When does Boston turn on the holiday lights? See the schedule for Christmas tree lightings and more.
BOSTON - Boston is ready to get in the spirit of the season. From Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to colorful holiday lights displays, there are plenty of upcoming events to put you in a festive mood.
Here is a schedule of when and where to find holiday decorations and tree lightings around the city.
Boston Common tree arrival and lighting
The Boston Common tree is set to arrive from Novia Scotia on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. Novia Scotia sends Boston a tree every year to thank the city for its help after the 1917 Halifax explosion.
The 45-foot white spruce will be lit up during the Boston Common Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 5. The ceremony hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. typically features holiday music performances and appearances from Santa Claus and Rudolph. The tree will be lit at about 7:55 p.m.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Charlesgate Park tree lighting
Almost immediately after the Boston Common tree lighting, the city will light up the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Charlesgate Park on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8:15 p.m. The lights will extend to Kenmore Square this year for the first time ever, the Boston Parks & Recreation Department says.
The holiday lights display is "inspired by the illuminated tree-lined boulevards of Paris," according to the Friends of the Public Garden.
Christopher Columbus Park trellis lighting
Christopher Columbus Park, located on the waterfront in the North End, is a picturesque spot during the holidays in Boston.
Drop by on Monday, Nov. 25 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for cookies, hot chocolate and clam chowder when the park's 260 feet of trellis will be illuminated with 50,000 blue lights.
Quincy Market tree lighting at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
The Christmas Tree at Quincy Market will be lit on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
There will be festive treats, family friendly activities and holiday performances between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Lighting of the ship at Martin's Park
Boston will hold a "special children's celebration" on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Martin's Park, the playground named after 8-year-old Boston Marathon bombing victim Martin Richard.
The replica ship at the park and surrounding areas will be lit up with more than 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. There will be holiday carols, hot chocolate and Santa will arrive on a Boston police boat.
Martin's Park is next to the Children's Museum on the Smith Family Waterfront.
Light Up Seaport tree lighting
The Snowport holiday market is already underway in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Things will get even more festive on Friday, Dec. 6, when a 52-foot tall tree will be lit with more than 10,000 twinkling lights on Seaport Common.
The tree lighting event at 7:30 p.m. will feature live local music and an appearance by Snowport mascot "Betty the Yeti."