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Photos: Boston lights up its official holiday tree

Lisa Creamer

December 06, 2024

Holiday celebrants braved chilly temperatures to catch the city's annual Christmas tree lighting in Boston Common.

The massive evergreen, gifted to the city each year by Nova Scotia, represents a decades-long tradition and symbol of friendship between the two cities.

The Canadian province sends Boston its official Christmas tree as a thank you for the city's help following a disastrous explosion caused by the collision of two military boats in Halifax harbor during World War I.

For the city's 83rd annual ceremony, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was given the honor of turning on the tree's gleaming decor. She stood on stage with guests from Nova Scotia, as well Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus.

Participants dressed in winter coats and even Santa hats enjoyed the spectacle, witnessing not only the lighting of the tree but also the park's extensive holiday lights.

The crowds were treated to live music from several musicians with local ties, including performances by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and the Boston Children’s Chorus.

Here are scenes from the event:

The tree alight during the 83rd annual Boston Common tree lighting. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Flanked by young participants and with Santa Claus nearby, Mayor Michelle Wu stands by to throw the candy cane switch at the tree lighting ceremony. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

A crowd gathers on Boston Common to see the 83rd annual Boston Common tree lighting. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

An audience member waves the flag of Nova Scotia at the 83rd annual Boston Common tree lighting. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

With the tree lit up behind them Rudolf, Mayor Michelle Wu, Santa and others sing together at the 83rd annual Boston Common tree lighting. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Fireworks light up the night sky as the lights come on for the city's annual tree lighting on Boston Common. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)