The best Boston Christmas lights are turning on soon. You won’t want to miss these dazzling holiday lights
It may seem like you’ve barely finished your turkey dinner, but it’s definitely time to celebrate the winter holiday season with some serious wattage. Boston is full of epic holiday light displays (and tree lightings to go with them), most of which are going live soon. So grab your best scarf, put on those woolly hats and warm mittens, and head out to catch some of the best Boston Christmas lights in town, after heading out to get your Christmas tree, of course.
1. Boston Common Tree Lighting
The official holiday season is underway, and lighting the City of Boston's official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden, is one of the main events. Generations have enjoyed, and continue to treasure, Boston's tree lighting celebration. Twenty-five thousand people of all ages attend the event, which has grown to include a festive stage show with nationally known talent. The Lighting of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall follows the Boston Common Tree Lighting, two of the best places in the city to see holiday lights, Boston families.
Date: Dec. 1, 2022
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2. Copley Square Tree Lighting
This family-friendly event is sure to get you and the kids in a festive mood. There will be refreshments and giveaways, and a special line up of local talent to keep the crowd singing classic holiday hits until the lights turn on. Come for the lighting, return to enjoy the holiday lights Boston residents love all month long.
Date: Nov. 28, 2022
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3. ZooLights at Stone Zoo
Tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights make up this winter wonderland at Stone Zoo. Yukon Creek is where the Boston Christmas lights shine bright at this display. It's home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Add in this year's large-scale lantern displays and we know these holiday lights will make your winter's night bright. Grab tickets to this favorite display while you still can.
Insider Tip: Get over the mid-week hump when you visit ZooLights on a Wednesday, from November 30-December 21. That's when the kids can bump into Mrs. Claus. Psst...we hear she's pretty good at delivering holiday wishes to Santa.
Dates: Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023
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4. Night Lights 2022
Get into the winter spirit with Night Lights 2022 at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. It’s a celebration of light that includes thousands of lights, new experiences, and enchanting landscapes. Enjoy an outdoor walking experience through roughly 15 acres of formal gardens and surrounding woodlands, including illuminated plants, paths, sculptures, fountains, and a magical model train. The Boston Christmas lights scene is enhanced with fire pits for warming up, making s’mores, or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa (or an adult beverage).
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2022
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5. Magic of Lights
Pack the kids into the car and head to Gillette Stadium for a drive-thru display of lights that rivals no other. Magic of Lights is a dazzling display with a drive-through experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and some of your favorite characters of the season. Lit using the latest LED technology and digital animations, kids will squeal with delight as your car makes its way along the route. Get tickets online before driving down.
Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
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6. Martin's Park Ship Lighting
This tree lighting will definitely be lit. Join Martin’s Park in celebrating the holiday season with their annual Ship Lighting. Your kids will love seeing Santa arriving by boat. Enjoy Martin’s Park with hot cocoa, caroling, and holiday fun of all kinds.
Dates: Nov. 26, 2022
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7. Illuminations Tour
Drive to Sommerville with the aid of the Illuminations Tour Map to find the town's most festive houses. Decked in lights from porch to rooftop, these folks go out to create holiday light displays Boston folks return to see year after year. Holiday caroling in planned for December 15, and the map is expected to release on December 8.
Online: somervilleartscouncil.org
8. Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge House & Garden
Winterlights is back with some of the best holiday lights Boston has to offer. And the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens is just one of three beautiful properties that will sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed Christmas lights. The Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate and Naumkeag are the other two festive spots to display this dazzling show. Bring the whole family for a magical and fun outdoor experience, with food, refreshments, and more.
Insider Tip: Tickets always sell out quickly for this event (in fact, some weekends are completely sold out now), so grab yours soon if this trip is on your winter wish list.
Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023
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9. Annual Lighting of the Columbus Park Trellis
Take in the gorgeous views of the city when this trellis is lit with blue lights for the duration of the holiday season. The family will love the music, hot chocolate, and dazzling lights at this amazing event.
Date: Nov. 21, 2022
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10. Winter Light Show at Crescent Farm
The Winter Light Show is an annual spectacular that features dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family as they drive through the gorgeous display. Bundle up the kids, pack your favorite holiday cookies, and pour creamy hot cocoa into the thermos; then sit back and listen to the holiday music on your car's stereo. The synced light performance will make your kids smile. The drive is one mile. Be sure to plan ahead as you'll need tickets for this one.
Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
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Related: Welcome, Winter! 8 Outdoor Adventures to Take with Kids Now
