Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Boston

Christmas lights, a quintessential part of Boston's holiday season, illuminate the city's parks, gardens, and historic landmarks, transforming them into vibrant displays of festive cheer. From the grand tree at Boston Common to the sparkling displays at Faneuil Hall and beyond, these festive illuminations draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, spreading holiday cheer across the city. Whether it's a stroll under twinkling trellises at Christopher Columbus Park or taking in the LED-decorated trees, Boston’s holiday lights are an essential part of the city's seasonal celebrations.

Boston Common Tree Lighting (December 5, 2024)

The 83rd Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday, December 5, from 6 pm to 8 pm, near the Visitor’s Information Center at 139 Tremont Street. Mayor Michelle Wu, joined by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, will light up the city's official Christmas tree, gifted by the Province of Nova Scotia, shortly before 8 pm. The holiday lights throughout the Boston Common and Public Garden will illuminate in sequence, creating a festive atmosphere. The event will also feature a sampling village offering giveaways and refreshments while supplies last. Following the tree lighting, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall will also be lit up in a continuation of the city’s holiday festivities.

ZooLights at the Stone Zoo (November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025)

ZooLights at the Stone Zoo, just a 20-minute drive from Boston, is set to enchant visitors once again this holiday season, running from 4 to 9:30 pm (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). This beloved event transforms the zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the 26-acre park.

Visitors will enjoy strolling through festively decorated paths, including Yukon Creek, home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer, and more, all under the glow of the holiday lights. Families can make their visit extra special with a photo opportunity with Santa, who will be available for meet-and-greets on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from November 25 to December 18, between 4:30 and 8:30 pm. This year, photos with Santa cost $20 for a group of four, with an additional $5 per extra guest.

Another highlight is the "Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer" event, where guests can sip customized cocoa from a festive hot chocolate bar while learning about Holly and Aoife, the zoo’s resident reindeer. This event requires advance online ticket purchase and includes admission to ZooLights.

Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Faneuil Hall (Tuesday, November 26, 2024)

Faneuil Hall Marketplace in the heart of Boston is home to the largest Christmas tree in the Northeast, and this year’s Tree Lighting Celebration promises to be more magical than ever. Taking place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, this festive event will feature a majestic 85-foot (26 m) fir tree, dazzling with hundreds of sparkling lights perfectly synchronized to music. Visitors can look forward to an afternoon filled with holiday cheer, including a variety of live performances, guest speakers, and seasonal treats. The highlight of the event is the mesmerizing light show, which uses over 350,000 LED lights, leaving thousands of spectators in awe.

Other Illuminated Areas Across Boston

Boston offers a range of festive illuminations, both within the city and throughout Massachusetts. The Frog Pond Skating Spectacular and the Public Garden are among the city's best-decorated areas. Additionally, the 31 Nights of Light at the Prudential Tower offers a colorful nightly display, with the tower's lights changing each day. For a picturesque waterfront walk, Christopher Columbus Park in the North End dazzles with thousands of blue and white lights, including its iconic 260-foot trellis adorned with wreaths, making it one of the most romantic spots in the city.

Festive Illuminations Beyond Boston

Beyond Boston, several other holiday light displays across Massachusetts are worth the drive. Somerville Illuminations Month showcases elaborate neighborhood light displays in a friendly competition of over-the-top décor, with a map available online for self-guided tours. At the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, visitors can enjoy an enchanting evening in twinkle-lit gardens, model train villages, and fire pits for making s’mores. The Trustees' Winterlights feature spectacular illuminations at historical properties like Naumkeag, the Steven-Coolidge House, and the Bradley Estate, each with unique light displays, wooded paths, and sound and light shows.

For those willing to venture further, Edaville's Christmas Festival of Lights is a must-see, featuring 17 million holiday lights and attractions like a Christmas Train ride through the glowing theme park. Whether staying local or exploring the region, there’s no shortage of magical holiday lights in and around Boston this season.