Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the holiday mania can officially begin! Dozens of tree lightings will take place across Boston and its surrounding towns, but the following three are not to be missed.
These events include much more than just a glowing pine tree, there will also be musical performances, ice skating, and lots of goodies for the whole family.
1. Copley Square Tree Lighting - Monday, December 2
On Monday, December 2, head to Copley Square at 5pm for the city's annual tree lighting and holiday celebration.
The Boston Public Library will host a candy cane tea with fresh baked cookies, as well as the ceremonial hanging of Christmas wreaths and lighting of the Menorah.
Due to its popularity, tickets for this portion of the event will be distributed by raffle. Visit eventbrite for your chance to win.
At the moment of the tree's lighting, the Old South Church bells will toll. Kids can look forward to appearances by Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty, plus live music by local groups including the Boston Pops Brass Quintet.
2. Faneuil Marketplace: Giant Christmas Trees and Blink! Light Show - Tuesday, December 3
Leave it to Faneuil Hall to go above and beyond! Traditionally, theirs is the tallest decorated tree in the Northeast. This year's is already up and ready to be lit on Tuesday, December 3. Festivities begin at 7:30 with live musical performances.
As the "Holiday Spectacular" continues, 30,000 lights, plus 1,000 strobes will illuminate the marketplace.
From the night of its ceremonial first lighting through January 1, the Blink! music and light show will run every half-hour each night from 4:30pm-10pm to the tune of 7 fun holiday songs.
While you're in the area, take a stroll over to nearby Columbus Park to see their lovely lighted trellis.
3. Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting & Frog Pond Skating Spectacular - Thursday, December 5
The Frog Pond always knows how to put on a show! On Thursday, December 5, before the lighting event, a free ice-skating show featuring Theatre on Ice of Boston, national and international competitive skaters, and Team Excel Synchronized will take place from 5pm-6pm.
After, the annual tree gifted to the city from Nova Scotia will be lit up with 7,000 lights. The Mayor will be in attendance, as will Santa and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Enjoy refreshments, music, and entertainment for the remainder of the show which wraps up around 8.
When the Mayor turns on the lights in the common, Boston's holiday season officially begins!