Join the city and your neighbors at the official Boston Common Tree Lighting. The tree arrived by flatbed truck from Nova Scotia after a 10-hour journey!
The tree arrived on November 26 at 11 AM. This provided the city plenty of time to decorate before the 83rd Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place on Thursday, December 5 at 6 PM.
The history and significance of the Boston Common Tree
The lighting of the Boston Common tree happens every first Thursday during the first week of December. It’s the official kick-off of the winter holiday season in Boston!
After a 1917 explosion in Nova Scotia’s Halifax Harbor, Boston sent emergency personnel and supplies within 24 hours of the disaster. Annually since 1971, Nova Scotia has donated a tree as a symbol of appreciation to the Bostonian people. That’s 52 mega-size trees! The story is the epitome of working together regardless of where we come from or where we are.
The 83rd Boston Common Tree Lighting Celebration
On December 5, you can expect to find Mayor Wu joined onstage by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Following the Boston Common Tree Lighting, hosts will flip the switch at the nearby Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
The Boston Common Tree Lighting has always been a special tradition kicking off Boston’s holiday season, and I’m grateful for Nova Scotia’s generous gift as we continue to honor our enduring friendship,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors to the Common this winter with a symbol of the compassion and community spirit that the holiday season brings.
The lighting includes a full house of festivities and memories from 6 PM through the close of the ceremony at about 8 PM, followed by the Commonwealth Avenue Mall at lighting promptly at 8 PM!
Find the Boston Common Tree and Lighting Ceremony at 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 01226
Arrival: Tuesday, November 26 at 11 AM
Lighting: Thursday, December 5 at 6 PM