Boston Christmas Lights & Holiday Lighting Events Schedule 2024
Festive Holiday Lights & Celebrations in Massachusetts and beyond
Cherished holiday traditions in Greater Boston include holiday tree lightings, festive shows & performances, and joyful holiday light displays. Below are some fun holiday traditions that continue to bring light and smiles to the Boston area community.
- Macy's Tree Lighting at Downtown Crossing - Boston
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting - Boston
- Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting - Boston
- Holiday Ship Lighting in Martin's Park - Boston Seaport
- USS Constitution Tree Lighting
- Light up Seaport Tree Lighting - Boston
- Boston Common Tree and Festive Lights - Boston
- Commonwealth Avenue Mall
- Boston's Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings
- Boston Common & Copley Square Menorah Lightings
- Zoolights at Stone Zoo - Stoneham, MA
- Celebration of Lights - Marshfield & Lancaster
- Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights - Methuen
- Somerville's Illuminations Holiday Tour - Somerville, MA
- Gift of Lights at NH Motor Speedway - Loudon, NH
- Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium - Foxboro
- Holiday Giving Tree Lighting at Patriot Place - Foxborough
- La Salette Festival of Holiday Lights - Attleboro, MA
- Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture - Avon
- Christmas Festival of Lights - Edaville USA
- Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence
- Holiday Wonderland at Newport Mansions - Newport, RI
- Gardens Aglow: A Celebration of Holiday Lights - Sandwich
- South Shore Celebration of Lights - Marshfield
- Enchanted Village of Lights at the Cape Codder - Hyannis
- Lobster Pot Tree - Provincetown, MA
- Festival of Trees and Snow Village at Mass Hort - Wellesley
- Lancaster Celebration of Lights - Lancaster
- Night Lights: Color Cascade at New England Botanic Garden - Boylston
- Winter Wonderland at Southwick's Zoo - Milford, MA
- Holiday Pig Wagon Lighting at Powisset Farm - Dover
- Winter Lights at Naumkeag, Bradley Estate & Stevens Coolidge
- Bright Nights at Forest Park - Springfield, MA
- First Night Boston
- Copley Square Tree Lighting - Boston
Boston
Macy's Tree Lighting at Downtown Crossing - Boston
December 5, 2024
The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (Boston BID) hosts the neighborhood’s seasonal celebration with the Macy’s Holiday Tree lighting.
Visitors in November and December can expect bright lights, hanging snowflakes, and winter-themed displays along the streets.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting - Boston
November 26, 2024
Join us for the lighting of the city's first holiday tree of the season at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Enjoy a day full of holiday entertainment, food, and shopping.
Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting - Boston
November 25, 2024
The blue lights on the trellis have been a time-honored tradition since 2003, including sing-alongs and a visit from Santa! The park’s 260-foot trellis and 14 decorated trees are illuminated with 50,000 blue lights.
photo courtesy of Friends of Christopher Columbus Park
Holiday Ship Lighting in Martin's Park - Boston Seaport
November 30, 2024
Join us for Boston's newest holiday tradition on November 30, 2024, from 4 - 6pm for the annual Holiday Ship Lighting in Martin's Park. Welcome Santa as he arrives by boat, and enjoy hot cocoa, caroling, and festive fun!
Presented by Friend's of Martin's Park and Boston Parks and Recreation Department.
Photo credit: Boston Parks & Recreation Dept.
USS Constitution Tree Lighting
December 6, 2024
The public is invited to the USS Constitution’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the ship. The event includes visits with Santa Claus, free hot chocolate, holiday music, ship tours, and remarks from the commanding officer.
Enjoy the ship’s gun firing in observance of evening colors, a flag ceremony at sunset (4:11 p.m.), and the tree lighting ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of USS Constitution
Light up Seaport Tree Lighting - Boston
December 6, 2024
Join the festivities at Seaport Common for the annual Seaport tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. The evening kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with outdoor winter games, food vendors, and activities.
Photo credit: Lindsay Ahern
Be sure to check out the popular Holiday Market at Snowport featuring over 120 local vendors and a tree market for all your evergreen needs.
Photo credit: @oschapo
Boston Common Tree and Festive Lights - Boston
December 5, 2024
Mayor Michelle Wu and The Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia will celebrate the annual Boston Common Tree Lighting Spectacular from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on WCVB-TV. The lights will illuminate both Boston Common and the Public Garden, culminating in a pyrotechnic display.
Photo courtesy of City of Boston
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
December 5, 2024
Following the Boston Common Tree Lighting, Mayor Wu will light the trees on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, which will be illuminated with elegant white lights for the winter season.
This year, the nearby Charlesgate Park will also join in the festivities with a “Glow of the Emerald Green Grove” display, connecting the Mall to the Esplanade with a beautiful green light installation.
Photo credit: Boston.gov
Boston's Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings
The annual Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour brings holiday cheer to neighborhoods across Boston with Santa visits, holiday performances, and tree lightings led by Mayor Michelle Wu. The tour spans multiple locations, allowing families all over the city to join in the celebration.
Photo courtesy of The City of Boston
Boston Common & Copley Square Menorah Lightings
December 25, 2024 - January 2, 2025
Hanukkah celebrations begin with the lighting of a 22-foot-tall menorah on Boston Common, bringing warmth and brightness to the community. The lighting continues throughout the holiday season, symbolizing unity and light.
Photo courtesy of The Freedom Trail
NORTH SUBURBS
Zoolights at Stone Zoo - Stoneham, MA
November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025
The Zoolights at Stone Zoo transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland. Enjoy a magical stroll through tree-lined paths lit with twinkling lights. This year’s displays feature large-scale illuminated lanterns and festive scenes with reindeer, arctic foxes, and more.
Photo courtesy of Stone Zoo
Celebration of Lights - Marshfield & Lancaster
New England’s largest amusement provider, Fiesta Shows, presents the Celebration of Lights, a drive-thru holiday light show that spans miles with over a million LED lights and festive displays. Celebrate the season from the comfort of your car as you enjoy this spectacular light show in Marshfield and Lancaster.
Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights - Methuen
The Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights is Methuen’s premier drive-thru holiday light display, featuring dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday-themed scenes. Organized by Fiesta Shows, this event brings the magic of the holidays to the North Shore for a joyful, family-friendly experience.
Somerville's Illuminations Holiday Tour - Somerville, MA
December 12, 2024 - January 2, 2025
Celebrate Somerville's unique holiday spirit with the Illuminations Holiday Tour. Enjoy a self-guided tour through neighborhoods adorned with festive lights, ornaments, and artistic displays. A map will be provided for those who wish to explore this whimsical tradition independently.
Photo courtesy of Somerville Arts Council
Gift of Lights at NH Motor Speedway - Loudon, NH
November 28, 2024 - January 05, 2025
The Gift of Lights returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a breathtaking display of over 2.5 million LED lights spread across 2.5 miles. Drive through holiday-themed tunnels and displays, including the famous Tunnel of Lights. Tune your car radio to festive music as you enjoy this holiday spectacular.
Photo credit: kcasso81 (IG)
SOUTH SUBURBS
Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium - Foxboro
November 22 - December 25, 2024
Magic of Lights returns to Gillette Stadium, offering a drive-through holiday lights experience with dazzling LED animations and festive holiday scenes. This family-friendly event is set against the backdrop of Gillette, providing the perfect atmosphere for a memorable holiday outing.
Holiday Giving Tree Lighting at Patriot Place - Foxborough
November 22, 2024
Celebrate the season with the Holiday Giving Tree Lighting at Patriot Place on November 22 at 6:00 PM. Enjoy the countdown to the lighting, a fireworks display, holiday carolers, and appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Pat Patriot, and the Patriots cheerleaders.
Photo courtesy of Patriot Place
La Salette Festival of Holiday Lights - Attleboro, MA
November 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025
The beloved La Salette Festival of Holiday Lights returns to Attleboro with over 300,000 lights spread across 10 acres. This display celebrates the spiritual side of the holidays, creating a magical atmosphere for families to enjoy.
Photo credit: Robert Gillis / La Salette Shrine
Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture - Avon
November 10, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Experience the historic Enchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture in Avon. This beloved display features restored vintage pieces and offers a magical, nostalgic holiday experience for the entire family.
Christmas Festival of Lights - Edaville USA
Seasonal
All aboard for holiday magic at the annual Christmas Festival of Lights at Edaville USA. This experience includes a festive train ride surrounded by holiday lights, a Christmas Market, and countless holiday-themed displays.
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence
November 29, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Celebrate the season with the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo featuring over 3.5 million lights across 40 acres. Explore larger-than-life displays with friends and family in this magical winter wonderland.
Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park
Holiday Wonderland at Newport Mansions - Newport, RI
November 18, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Celebrate the Holidays at the Newport Mansions, where both the interior and exterior of these historic properties are transformed with holiday decorations. This includes thousands of twinkling lights, 28 sparkling spruce trees, and holiday music. The Children’s Cottage is also adorned with festive lights, and visitors can peek into Santa’s Workshop inside.
Photo courtesy of Newport Mansions
Gardens Aglow: A Celebration of Holiday Lights - Sandwich, MA
November 24 - December 23, 2024
Join the Gardens Aglow event at Heritage Museums & Gardens, a treasured holiday tradition featuring thousands of holiday lights, a reindeer scavenger hunt, festive treats, and Santa Claus at the outdoor stage. Warm up at the Magnolia Café and enjoy Cape Cod Donuts along with fun games and music on the Parade Field.
Photo courtesy of Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
South Shore Celebration of Lights - Marshfield, MA
The South Shore Celebration of Lights is a festive drive-thru light show managed by Fiesta Shows. This mile-long display of over a million LED lights includes dozens of large holiday displays synchronized to music you can enjoy from the warmth of your car.
Photo courtesy of South Shore Celebration of Lights
Enchanted Village of Lights at the Cape Codder - Hyannis, MA
Take a stroll through the Enchanted Holiday Wonderland at the Cape Codder Resort. Highlights include thousands of festive lights, animated scenes, a lobster trap Christmas tree, and an extensive table-top Christmas Village with toy trains. Admission to the village is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring gift cards or non-perishable foods to contribute to the Giving Tree.
Photo courtesy of Cape Codder Resort
Lobster Pot Tree - Provincetown, MA
November 25, 2024 - January 1, 2025
The iconic Lobster Pot Tree in Provincetown is built from actual lobster pots and adorned with a giant anchor, creating a unique holiday display in Lopes Square. This tradition is on display through January 1, making it a must-see during the holiday season.
Photo credit: Julian Popko
WEST SUBURBS
Festival of Trees and Snow Village at Mass Hort - Wellesley, MA
November 24, 2024 - December 30, 2024
The Festival of Trees at Massachusetts Horticultural Society showcases decorated trees donated and adorned by local businesses and organizations. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree and warm up by the outdoor fire pits with s’mores. Inside, the Snow Village features a model railroad display and enchanting holiday scenes.
Photo courtesy of Mass Horticultural Society
Lancaster Celebration of Lights - Lancaster, MA
The Lancaster Celebration of Lights offers a magical drive-through experience hosted by Fiesta Shows. This mile-long journey features over a million holiday lights, including a towering 90-foot Christmas tree and dozens of festive displays synchronized with holiday music.
Night Lights: Color Cascade at New England Botanic Garden - Boylston, MA
November 24, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Experience the breathtaking winter display at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill with thousands of lights illuminating the gardens. Heralded as one of Massachusetts’ best holiday displays, Night Lights draws thousands each year with its dazzling array of colors and immersive experiences. Stroll through the magical Color Cascade and other beautifully lit areas for a memorable evening.
Photo courtesy of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Winter Wonderland at Southwick's Zoo - Milford, MA
November 22 - December 29, 2024
Southwick’s Zoo hosts its annual Winter Wonderland, where over 4 million lights create a festive journey through the zoo. Perfect for families, this dazzling display includes handcrafted light exhibits and seasonal decorations that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland.
Photo courtesy of Southwick's Zoo
Holiday Pig Wagon Lighting at Powisset Farm - Dover, MA
December 7, 2024, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Join the community at Powisset Farm for the annual Holiday Pig Wagon Lighting (formerly known as the Hay Bale Lighting). This family-friendly event includes a fire pit, holiday craft-making, farm-fresh food, and hot chocolate. The evening ends with the lighting of the pig wagon as the sun sets.
Note: Pre-registration is required, and while pets are not allowed, holiday cheer abounds!
Photo credit: Powisset Farm
Winter Lights at Naumkeag, Bradley Estate & Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens - Various Locations
November 22, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Explore the enchanting Winter Lights display at three Trustees properties: Naumkeag in Stockbridge, Bradley Estate in Canton, and Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens in North Andover. Thousands of lights and intricate displays transform each location into a magical holiday destination. Enjoy festive refreshments, family-friendly activities, and scenic walks through beautifully illuminated grounds.
Photo courtesy of Trustees of Reservations
Bright Nights at Forest Park - Springfield, MA
November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025
As New England’s largest holiday lighting display, Bright Nights at Forest Park transforms Springfield with holiday scenes like Seuss Land, Jurassic World, and North Pole Village. This drive-through display lets you enjoy holiday music on 98.5 FM as you view the spectacular lights. Stop at Bright Nights Gift Stop for souvenirs and treats!
Photo courtesy of Bright Nights at Forest Park
First Night Boston
December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025
First Night in Boston is a city-wide New Year’s Eve celebration featuring artistic performances, ice sculptures, light displays, and a midnight pyrotechnic show. This free event brings together thousands in a celebration of the season and the start of a new year.
Photo credit: BostonUSA
Copley Square Tree Lighting - Boston
Boston's Copley Square Tree Lighting offers a festive gathering with carolers, holiday treats, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Although the usual festivities have been modified, the lights will remain through January for everyone to enjoy.
Photo credit: Milford Street
Looking for more December events in Boston? Check out our handy guide to winter fun!
Enjoy classic winter activities like Ice Skating and Skiing Near Boston, along with a variety of festive holiday performances and holiday light displays.
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for well over 20 years, discovering and sharing fun places to explore in Greater Boston.