Boston’s happiest night of the year is almost here! The City of Boston and the Province of Nova Scotia invite everyone to the 85th annual Boston Common Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Boston Common, next to the Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont Street. Best of all, this beloved celebration is completely free.
The star of the evening is the magnificent tree gifted by Nova Scotia, a shining symbol of friendship between the two places. This marks the 55th year Nova Scotia has sent a tree to thank Boston for rushing aid after the Halifax explosion of December 6, 1917, when a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel reached Nova Scotia within 24 hours. Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the celebration, joined by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.
And the glow does not stop at the Common. At about 8:15 p.m., right after the main celebration, the Mayor will help flip the switch on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in the Back Bay, lighting the trees from Arlington Street to Charlesgate in partnership with the Friends of the Public Garden.
Bundle up, arrive early, and make a festive evening of it downtown with family and friends. For more information, visit boston.gov or call 617-635-4505.
Photo: Briancua / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
