I don’t know about you, but between finals and end-of-year parties, I’ve hardly had time to take in everything Boston has to offer during the holiday season. Sure, I’ve passed a few light displays on the way to Emerson’s campus. But now that my last research paper is finished, I’m ready to walk around with some hot chocolate and fully embrace the holiday spirit. Whether you’re spending the season in Boston or just here for a bit before heading home, check out some of the best places to see holiday lights around the city.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall/Charlesgate Park
When people think of the holidays in Boston, they may picture the Commonwealth Avenue Mall completely aglow in golden lights while a light snow flurry settles softly to the ground. If this is the image you’re manifesting, look no further. Starting on Arlington Street into the Kenmore Square and Back Bay area, you can’t miss the blocks of illuminated trees. Soaking in this holiday magic is also a great way to see an awesome light display on a budget. Although it’s never frowned upon if you want to grab a warm drink from a Newbury Street cafe and sit on a bench under the lights for a bit.
Boston Common
Don’t want to travel far from Emerson’s campus? No problem. Boston Common has one of the most notable light displays in all of Boston. With its annual tree lighting in early December, the park not only features a 45-foot Christmas tree (which was cut down in Nova Scotia, with the help of Mayor Wu herself as part of a whimsical tradition), but the entire park has trees decorated to the nines with colorful lights. Pair the lights with ice skating at the Common’s Frog Pond, and you have a perfect winter wonderland.
But you didn’t think that was all Boston Common had to offer, did you? This year, for the first time, Frostival is bringing a synchronized LED-drone experience to the skies above the park. Featuring drone displays of Rudolph the Reindeer, snowflakes, Buddy the Elf, and more, this show is guaranteed to get you feeling festive. The entirely free show takes place every Saturday from November 29 through December 20, with shows at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM in the Common.
Menorah Lighting at Seaport
On December 21, Chabad of Downtown Boston is headed to Seaport to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah by lighting a 9-foot-tall Menorah! With live music and sweet treats (including fluffy, fried donuts and chocolate Gelt coins), this is a great place to gather if the winter blues are starting to hit. Admission is free for all; read here for more details.
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
Featuring the largest Christmas tree in Boston (a whopping 50 feet tall), the holiday display at Faneuil Hall, outside Quincy Market, is no joke. If you want to grab a quick bite to eat or fit in some last-minute shopping while still basking in the holiday lights, this is the place to be. This location, though, is sure to draw a crowd. If you need to step away for a bit, you may as well pop over to the next display on our list—it’s just a few steps away!
Christopher Columbus Park
Leaving Faneuil Hall? Cross the street to Christopher Columbus Park! Located near the North End on Boston’s historic waterfront, you’ll find the 23rd annual lighting of this park’s trellis. Stretching over 260 feet, the trellis is covered from end to end with colorful golden or blue lights that transport you straight into a holiday movie. With amazing views of the harbor and Boston’s skyline in the distance, this is a great place for a festive photo-op. You can even walk into the North End for a couple of cannolis afterward…we won’t tell.
Somerville Illuminations Tour
Do you have a car or perhaps an adventurous friend who’s willing to let you ride shotgun? If yes, this is a great way to experience a bit of Christmas in suburbia. While Somerville is a bit outside of the city, it’s still easily accessible via public transportation, and trust me, this activity is worthwhile. Every year, Somerville offers a month-long holiday lights extravaganza with self-guided tours of houses with the best displays. They even provide an interactive online map that guides you through. And if you opt for public transportation to make it to Somerville, while you may not be able to see all the houses listed on the map, this tour can also be done on foot or on a bicycle if you’re willing to brave the cold weather!
While winter in Boston brings wind gusts that make you seriously reconsider ever leaving your apartment, it also delivers some serious holiday magic to anyone who wants to envision living life in a snow globe. This guide highlights some of the best places to see holiday lights in the city, but there are plenty more we couldn’t even fit, including the twinkling trees at City Hall, Copley Square, and throughout Cambridge. After a long semester of hard work, you deserve a little festive wandering! From everyone in Graduate Admission at Emerson College, we’re wishing you a wondrous holiday season, and we can’t wait to share more stories and guides with you in the year ahead.
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