Boston to Host Fifth Annual Ship Lighting at Martin’s Park on November 29

The City of Boston will celebrate the start of the holiday season with the fifth annual Ship Lighting at Martin’s Park on Saturday, November 29, from 5 to 6 p.m. The family event, organized by the Friends of Martin’s Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, will transform the Seaport District into a festive waterfront destination filled with lights, music, and community spirit.

Located at 64 Sleeper Street in the Fort Point and Seaport neighborhoods, Martin’s Park was built in memory of eight-year-old Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The park was designed to be fully accessible and climate-resilient, offering children and families a welcoming space to play year-round.

The park’s wooden playship, a signature feature, will take center stage once again as more than 7,600 feet of white and blue LED lights illuminate the ship, nearby fencing, and pedestrian bridge. The display has become a beloved Boston tradition, attracting families from across the city each winter.

The event will feature seasonal refreshments from H.P. Hood and Café Nero and is sponsored by the Friends of Martin’s Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, with additional support from Nan Fung Life Sciences Real Estate.

Santa Claus and The Grinch are scheduled to make a memorable entrance by boat, escorted by the Boston Police Harbor Unit before switching on the lights to formally kick off the season. The evening’s entertainment will include performances by Berklee College of Music students, singer Sofia Sunshine, and local duo Skye and Jo. Visitors can also expect appearances from the Boston Park Rangers, a fire truck display by the Boston Fire Department, and holiday-themed arts and crafts led by a local artist.

Boston’s Parks and Recreation Department will continue its holiday festivities throughout the city with several upcoming events, including the Copley Square Tree Lighting on Monday, December 1, at 4 p.m., and the Boston Common Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4, beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s Boston Common tree is a 45-foot white spruce gifted by Ronald and Claire Feener of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. The Boston Common ceremony will be followed by the lighting of the trees along Commonwealth Avenue Mall at 8:15 p.m.

Residents and visitors can find details about the city’s full lineup of holiday events at boston.gov/holiday-lights. For updates on park events and programs, visit boston.gov/parks or follow @bostonparksdept on social media.