Holiday Lighting Celebrations in Boston–UPDATED

Thanksgiving is done and gone, which means Christmas is just around the corner. A wonderful, family friendly, FREE, way to celebrate the season is to take part in one or more of the cities holiday lighting celebrations. These festive events are the epitome of holiday spirit and joy.  As I learn more, I’ll add them, so check back.

Check out these Boston-area Holiday Lighting Festivities:

Copley Square Tree Lighting–Monday, November 28, 5 p.m.
560 Boylston Street, Back Bay

• The FREE event will feature appearances Mayor Walsh, NECN’s Jenny Johnson, Santa Claus, and Rudolph along with musical performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, vocalist Marchelle Jacques-Yarde, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and Berklee College of Music student Mahamma Germain of Hyde Park.  In addition, the US Postal Service will unveil its new holiday stamp. 
• The Fairmont Copley Plaza will host will host a family reception immediately following for all in attendance.  The reception will include cookie decorating, photos with Santa and treats from the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
• In addition, The Boston Public Library and The Catered Affair will host a Storytime and Candy Cane Tea at the library from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The tea is free but reservations are required by calling (617) 859-2282. 

Boston Common Tree Lighting–Thursday, December 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
139 Tremont Street, Boston

• The event is televised on WCVB Channel 5. The holiday lights throughout both parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. when Mayor Walsh is joined onstage by Premier McNeil, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Santa Claus.  The show will close with a pyrotechnic display by Atlas PyroVision.  Boston’s own Bell Biv Devoe will also be on hand. The annual holiday display includes the official Christmas tree from Nova Scotia and trees throughout Boston Common.  Refreshments and additional support will be provided by promotional sponsors Dunkin’ Donuts, DAVIDsTEA, Geico, H.P. Hood LLC, KIND Snacks, Drake’s Cakes, Fisher College, Arro, and an appearance by the L.L. Bean Bootmobile. 

Frog Pond Skating Spectacular and Tree Lighting–Thursday, December 1, 5:00 to 6:00 pm

• Mayor Walsh will be on hand for the The Boston Common Tree Lighting ceremony. Prior to the show, The Skating Club of Boston will be performing a FREE figure skating ice show featuring national and international competitive figure skaters, soloists, groups, wee skaters, and Team Excel Synchronized Skating and Theatre On Ice of Boston teams.
• After the show stick around for public skating on the Frog Pond. Usual fees will apply.

First Light Brookline–December 1, 5:00 to 8:00 pm

• This family-friendly event will feature music, events, and fun around town.

Newton City Hall Holiday Lighting–Thursday December 1, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

• Community Sing-along with the Stacey Peasley Band to get into the Holiday mood. Refreshments will be served.
• Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for the Newton Food Pantries. You can find more information here.

Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lighting–Friday, December 2, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

• Join the Mayor as he travels to different parts of the city. The Christmas season is kicked off with several tree lightings. 
  • 5:30 p.m. – Roche Family Center, West Roxbury
  • 6:30 p.m. – Wolcott Square, Readville
  • 7 p.m. – Mattapan Square, Mattapan
  • 7:45 p.m. – Codman Square, Dorchester

Events like this are perfect for those who have activity-based advent calendars or holiday countdowns.

For more information on those in Boston, check with Boston Parks & Recreation.