Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony 2024

Let's enjoy some holiday magic at Boston Commons.

Per the organizer:

The City of Boston and guests from the Province of Nova Scotia will celebrate the 83rd Annual Tree Lighting on Boston Common on Thursday, December 5.

Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and title sponsor The Province of Nova Scotia will host Boston’s signature holiday celebration, the 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting, on Thursday, December 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Boston Common, adjacent to the Visitor’s Information Center at 139 Tremont Street.

The holiday lights throughout both parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. when Mayor Wu is joined onstage by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

A sampling village will feature a photo-op, giveaways, and refreshments from several companies while supplies last.

Immediately following the celebration on the Boston Common, Mayor Michelle Wu, the Friends of the Public Garden, and the Committee to Light Commonwealth Avenue Mall will flip the switch to light up Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

For more than 50 years, Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor. Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia.

The official holiday season kick-off in Boston includes the lighting of the City of Boston's official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden.