Boston’s Copley Square Reopens With Tree Lighting

The tree lighting ceremony in Boston's Copley Square on Monday, Dec. 1, marked the grand reopening of the historic public space after nearly three years of renovations. It was the first Christmas tree lighting since 2022, showcasing the park's new fountain and lawn area.

Copley Square closed in mid-2023 to accommodate the work at the 141-year-old park. Approximately $19 million was invested to enhance the space, increasing shade, seating, and accessibility to create a more walkable and vibrant area.

Earlier this year, as part of the redesign, the lawn was replaced with a concrete plaza to improve cleaning efficiency and event management for city activities, a change described as intentional for rapid recovery of the space following significant events held in Copley Square.

Several members of the public, however, voiced concerns that the look was too sterile. "Before, it was a beautiful field, lots of space to gather and have picnics, and people are sad that we lost it," one parkgoer said to WBZ-TV CBS News Boston in April. "They replaced it with a lot of gray."

"This is the result of months and months of community conversations, and so I am excited for what this will mean — a more walkable, vibrant space for everyone," Wu said in a statement made to WBZ at the time.

Before the tree lighting on Monday, WBZ reported that crews removed fencing and added more grass. Attendees of the tree lighting noted the return of greenery and a more welcoming atmosphere.

"I see grass kind of everywhere," one tree lighting attendee commented.