Running on select nights December 5–21, the experience brings large-scale artworks, candle lighting, and live string music to the Cambridge cemetery. Presented by the Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery and created by Boston-based MASARY Studios, it welcomed more than 20,000 visitors last winter.
New light installations will illuminate the landscape
This year’s additions include two projection-mapped animations on Bigelow Chapel’s historic façade. “Magnolia” interprets the seasonal cycle, while “Rose Window” explores the chapel’s stained glass through light and sound.
Elsewhere, visitors can interact with “Echoes,” a new installation in Hazel Dell. Pressing a palm against an illuminated “tree cookie” sends a message through light pulsing between two elder oak trees.
On Cedar Avenue, “Portals” will introduce floating illuminated rings along the woodland edge, evoking spiritual thresholds within the landscape.
An extended lantern walk and candle lighting return
Returning experiences include an extended illuminated Lantern Walk to Halcyon Lake, a Community Message Board, and candle lighting inside Bigelow Chapel accompanied by live violin, cello, and viola performances.
The event builds on Mount Auburn’s candle-lighting tradition, which began in 1992. Visitors of any faith are welcome to participate, regardless of where their loved ones are buried.
It’s a different kind of seasonal outing: one that makes room for art and discovery alongside quiet reflection and remembrance.
Plan your visit
The event brought in over 20,000 guests last year and is expected to bring in even more this season.
- Dates: December 5–6, 10–13, and 18–21
- Location: Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge
- Timed entry: Between 5 and 9:30 PM, varying by night
Find tickets and additional information at mountauburnsolstice.org.
