The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park will host the 22nd annual holiday lighting of the signature trellis at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End.

Boston’s historic waterfront, will be transformed into a beautiful holiday display when the park’s 260 feet of trellis are illuminated with lights near the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel and throughout the park. 

Other festive activities include: 

• Hosted by Sean Stellato
• Musical performances from North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC), Miguel Cabrera, and Pitch Please
• Special guest appearance from Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 
• Eggnog from H.P. Hood
• Hot chocolate and cookies from the Boston Marriott Long Wharf

• LEGO (R) Discovery Center Boston - LEGO Tent 

• Coffee from New England Coffee

• Treats from Drakes Cakes

The celebration is sponsored by H.P. Hood LLC and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park.  Additional support is provided by LEGO Discovery Center Boston, Celebrity Series, and the Blue Man Group. Special thanks to Sean Stellato.

Visit the Parks events page or call (617) 635-4505 for more information.

• 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. 

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be bringing the annual Children’s Winter Festival to Boston Common in partnership with the Highland Street Foundation during school vacation week on Wednesday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Additional support is being provided by XFINITY, Capital One, the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, L.L. Bean, and Cricket Wireless. 

“The Children’s Winter Festival gives kids and families the opportunity to enjoy a day of outdoor fun in downtown Boston,” said Mayor Walsh. “Come join us for free games and activities on the Common during public school vacation week.”

Among the attractions will the 45-foot-long Toboggan Tunnel mountainous adventure with twin roller lanes, the 30-foot-high inflatable Everest Climb N Slide, a Ski Lift photo op, and much more.  In addition, the Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring a week-long Winter Camp at the Boston Common Frog Pond with free skating and rentals for all ages from Monday, February 18, through Friday, February 22.  You can find more information on Winter Camp skating online.

The festival will also feature 103.3 AMP Radio’s JD, giveaways (while supplies last) from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” Signature Collection 30th Anniversary Edition and “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” and refreshments from Power Crunch protein energy bars, Cabot Cheese with Fuel Up To Play 60, KIND Snacks, and Nature’s Path.

Additional support is being provided by Magic 106.7 and 103.3 AMP Radio.  For more information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505, visit our the Parks homepage, or go to our Facebook page.

Do you know of a local youth artist who's skilled at spoken word or is an amazing vocalist? If so, we're looking to showcase their skills and talent at the 2019 Dream Chasers event.

This event features a panelist of successful leaders of color in Boston and youth empowering performances. We are specifically looking for content that is inspirational and involves social justice. Auditions will be held on February 12 at the Tobin Community Center from 4 - 8 p.m.

Sign Up for auditions!