The annual Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting in the North End on Nov. 23, 2020.
As the holiday season draws near, Boston is ready to embrace the festive spirit with a host of signature light displays and spectacular decorations. Here is a selection of upcoming events, which begin next week.
When: Nov. 25 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: 110 Atlantic Avenue
Along the waterfront in the North End, the trellis is transformed into a beautiful holiday display every fall. During this year’s 22nd annual lighting, 250 feet of trellis will be illuminated with 50,000 blue lights, along with 14 decorated trees throughout the park. The festivities include musical performances, a special appearance from Santa Claus, and various holiday treats, including eggnog and cookies.
Santa Claus greeted the yearly arrival of a Christmas tree from Nova Scotia at Boston Common on Nov. 21, 2023. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
Boston’s official Christmas tree arrives from Nova Scotia
When: Nov. 26 at 11 a.m.
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Where: Boston Common
Boston’s official Christmas tree, donated by a couple in Nova Scotia, will arrive to fanfare on Boston Common. This year’s tree is a 45-foot white spruce from the Mattie Settlement in Antigonish County. Each year since 1971, the Canadian province has sent Boston a tree as gratitude for the help the city provided after the Halifax Explosion in 1917.
“Every holiday season we celebrate a special tradition with our friends in Nova Scotia to commemorate the warm and meaningful connection between our two communities dating back more than a century,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.
A Christmas tree lights up Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Nov. 22, 2022. Erin Clark/Globe Staff /file 2022
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting
When: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Where: Nov. 26 from 3 to 7 p.m.
A 30-foot Norway spruce will be adorned with lights, garland, ornaments, ribbons and more. Miss Massachusetts, Melissa Sapini, Santa Claus, and others will make special appearances. The event will serve some holiday snacks including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Ned Devine’s hot chocolate.
The Martin’s Park Ship Lighting in Boston on Nov. 26, 2022. Carlin Stiehl for The Boston Globe
Lighting of the Ship at Martin’s Park
When: Nov. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: 64 Sleeper St.
More than 1,500 feet of blue and white lights will illuminate Martin’s Park, which was built in memory of Martin W. Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. The park’s centerpiece is a ship where children and families can play. Santa Claus will arrive by boat and Betty the Yeti the Seaport’s official winter mascot, will make an appearance.
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A crowd gathers to watch the 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting in 2023. Nathan Klima for The Boston Globe
Boston Common Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Boston Common
The city’s official tree will be lit at the close of a two-hour celebration starting at 6 p.m. and broadcast on WCVB-TV. This is the 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting. The tree will be lit at around 7:55 p.m and the holiday lights throughout the park will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. Mayor Michelle Wu will make an appearance alongside Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
“The Boston Common Tree Lighting brings our residents together through compassion and holiday cheer each winter, and we’re excited to continue the tradition,” Wu said.
Charlesgate Park, near the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, was adorned with emerald green lights for the holiday season in Dec. 2021. Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Lighting of the Trees on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Charlesgate Park
When: Dec. 5 at 8:15 p.m.
Where: Arlington Street and Commonwealth Avenue
The holiday lighting will immediately follow the Boston Common Tree Lighting. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy and Charlesgate Alliance will bring their signature emerald green lighting to the Charlesgate Park block of the mall for a fourth year. This year, the lights will extend to Kenmore Square.
A large tree decorated with holiday lights is pictured in the Seaport on Dec. 15, 2020. Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Light Up Seaport
When: Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Seaport Common
The neighborhood invited locals to “get your jolly on” at the annual Light Up Seaport event. The tree will be lit at 7:30 p.m. with holiday performances and a special appearance by Betty the Yeti. The event will be hosted by television personalities Amina Smith and Ashlee Feldman.
Sabrina Lam can be reached at sabrina.lam@globe.com.