Everything you need to know about the Boston Common tree lighting

Don't miss out on one of Boston's jolliest traditions.

The event is happening this year on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

2 minutes to read

The holidays are upon us, and that means that the city is about to be glowing with lights. The City of Boston’s 83rd official tree lighting event is always set to be a fun and festive time for the whole family. Curious about the details? We’ve got you covered.

When and where is the Boston Common tree lighting?

The event is happening this year on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m., while the tree itself will be lit just before 8 p.m.

Trees all throughout the Common and Public Garden will light up, so you won’t miss the magic. The main event will be located at approximately 139 Tremont St. adjacent to the Visitor’s Information Center.

How big is the tree?

The tree chosen for this year’s festivities is a 45-foot white spruce from Nova Scotia, planted by Hugh and Liz Ryan.

Hugh and Liz Ryan in front of this year’s Tree for Boston in Mattie Settlement, Antigonish County./Communications Nova Scotia

What is the history behind the tree?

For 53 years, Nova Scotia has gifted Boston a tree as a thank you for relief efforts following a Dec. 6, 1917 explosion of a ship in Halifax Harbor. After the explosion, Boston sent a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel to Nova Scotia within 24 hours of the disaster.

The annual gift of an evergreen Christmas tree from Nova Scotia arrived at Boston Common with a police escort on Nov. 26, 2024. *(Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff)*

Who will be there?

The event is hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and title sponsor The Province of Nova Scotia. Amazon is the presenting sponsor, Meet Boston and JetBlue are signature sponsors, Bank of America and Constellation are the Community Sponsors, and media sponsors are WCVB Channel 5 and the Boston Globe.

November 30, 2023 – Scenes from the 82nd Annual Tree Lighting on the Boston Common. (Mayor’s Office Photo by Mike Mejia)

WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle co-anchors Anthony Everett and Shayna Seymour will host Channel 5’s live broadcast of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Berklee College of Music alumni American Authors will headline with performances of “Best Day of My Life” and “Christmas Karaoke.” This year’s entertainment includes Halifax pop singer-songwriter Ria Mae, songs from A Christmas Carol performed by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, performances by Mi’kmaq folk artist and fiddler Morgan Toney, Renese King, the Boston Children’s Chorus, and more.

Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will make appearances, so make sure to grab pics when you see them.

A sampling village will feature a photo-op, giveaways, and refreshments from several companies while supplies last.

Don’t miss out on this family-friendly Bostonian tradition to kick off the holiday season.

Jessika Landon

Audience Engagement Co-op

Jessika Landon is the audience engagement co-op at Boston.com and a senior at Emerson College. She is a native of Bangor, Maine.

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