his elves will be taking time off from making toys to pose for photos at Macy's Children's Department starting at 2pm. Afterwards, head over to the nearby Theatre District for dinner and a show.
Copley Square Tree Lighting
On Monday, November 25nd from 5pm-6pm (date still to be determined) follow the toll of the Old South Church bells where Christmas wreaths will dress up Copley Square and the tree will be illuminated. Kids can visit with Santa and other popular holiday characters like Frosty and Rudolph. Take photos with the Big Guy in red, participate in some cookie decorating or just enjoy the live entertainment.
From 3:30pm-5pm the Boston Public Library also hosts an Annual Candy Cane Tea, where visitors can help hang Christmas wreaths, light the Menorah and enjoy freshly baked cookies and other sweet treats. The event, which honors all holiday celebrations from around the world, is free to the public; however, due to this event's increasing popularity, sign up for the raffle on October 28th at 9am to win tickets to the event.
Light Up Seaport
For more holiday festivities head to Seaport Common on Friday, November 29th from 6pm-8pm to watch the Christmas tree lighting while enjoying live entertainment, festive giveaways and treats from local restaurants near the waterfront. Once the tree is lit, walk over to District Hall for additional activities including a photo gallery and a cash bar for the big kids over 21.
Blink Light and Sound Show
This renowned light and sound show will return to Faneuil Hall Marketplace starting on Wednesday, November 27th from 4:30pm-10pm (and runs every half hour daily) until January 1st, 2020. Here you'll find the largest Christmas tree in the northeast. The elegant 85-foot tree is decorated with over 350,000 LED lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes.