The holidays are quickly approaching, and Boston is getting ready to spread some cheer with the city’s official Christmas tree lighting – a Boston tradition now in its 83rd year.
Hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the annual tree lighting event lights up the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden with a glowing Christmas tree, live entertainment and even an appearance from Santa, making it a festive event the whole family can enjoy.
Want to see the city’s holiday lights turn on in real time? Here’s all the details about how to attend the event.
About the Boston Common tree lighting
The official Christmas tree of Boston for 2024 is 45-foot white spruce from Nova Scotia – the tree provider for the city for over 50 years.
While the main focus will be on the tree, this holiday event will also have festive photo-ops, giveaways and appearances by Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. A sampling village on the Common will offer refreshments from places like H.P. Hood, New England Coffee and Raising Cane’s, while supplies last.
This year, the live entertainment lineup features many Massachusetts-based artists, including Halifax pop singer-songwriter Ria Mae, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Mi’kmaq folk artist and fiddler Morgan Toney, Boston-based jazz legend Renese King and the Boston Children’s Chorus.
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Why does Boston’s Christmas tree come from Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia donates the tree to Boston every year as a thank you.
“On 6 December 1917, 2 ships collided in Halifax Harbour, causing a devastating explosion. It killed nearly 2,000 people and left hundreds severely injured and homeless,” the government website for Nova Scotia explains. “Boston sent immediate medical aid and relief supplies to Nova Scotians. We will never forget this support and kindness from the people of Boston. To say thank you, the province gives Boston the gift of a beautiful Christmas tree every year.”
When and where is the Boston Common tree lighting?
This year’s tree lighting event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m., with the main tree lighting happening around 8 p.m. The main event will happen on the Boston Common next to the Visitor’s Information Center at about 139 Tremont St., but lights will be visible throughout the entire Common and Public Garden.
Can’t make the lighting in person? Tune into WCVB Channel 5 for a live broadcast of the event starting at 7 p.m.
