Boston Tree Lighting 2026: Dates, Times & Locations
Five free nights of holiday magic, from the North End waterfront to Boston Common. Here’s every 2026 tree lighting date, time and spot in one place.
Nothing says the holidays have arrived in Boston quite like the moment the tree lights switch on.
This year, you can enjoy five free tree-lighting celebrations taking place between November 23 and December 3, 2026, stretching from the North End waterfront to Back Bay.
We've rounded up every confirmed 2026 date, time, and location in one guide, making it easy to plan your holiday season.
Pick your favorite lighting ceremony, gather your friends and family, or challenge yourself to experience all five festive nights.
Boston's 2026 Holiday Lighting Schedule
All events are free and open to everyone.
✨ Columbus Park Trellis Lighting
Monday, Nov. 23
🕔 5–6 PM
📍 Christopher Columbus Park, North End
💲 Free
Boston's holiday season begins along the North End waterfront as the famous trellis lights up for its 24th year. The glowing waterfront creates one of the city's most picturesque evening walks and pairs perfectly with dinner on Hanover or Salem Street afterward.
🚢 Martin's Park Ship Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 28
🕔 5–6 PM
📍 Martin's Park, Children's Wharf Harborwalk
💲 Free
Thanksgiving weekend brings holiday cheer to the waterfront as Martin's Park lights up its iconic play ship. It's a fun, family-friendly holiday outing with scenic harbor views.
🎄 Copley Square Tree Lighting
Monday, Nov. 30
🕔 5–6 PM
📍 Copley Square, Back Bay
💲 Free
Celebrate the season and the reopening of the renovated square with guided tours, arts and crafts, Santa and Rudolph appearances, plus live performances from local musicians and choirs.
Perfect for an after-work holiday outing.
🎄 Boston Common Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 3
🕔 6–8 PM
📍 Boston Common, 139 Tremont St.
💲 Free
The city's signature tree-lighting event. Mayor Michelle Wu officially lights Boston's holiday tree, continuing the annual tradition honoring Nova Scotia's gift to Boston.
Expect large crowds and arrive early for the best viewing spots.
✨ Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 3
🕔 Around 8 PM
📍 Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Back Bay
💲 Free
Don't head home after Boston Common. Continue through the Public Garden and watch the trees along Commonwealth Avenue Mall illuminate the Back Bay.
For the ultimate Boston holiday experience, combine this event with the Boston Common Tree Lighting.
More Holiday Lightings Coming Soon
These local favorites happen every year but haven't announced their 2026 dates yet. We'll update this guide as soon as official details are released.
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting: Santa lights the big tree between Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
- Massachusetts State House Tree Lighting: The state's official holiday kickoff on Beacon Hill.
- Light Up Seaport: Live music, festive treats, and holiday fun on Seaport Common, steps from the Snowport Holiday Market.
- USS Constitution Tree Lighting: Hot chocolate and holiday music with the ship's crew in Charlestown.
- North End Tree Celebration: Caroling and Santa at Hanover and North Streets.
Light Up Your Holiday Season
Five free holiday light events over four nights, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the lights. Pick your favorite or try them all. Want more to do? Check Boston Event Guide weekly for new events and ideas.
