Top Christmas Tree Displays to Experience in Boston

Starting in late November, the city of Boston lights up for the holiday season, transforming it into a festive destination. Through the New Year, visitors can take in iconic and unique holiday displays, from gigantic Christmas trees to beautifully illuminated neighborhoods.

No matter your location in the city, particularly after sunset, you’re bound to feel the holiday spirit. However, for the most spectacular experiences, here are the best festive locations to visit.

1. Tree for Boston on Boston Common

Address: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA

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Phone: +1 617-536-4100

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The Tree for Boston, located on the Boston Common, is a magnificent spruce Christmas tree, gifted annually from Nova Scotia. This tradition honors the bond between Boston and Halifax following the Great Halifax Explosion of 1917.

The tree lighting event in late November is a festive highlight, featuring fireworks and the free ice show known as the Frog Pond Skating Spectacular.

2. Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree

Address: Boston, MA 02109, USA

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Phone: +1 617-523-1300

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The Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an ideal destination for holiday shopping and is home to the tallest decorated Christmas tree in the area. Past displays have reached heights of 85 feet, with the latest being a stunning 60-foot spruce from New York.

During the holiday season, visitors can experience Blink!, an outstanding LED light and sound show featuring over 350,000 lights synchronized to music from the Holiday Pops.

3. “Make Way for Ducklings” at the Boston Public Garden

Address: Boston, MA 02116, USA

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Phone: +1 617-635-4505

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Adjacent to the Boston Common lies the Boston Public Garden, which also transforms beautifully for the holidays. Here you will find the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues, which are decorated for the season, providing perfect photo opportunities.

4. Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Address: 484 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA

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Phone: +1 617-635-4505

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After exploring the Boston Common and Public Garden, head over to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall where illuminated trees line the pathway, surrounded by elegant Victorian brownstones decorated for the season. This lovely area connects the Boston Public Garden and Back Bay, perfect for continuing your shopping on Newbury and Boylston Streets.

5. Copley Square Tree & Prudential Tower’s 31 Nights of Light

Address: Copley Square, Boston, MA 02116, USA

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When visiting Back Bay, make sure to stop by the Copley Square tree. This area, including the Boston Public Library and the Fairmont and Lenox hotels, also showcases beautiful holiday decorations.

Be sure to visit the Prudential Tower in the evening to see their stunning 31 Nights of Light display, which honors different local nonprofits daily.

6. Macy’s Tree in Downtown Crossing

Address: 450 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, USA

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Phone: +1 617-357-3000

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When shopping in Downtown Crossing, the festive Macy’s holiday tree at 450 Washington Street is unmissable. Macy’s is also famed for its elaborately decorated window displays.

7. Trellis at Christopher Columbus Park

Address: Christopher Columbus Park Path, Boston, MA, USA

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As you approach the North End neighborhood, cross the Greenway waterfront to discover blue lights adorning the archway at Christopher Columbus Park, featuring 50,000 LED lights. It’s a delightful spot for photos.

8. Somerville Illuminations Tour

Address: 50 Evergreen Ave, Somerville, MA 02145, USA

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Phone: +1 617-625-6600

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Just north of Boston in Somerville, you can take part in the Illuminations Tour. Each year, residents decorate their homes extravagantly for the holidays. This 45-minute trolley ride, organized by the Somerville Arts Council, showcases some of the best displays. Tickets typically sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to purchase early.

9. ZooLights at the Stone Zoo

Address: 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA

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Phone: +1 617-541-5466

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Just a short distance from the city, the Stone Zoo hosts a magical experience during the holiday season known as ZooLights, illuminating tree-lined paths and animal exhibits. Visitors can even take photos with Santa.

10. Light Up Seaport

Address: South Boston Waterfront, Boston, MA, USA

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One of Boston’s newer holiday light displays is located in the Seaport neighborhood. This event, celebrated annually since 2018, kicks off in late November to showcase the area’s support for Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and The Gavin Foundation.