Where to See Tree Lighting Ceremonies around Boston

Put on your coziest sweater and get festive.

boston common christmas tree

Photo by Keith Bedford/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

As the air gets crisp and the days get shorter, the Boston area is quickly becoming the perfect canvas for lit-up Christmas trees. If you’re looking for some events to help you get in a festive mood, bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and visit these Christmas tree lighting ceremonies around the city.

Martin’s Park

The City is kicking off holiday festivities with a different tradition this year: the holiday ship lighting at Martin’s Park. This brand-new, soon-to-be annual tradition will feature hot chocolate, caroling, and a guest appearance from Santa Claus.

Nov. 27, 4-6 p.m., 64 Sleeper St., Boston, boston.gov.

Copley Square

Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman are welcoming in the Back Bay’s Christmas tree this year at the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event will have light refreshments and live music from local Bostonians—including the Boston Children’s Chorus and the Boston Pops Esplanade Brass Ensemble.

Nov. 29, 5 p.m., 560 Boylston St., Boston, boston.gov.

Somerville

Somerville’s City Hall is hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting on December 2. Not only will Santa Claus join in on the festivities, but the Somerville High School Chorus, Orchestra, and Jazz Band will perform, as well as El Sistema Somerville.

Dec. 2, 5 p.m., 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, somervillema.gov.

Boston Common

The City is hosting its 80th annual Boston Common tree lighting this year. After a virtual celebration last year, the beloved tradition is returning in full swing. Boston will once again receive a tree from Halifax, and some cheery friends—Santa Claus, Rudolph and Frosty—will also make an appearance. Following the tree ceremony, the Boston Common trees and Public Garden Bridge will be illuminated as well, and the night will end with a pyrotechnics show.

Nov. 30, 6 p.m., 139 Tremont St., Boston, boston.gov.

Light up Seaport

The Seaport is celebrating its third annual tree lighting ceremony during a whole night of holiday festivities this December. The Boston Children’s Chorus and other local musicians will perform live music, and Betty the Yeti is returning to the Seaport after a summer in the Himalayas. Finish off the night with a tree lighting ceremony at 7:15 p.m. in the Seaport Common.

Dec. 3, 5-9 p.m., 85 Northern Ave., Boston, bostonseaport.xyz.

Peabody Square

The Greater Ashmont Main Street is gearing up for a festive evening full of live jazz music, food trucks, and many local businesses at its annual holiday pop-up market this weekend. The night will close with a tree lighting ceremony at Peabody Square at 7 p.m.

November 27, 3-7:30 p.m., 1900 Dorchester Ave., Boston, facebook.com.