Ho, Ho, Ho – it’s holiday time in Boston And Christmas in Boston definitely brings out a cozy yet a shiny and exuberant festive atmosphere. Bostonians are known for taking things to another level when the holidays come around. Wandering if you should spend Christmas in Boston this year? Well like many others , Travel and Leisure magazine definitely agrees with me and the photographs below will sway your decision for sure. Whether it may be shopping or seeing a show, going for sightseeing or just discovering the beautiful Xmas decorations, Boston has it all.
So let me take you to the city tour of my hometown Boston in this glittering festive holiday season.
Quincy Market/ Fanehuil Hall : Faneuil Hall Marketplace has special Christmas tree lighting ceremony in early November every year.More than 30,000 lights and strobes on the 80-foot tree, the tallest in the northeast, is a sight not to be missed. 12-ton Norwegian Spruce comes from Long Island, New York and is the largest holiday tree in New England. To make the experience unforgettable , the Blink ( light and sound show) runs every half hour between 5 pm- 10 pm and its all free of cost. Fanehuil Hall serves as complete family fun area and has unlimited options for entertainment, dining and shopping.
Christopher Columbus Park , North End: This is one of my favorite locations probably because of its close proximity to Fanehuil park.Every year Christopher Columbus Park transforms into a holiday wonderland with annual lighting of the 260 feet long trellis with 50,000 blue lights.As you walk towards wharf at North End, you will see sparkling Christmas lights hanging in nearby trees and holiday music filling the air.
Boston Commons : Boston’s Official Christmas Tree is a 47-foot white spruce – a gift from Nova Scotia and is lighted up in a beautiful ceremony every year. Many people do not know this but there is more than the glittering lights to this tree. It is in memory of a tragedy, and in celebration of Christmas and humanity. history behind this Xmas tree gift from Nova Scotians. In December, 1917 a French cargo ship loaded with wartime munitions accidentally collided with a Belgian relief ship resulting in the biggest accidental explosion in world history. Upon hearing of the news, Boston immediately sent a relief train with doctors, nurses, and supplies to aid the devastated city and that was the first relief that Nova Scotians recieved in that horrible cold.Hence, in 1919 Halifax sent Boston a Christmas Tree in gratitude for the assistance, and the Nova Scotia Christmas Tree tradition was borne.
Macy’s Downtown : Downtown Boston buzzes with people in holiday season.. and why not? You can drink, dine, shop all at one place and the live music is perfect to add that special touch. Macy’s Xmas tree lighting is one of a kind and the whole Xmas theme (Unique ever year) is displayed over Macy’s windows.
My other Favorites :I am a Northeastern University Grad. As a student when I couldn’t fly back home in holiday season , Prudential Center and the area around used to be my holiday lifeline. Dinner at Copley, Ice-cream at NewBury Street and Coffee at Boston Commons, I can never forget that. This year I took my husband (whom I met in the same university) around that very area and it was like taking stroll down the memory lane.
A visit to Boston during the holiday season is a great way to put yourself in the Christmas spirit. I hope next year you will consider Boston as your holiday destination . Let me know your favorite things to do and see in comments about your home town and if you are a Bostonian or have visited Boston anytime sooner I will love to hear about your favorites in Boston too. Thank you for stopping by.
GuestGuestGuestGuestKanikaGuestGuest
Beautiful pictures! Fun post
Thank you so much :).. My photos credits go to PHOTOSTAINS
New England really does a great job around the holidays. Lovely pictures.
Thank you so much. Have you been to this area ever?
Beautiful photos Kanika- theres something about all the lights that just makes everything so magical and pretty. I secretly wish they would stay up year round…but then I guess they would’t be so special.
I so agree with you.. We have similar festival of lights in India called Diwali.. you will love it. I will love to take you to India if you ever want.
Oh, wow. That looks lovely! I was thinking of going to the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony but in the end was glad I didn’t go because of the protests, but now I think I need to see this before it’s all turned off. Do you know how long those lights will be on? (I hope through this weekend at least. Tomorrow might be a good day.
I think they will be on over the weekend, you can definetly try. Did you see Boston’s fireworks?
Gorgeous pictures, it looks so festive and it’s making me wish the holiday season hadn’t passed so quickly!
I know.. i just want to hold on to this season of festivals so badly
No, I didn’t see the fireworks, did you? Must have been nice!
Ooooh it was very nice