For visitors and residents alike, it’s time to explore Boston’s beautiful array of festively festooned landmarks and neighborhoods. And in Boston, these exquisite evening illuminations are not just scattered about, for they provide wayfinding that will bring you to some of the city’s most iconic areas for basking in holiday lights. Check out this list of must-see lighting ceremonies in Boston!
Copley Square Tree Lighting
Where: Copley Square
When: Nov 29, 2021
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and The Friends of Copley Square welcome the holidays with the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting on Nov 29, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This family-friendly event is sure to get you in a festive mood with refreshments and giveaways. The lineup of local talent will keep the crowd singing classic holiday hits until the lights turn on.
Boston's Official 2021 Christmas Tree
Where: Boston Common
When: Dec 2, 2021
Boston’s official 2021 Christmas tree is a 60-year-old, 48-foot white spruce tree from Orangedale, located on Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. The tree will be lit on Thursday, Dec 2, as the city of Boston’s Official Tree Lighting is celebrated on Boston Common. This year marks the 50th time a tree has been donated and commemorates 104 years of friendship between Nova Scotia and the people of Boston. The lights are set to sparkle around 7:55p, followed by lights on nearly 80 other trees throughout the Boston Common and Public Garden.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting
Where: Commonwealth Avenue Mall
When: Dec 2, 2021
The Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting will immediately follow the Boston Common Tree Lighting. The city will hit the switch and celebrate the lighting of trees up and down Commonwealth Avenue. The lights will blink on around 8 pm! Enjoy this festive stroll illuminated by hundreds of lights.
Light Up Seaport
Where: Seaport Common
When: Dec 3, 2021
Join the festive fun in celebrating the most magical season of the year at the annual tree lighting, Light Up Seaport. Enjoy live holiday tunes, an interactive art installation, and fun for the whole family. Light Up Seaport takes place on Seaport Common Friday, Dec 3.
The Boston Menorah Lighting
Where: Copley Square
When: Dec 5, 2021
Join Chabad of Boston in Copley Square for the annual menorah lightings and be part of this global celebration of Menorah Light. This year’s lighting will be held on Sunday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m.
