The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host  the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 28, presented in partnership with the Friends of Copley Square, Boston Properties, Encore Global, and the Fairmont Copley Plaza.  

This free event is sponsored by H.P. Hood LLC and Dunkin’ with additional support from Drake’s Cakes. The celebration will feature appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph along with musical performances by vocalist Ackeem Hill, the Boston Children’s Chorus, the Boston Pops Esplanade Brass Ensemble, and Daniela Gomez Munguia of Berklee College of Music. After the event attendees are invited to enjoy cookies and pictures with Santa in the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

BPHC will also be on-site in the BPL Exhibition room from 3:30 p.m.until 7:30 p.m. providing vaccinations.

Other 2022 holiday celebrations hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department include the 20th annual holiday lighting of the trellis at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End on November 21, the lighting of the ship in Martin’s Park at the Children’s Wharf Harborwalk on November 26, and the Boston Common Tree Lighting followed by the lighting of the trees on Commonwealth Avenue Mall on December 1. 

The arrival of Boston’s official 2022 Christmas tree from Nova Scotia will be celebrated on Boston Common at approximately 11 a.m. on November 22. The 45-foot white spruce was donated by landowner Roddy Townsend of Christmas Island, along with his children Angela, Carmen, and Andrew.

Visit the tree lighting events page or call 617-635-4505 for more information. To stay up to date with news, park improvements, and events, sign up for our email list and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

On July 14, August 25, and September 15, 2019 shoppers, diners and pedestrians can explore new restaurants, local boutiques, and international brands — or rediscover your favorite Newbury Street gems on a street transformed and free of cars. Find meaning in the melodies of local musicians, challenge your friends to an outdoor game, or simply stroll along enjoying the festive atmosphere of Open Newbury Street. Celebrate Newbury Street, a uniquely treasured place in the heart of Boston.

There are multiple MBTA stations in the vicinity of Newbury Street including Arlington, Copley and Hynes on the Green Line and Back Bay Station on the Orange Line and commuter rail. Ride your bike to Newbury Street and lock it to bike corrals stationed throughout the event. Take BlueBikes and dock at stations located throughout Back Bay. Multiple parking garages are located in the Copley Square area south of Boylston Street.

Newbury Street will be car-free from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. The intersections of Exeter Street, Fairfield Street, Gloucester Street and Hereford Street will be car-free with the remainder of the intersections open to traffic for public safety access. Parking will be restricted beginning at 5 am.

The City of Boston encourages all businesses to take part in Open Newbury Street by activating outdoor spaces and taking advantage of the reclaimed public space. All outdoor activations are restricted only to those businesses that have brick and mortar locations on Newbury Street. If you are representing a business that is located on Newbury Street and would like set up an event outside, please fill out the online form or contact Jacob Wessel at jacob.wessel@boston.gov or 617-635-0025. We are excited to hear about what you're planning and look forward to helping make this year's Open Newbury Street days successful for your business!

On July 14, August 25, and September 15, 2019 shoppers, diners and pedestrians can explore new restaurants, local boutiques, and international brands — or rediscover your favorite Newbury Street gems on a street transformed and free of cars. Find meaning in the melodies of local musicians, challenge your friends to an outdoor game, or simply stroll along enjoying the festive atmosphere of Open Newbury Street. Celebrate Newbury Street, a uniquely treasured place in the heart of Boston.

There are multiple MBTA stations in the vicinity of Newbury Street including Arlington, Copley and Hynes on the Green Line and Back Bay Station on the Orange Line and commuter rail. Ride your bike to Newbury Street and lock it to bike corrals stationed throughout the event. Take BlueBikes and dock at stations located throughout Back Bay. Multiple parking garages are located in the Copley Square area south of Boylston Street.

Newbury Street will be car-free from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. The intersections of Exeter Street, Fairfield Street, Gloucester Street and Hereford Street will be car-free with the remainder of the intersections open to traffic for public safety access. Parking will be restricted beginning at 5 am.

The City of Boston encourages all businesses to take part in Open Newbury Street by activating outdoor spaces and taking advantage of the reclaimed public space. All outdoor activations are restricted only to those businesses that have brick and mortar locations on Newbury Street. If you are representing a business that is located on Newbury Street and would like set up an event outside, please fill out the online form or contact Jacob Wessel at jacob.wessel@boston.gov or 617-635-0025. We are excited to hear about what you're planning and look forward to helping make this year's Open Newbury Street days successful for your business!

• Join us on Tuesday, August 22, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Franklin Park (Playsted Field) for our Boston Children’s Rec Fest! Hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership this is the perfect school vacation event for kids of all ages.
• This year's festival will feature music, giveaways, various attractions, treats, crafts, and much more! This event is FREE and open to all. 

Presented by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, join us Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., as bubbles fill the air with fun over Boston Common.

The celebration will include giant floating bubble demonstrations from various bubble performers, a DJ, live entertainment, giveaways, and more.

For more information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505. This event is weather dependent.