Boston Parks and Recreation Department Releases Holiday Lighting Events Schedule

Boston's Parks and Recreation Department has released a citywide holiday lighting schedule featuring appearances by Santa Claus at venues across Boston, from Boston Common to the Seaport and various public squares.

Here is a list of the events for those marking their holiday calendars now.

Boston's official Christmas tree is set to arrive on the Common by flatbed truck from Nova Scotia, Canada, on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. This year's tree, a 45-foot-tall white spruce, was nominated by Ronald and Claire Feener of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.

Christopher Columbus Park will be lit on Nov. 24 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The park will feature 50,000 blue lights across 260 feet of trellis and 14 decorated trees, with festive offerings such as Santa, Rudolph, eggnog, hot chocolate, and chowder.

The ship at Martin's Park lighting on Nov. 29 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. celebrates the park's centerpiece and the memory of Martin W. Richard — the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings — in partnership with the Friends of Martin's Park.

Copley Square will host a Dec. 1 lights event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring a renovated square tour, live performances by Joelle Jones, the Boston Children's Chorus, and the Boston Pops Esplanade Brass Ensemble. Santa visits and cookies will follow at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

The Boston Common Tree Lighting on Dec. 4 runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the city's tree lit around 7:55 p.m. and a broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 beginning at 7 p.m.

Lights along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Charlesgate Park will be switched on Dec. 4 at 8:15 p.m. The lights will extend from Arlington Street to Charlesgate Park, courtesy of the Friends of the Public Garden.

For more information on these events, members of the public can visit the city's website or call 617-635-4505. Individuals can follow the Parks and Recreation Department at @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.