Boston Common Tree Lighting 2023

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Dates:	Thursday, November 30, 2023
Hours:	Hours Vary see below
Ages:	Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free
Category:	Holiday

The City of Boston’s signature holiday celebration returns on Thursday, November 30, from 6-8 p.m.

Boston’s official 2023 Christmas tree from Nova Scotia will be lit at the close of a two-hour celebration beginning at 6:00pm and broadcast live on WCVB Channel 5 starting at 7:00pm. The tree will be lit at approximately 7:55 p.m.

Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston will host the 82nd Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting adjacent to the Visitor’s Information Center at 139 Tremont Street.

Guests can also take part in photo-ops, giveaways, and enjoy refreshments while supplies last.

The official holiday season kick-off in Boston includes the lighting of the City of Boston's official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden.

Generations have enjoyed and continue to treasure Boston's tree lighting celebration. Thousands people of all ages attend the event, which has grown to include a festive stage show with nationally known talent.

Nova Scotia has been gifting Boston a tree since 1971, in gratitude for Boston's immediate assistance after the 1917 Halifax Explosion.

Prior to the tree lighting at 5:00pm, visitors are invited over to Frog Pond for Boston Skating Club's annual Skating Spectacular at Frog Pond.

For more information, please call 617-635-4505. Check out the Boston Common website for parking information.

Interested in finding more holiday lights near Boston? Visit our guide to find some fun new sparkling experiences to enjoy with friends & family this year.

HOURS

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5:00pm - Skating Spectacular at Frog Pond
6:00pm -8:00pm - Entertainment on the Common
The tree will be lit at approximately 7:55 p.m.

WEBSITE

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www.boston.gov/calendar/boston-common-tree-lighting

LOCATION

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Boston Common, Boston, MA map
Phone: (617) 635-4505

Boston Common
Adjacent to the Visitor’s Information Center at 139 Tremont Street.

REVIEWS

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Always a great time

I've gone to this ceremony for the past five years now and I've always enjoyed it. It's a great way to get out and enjoy the holidays with friends and family while being surrounded by people doing the same. This year in particular the short fireworks display after the tree lighting was phenomenal. Such a great event for both children and tourists alike. Not to mention it's completely free. There's not much to dislike about this, just a good old community event.

Pathetic

So poorly organized this year, so pathetic, boring, especially empty stage for 20 minutes in the middle of the concert. That band, packed in the plastic cube, could barely be seen and heard in such a big place and with such a big crowd. People around were complaining a lot!!! The only performance, which saved the whole thing was a band of guys with drums from Nova Scotia. Non stop bla-bla-bla about Boston Ballet followed by a Bear Dance for a few minutes... will not come next year.

Fun Times

Very fun, just great to be out with so many other people excited about the Christmas season. I got there at 6 and the front lawn closest to the stage was pretty sparsely populated. I went to grab some fried dough & lingered for a while checking out free sample stuff and returned to the lawn at 7. It was completely packed and even the upper lawns were getting cramped! So, advice - get on the front lawn at 6! You can't really see much on the back lawns, so you want to be closer. Wear warm stuff so you don't freeze, and don't worry about getting out - there were no problems or jams, since the Commons are so wide open. I highly recommend it!!