Boston’s Brightest: Holiday Lighting Ceremonies
When the days grow shorter, Boston shines brighter. Each winter, the city transforms into a glittering wonderland with festive tree lightings and iconic landmark illuminations that usher in the spirit of the season. To help you experience the best of Boston’s holiday magic, we’ve curated a list of the city’s most dazzling lighting ceremonies, all just moments from Fairmont Copley Plaza.
Special Events
Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2 – 7pm
Location: West End Between Historic Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Quincy Market’s 2025 Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 22nd from 2–7pm, with the 50-foot tree lighting at 6pm and an evening of festive treats, special guests, and live performances from Boston’s top artists including Boston Ballet and The Femmes!
Trellis Lighting at Christopher Columbus Park
Date: Monday, November 24, 5 – 6pm
Location: Christopher Columbus Park (110 Atlantic Avenue, Boston 02110)
Experience the magic of the holidays at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End as Boston’s historic waterfront lights up with 260 feet of sparkling trellis! Enjoy festive music, meet Santa and Rudolph, and savor eggnog, hot chocolate, and cookies for a truly unforgettable evening.
Copley Square Tree Lighting & Grand Reopening
Date: Monday, December 1, 4pm – 6pm
Location: Copley Square, right outside Fairmont Copley Plaza’s front doors (560 Boylston St, Boston 02116)
Step outside our doors and be part of history as Copley Square reopens for the first time in years with its grand tree lighting celebration! Join us on Monday, December 1 at 4 p.m. for live music, guided tours of the beautifully renovated square, and special appearances by Santa and Rudolph. Cap off the evening at Fairmont Copley Plaza with cookies, photos with Santa, and holiday cheer right in the heart of Boston!
photo credit: @diamonds.and.rust_ (photo from 2021)
Boston Common Holiday Tree
Date: Thursday, December 4, 6pm – 8pm
Location: 139 Tremont Street, Boston 02116
Celebrate the season at Boston Common’s 84th Annual Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4, with festive lights, live music, and appearances by Santa and Rudolph! Don’t miss this iconic holiday tradition, hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Province of Nova Scotia, lighting up the heart of Boston from 6–8 p.m.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting
Date: Thursday, December 4, 8pm – 9:30pm
Location: Commonwealth Avenue Mall (15 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston 02116)
Keep the holiday magic going right after Boston Common’s tree lighting on Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. with the illuminated trees along Commonwealth Avenue Mall! Join the Friends of the Public Garden and the community in celebrating this beloved Boston tradition as the Mall lights up for the season.
Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting
Date: Thursday, December 4, 6pm – 9pm
Location: Charles Street to Cambridge Street (170 Charles Street, Boston 02116)
Join the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 4, from 6–9 PM! Wander the festive, traffic-free Charles Street, enjoy live music, seasonal treats, and explore the neighborhood’s shops and restaurants all aglow for the holidays.
photo credit:@yayitsyanan
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen's Holiday Specials
Thanksgiving Day at OAK
Thanksgiving Day food & beverage specials in OAK Long Bar + Kitchen will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in addition to the Lunch & Dinner Menus.
Pie in the Sky
Raise a glass to giving back—our Pie in the Sky Boston Cream Pie–inspired cocktail (Tito’s vodka, crème de cacao, demerara, heavy cream) donates $1 per order to Community Servings all of November.
Christmas Day at OAK
Christmas Day food & beverage specials will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in addition to the Lunch & Dinner Menus.
Holiday Frost
Sip on festive cocktails at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, where the Holiday Frost—a delicious mix of Botanist gin, rosemary syrup, pomegranate juice, and lime juice—helps make wishes come true. $1 from every order will be donated to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts & Rhode Island throughout December!
New Year's Eve at OAK
New Year’s Eve food & beverage specials will be available from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. in addition to the Dinner Menu; Last call for drinks is 12:45 a.m.