Join the city and your neighbors at the official Boston Common Tree Lighting this Thursday, November 30. The tree arrived by flatbed truck from Nova Scotia after a 10-hour journey!
The 40-year-old, 45-foot-tall white spruce is a gift from landowner Bette Gourley of Stewiacke, N.S., and her family to the people of Boston!
The tree arrived on November 21 which gave the city plenty of time to decorate before the 82nd Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 30 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 82nd Boston Common Tree Lighting Celebration
On November 30, you can expect to find Mayor Wu joined onstage by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. “This year’s entertainment includes musician, singer, songwriter and four-time Grammy Award winner PJ Morton of Maroon 5, cast members from “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” the Flutie Foundation’s Spectrum of Sound choir, Nova Scotia’s own Celtic supergroup Còig and soul, hip hop, R&B, and Gospel artist O’Sound Lee, and more surprises,” according to the City of Boston!
At around 8 PM, Santa Claus and Rudolph join Mayor Wu on stage. 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 closes with a pyrotechnic display by Pyrotecnico. It will be a full house of festivities and memories from 6 PM through the close of the ceremony at about 8 PM!
Find the Boston Common Tree and Lighting Ceremony at 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 01226
Arrival: Tuesday, November 21 at 11 AM
Lighting: Thursday, November 30 at 6 PM