Boston Christmas Lights & Holiday Events Schedule 2026
Festive Holiday Lights & Celebrations in Massachusetts and beyond
The holiday season in Boston is something special. Twinkling lights, festive events, and time-honored traditions brighten the city and surrounding suburbs from mid-November through New Year's.
Whether you're planning a family outing, a date night, or a holiday photo adventure, there's a dazzling display close to home.
We've gathered the best holiday light displays, tree lightings, and drive-through shows in Boston and beyond for 2026. From the iconic Boston Common Tree Lighting to enchanting walk-through gardens and cozy in-car experiences, this guide has something for everyone.
Use our quick-view calendar below, or jump to your favorite area using the links. Check back often, since we're adding new events as they're announced!
🎄 2026 Boston Holiday Tree Lightings - Quick View
- Nov 24: Nova Scotia Tree Arrival @ Boston Common
- Nov 23: Trellis Lighting @ Columbus Park
- Nov 28: Ship Lighting @ Martin’s Park
- Nov 30: Copley Square Tree Lighting & Reopening
- Dec 3: Boston Common Tree Lighting (6–8pm)
- Dec 3: Commonwealth Ave Mall Lighting (8:15pm)
- Dec 4: Light up the Seaport (5-8pm | Tree Lighting at 7:20pm)
Boston Holiday Lights & Tree Lightings Guide 2026
✨ Skip to a Section
- 🎄 Boston Tree Lightings
- 🚗 Drive-Thru Light Shows
- 🕎 Menorah Lightings
- 🧭 North Suburbs
- 🏡 South Suburbs
- 🌲 West Suburbs
- 🎆 First Night Boston
🎄 Boston Tree Lightings & Celebrations
Nova Scotia Tree Arrival – Boston Common
Date: November 24, 2026
Location: Boston Common (near Visitors Center)
Watch the arrival of Boston’s iconic Nova Scotia Christmas Tree — a gift from Nova Scotia in thanks for Boston's support after the 1917 Halifax Explosion. A beloved Boston tradition! Event details →
Columbus Park Trellis Lighting – Boston
Date: November 23, 2026
Location: 110 Atlantic Ave, Boston
Celebrate on the waterfront as 50,000 blue lights illuminate the trellis at Christopher Columbus Park along the Boston Harbor Walk. Enjoy carolers, cocoa, cookies & a visit from Santa & Rudolph! Event details →
Holiday Ship Lighting – Martin's Park
Date: November 28, 2026 (5–6pm)
Location: Martin’s Park, 64 Sleeper Street, South Boston
Boston’s newest tradition continues! Welcome Santa as he arrives by boat, then enjoy caroling, cocoa, and festive cheer at Martin’s Park playground along the Fort Point Channel. Event details →
Copley Square Tree Lighting & Grand Re-Opening – Boston
Date: November 30, 2026 (4–6pm)
Location: Copley Square Plaza, Boston
Enjoy a festive celebration with carolers, cocoa, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the annual lighting of the Copley Square tree, along with the grand re-opening of the space. The lights will remain on display through January. Event details →
Boston Common Tree Lighting – Boston
Date: December 3, 2026 (6–8pm)
Location: Boston Common
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia will host the annual tree lighting spectacular, with live performances and a festive fireworks finale! Event details →
Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting – Boston
Date: December 3, 2026 (~8:15pm)
Location: Arlington Street & Comm Ave, Back Bay
Following the Boston Common Tree Lighting, stroll over to the Commonwealth Ave Mall for a peaceful glow of white lights. New this year: Charlesgate Park joins in with a “Glow of the Emerald Green Grove” light installation. Event details →
Light Up Seaport – Boston
Date: December 4, 2026
Location: Seaport Common, Boston
Kick off the holiday season in Boston’s Seaport with the annual tree lighting celebration. The evening begins at 5:00pm with festive games, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. The tree lighting ceremony takes place at 7:30pm.
Don't miss the nearby Holiday Market at Snowport, featuring over 120 local vendors, cozy drinks, and a festive tree market for holiday shopping. Event details →
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
🚗 Drive-Thru Light Shows
Somerville Illuminations Holiday Tour – Somerville, MA
Dates: Dec 11, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027
Location: City-wide, self-guided
Take a self-guided tour of Somerville's whimsical holiday-decorated homes. Artistic, funky, and festive — explore via interactive map! Event details →
Celebration of Lights – Marshfield & Lancaster
Dates: TBD
Locations: Marshfield Fairgrounds & Lancaster Fairgrounds
Drive through dazzling displays of over 1 million lights! Presented by Fiesta Shows, this event is a hit for families who want to stay cozy in the car. Event details →
Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights – Methuen, MA
Dates: TBD
Location: Methuen, MA
Fiesta Shows brings a drive-through holiday light extravaganza to the Merrimack Valley, featuring animated displays and festive music. Event details →
🕎 Menorah Lightings
Boston Common & Copley Square Menorah Lightings
Date: December 4 – 12, 2026 (First night of Hanukkah is Dec 4)
Location: Boston Common & Copley Square
Join the celebration of Hanukkah with nightly menorah lightings in Boston Common and Copley Square. Events often include music, treats, and a sense of community as the candles are lit each evening of the holiday. More info via Chabad →
🧭 North Suburbs
ZooLights at Stone Zoo – Stoneham, MA
Date: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (4:00 – 9:30 p.m.)
Location: Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA
ZooLights transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday magic. Explore tree-lined paths, illuminated lanterns, and festive animal displays. A seasonal favorite for families! Event details →
Celebration of Lights – Marshfield & Lancaster
Date: TBD
Location: Marshfield & Lancaster Fairgrounds
Enjoy a massive drive-through holiday light show from Fiesta Shows, featuring over one million LED lights and festive displays. A cozy, in-car experience perfect for chilly nights! Event details →
Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights – Methuen, MA
Date: TBD
Location: Methuen, MA
This drive-through light experience features dozens of dazzling, holiday-themed displays. Hosted by Fiesta Shows, it’s a great family outing for North Shore locals! Event details →
🏡 South Suburbs
Holiday Giving Tree Lighting – Patriot Place
Date: TBD
Location: Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA
Kick off the holidays with a tree lighting celebration, fireworks, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and appearances by Pat Patriot and the Patriots Cheerleaders. Event details →
La Salette Festival of Holiday Lights – Attleboro, MA
Dates: Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette
Enjoy 300,000+ lights spread across 10 acres, celebrating the spiritual side of the season in a peaceful, family-friendly setting. Event details →
Enchanted Village – Jordan’s Furniture, Avon
Dates: Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027
Location: Jordan’s Furniture, Avon, MA
Step into a magical, nostalgic holiday experience with animated vintage displays, indoor snow, and plenty of holiday cheer for all ages. Event details →
Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights – Carver, MA
Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 27, 2026
Location: Edaville Family Theme Park
Take a magical train ride through twinkling lights, explore festive displays, shop at the Christmas Market, and meet Santa! Event details →
South Shore Celebration of Lights – Marshfield, MA
Dates: TBD
Location: Marshfield Fairgrounds
Drive through a mile-long LED light display synced to music. Brought to you by Fiesta Shows, this is a cozy favorite for families. Event details →
Lobster Pot Tree – Provincetown, MA
Dates: Nov 28, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027
Location: Lopes Square, Provincetown, MA
One of the most unique holiday displays in New England — a towering “tree” made entirely from stacked lobster traps and decorated with festive lights. Event details →
🌲 West Suburbs
Festival of Trees – Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Wellesley
Dates: Nov 25 – Dec 28, 2026
Location: The Gardens at Elm Bank, Wellesley, MA
View beautifully decorated trees, vote for your favorite, and explore the magical Snow Village with model trains and miniature scenes. Event details →
Lancaster Celebration of Lights – Lancaster, MA
Dates: TBD
Location: Lancaster Fairgrounds
Fiesta Shows presents a mile-long drive-through light show with towering trees, synchronized music, and holiday displays. Event details →
Night Lights – New England Botanical Garden, Boylston, MA
Dates: Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Location: Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA
Experience a stunning holiday light walk through the gardens featuring the Color Cascade and dazzling botanical displays. Event details →
Winter Wonderland – Southwick’s Zoo, Milford, MA
Dates: Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Location: Southwick’s Zoo, Milford, MA
Explore a zoo transformed by over 4 million lights! Walk through vibrant displays, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak up the festive spirit. Up through Christmas Eve, step into the magic of the season and meet Santa himself!
Share your holiday wishes, snap a photo, and enjoy a moment straight out of a winter fairytale. Event details →
Winter Lights – Naumkeag, Bradley Estate & Stevens-Coolidge
Dates: Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
Locations: Stockbridge, Canton & North Andover
Visit one of three Trustees locations for an immersive light show experience. Enjoy snacks, scenic walks, and photo ops under the stars! Event details →
Bright Nights at Forest Park – Springfield, MA
Dates: Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
*Closed Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Location: Forest Park, Springfield, MA
New England’s largest drive-through display featuring Seuss Land, Jurassic World, and more — plus holiday music on your car radio. Event details →
🎆 First Night & New Year's Events
First Night Boston - New Year's Eve Celebration
Dates: Dec 31, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027
Location: Boston Common, Copley Square & Citywide
Ring in the New Year with free ice sculptures, live performances, fireworks, and a midnight pyrotechnic display in the heart of Boston.
Event details →
Find More Ideas for Holiday Family Fun
Looking for more fun things to do this season? Check out our curated list of December events in Boston for even more ways to celebrate!
From classic winter activities like Ice Skating and Skiing near Boston to holiday shows & performances and dazzling light displays, there’s something magical for everyone this season.
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About the Author
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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral, for over 25 years — discovering and sharing the best places to explore in Greater Boston and beyond.