Boston Tree Lightings 2026
Photo: Sondoua (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Every official tree lighting in Boston this season is free. Here they are in order, from the City of Boston’s own calendar.
- Monday, November 23, 5 PM: Trellis lighting at Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront.
- Tuesday, November 24, about 11 AM: the official tree arrives on Boston Common from Nova Scotia, with a police escort.
- Saturday, November 28, 5 PM: Lighting of the Ship at Martin’s Park in the Seaport.
- Monday, November 30, 5–6 PM: Copley Square tree lighting, with Santa, the Boston Children’s Chorus and a tour of the renovated square.
- Thursday, December 3, 6–8 PM: Boston Common tree lighting, the big one.
- Thursday, December 3, 8 PM: Lighting of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, right after the Common.
The Holiday Pops open at Symphony Hall the same night as the Boston Common lighting, December 3. For shopping, see our Christmas markets guide, and for everything else, the holiday events page.
Sources: City of Boston events. Checked October 15, 2026; confirm hours before you go.