Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Boston (2026)
Free city walks, glowing gardens, drive-throughs and the Massachusetts light shows worth the trip.
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Boston's best holiday night doesn't need a ticket or a long drive. Start under the lit trees on Commonwealth Avenue, see Nova Scotia's gift tree on the Common, or head to the waterfront for the blue trellis. For something bigger, there's a garden light trail, a train ride or a drive-through where everyone stays warm.
We've split this guide into 27 displays: what's in the city, what's a short drive away, and what's worth a longer trip. For the fullest city walk, go any evening after the first weekend of December, once the Seaport tree and Beacon Hill's decorations are up.
Boston Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Display | Area | 2026 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Avenue Mall | Back Bay | From Dec 3 | Free |
| Boston Common & Public Garden | Downtown | From Dec 3 | Free |
| Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park | North End | From Nov 23 | Free |
| Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market | Downtown | From Nov 21 | Free |
| Seaport Tree & Snowport | Seaport | Market Nov 6–Dec 27; tree from Dec 4 | Free; weekend timed entry is paid |
| The Ship at Martin's Park | Seaport | From Nov 28 | Free |
| Beacon Hill | Beacon Hill | December | Free |
| Copley Square Tree | Back Bay | From Nov 30 | Free |
| Frostival Drone Shows | Boston Common | Dec 5, 12 and 19 | No tickets listed |
| Prudential Tower's 31 Nights of Light | Back Bay | Dec 1–31 | Free to view |
| The Liberty's Upside-Down Trees | Beacon Hill | 2026 dates to come | Drinks extra |
| SOLSTICE at Mount Auburn Cemetery | Cambridge, 20 min | Dec 5–21 | $25–$45 adult |
| Somerville Illuminations | Somerville, 20 min | 2026 map to come | Free |
| ZooLights at Stone Zoo | Stoneham, 25 min | Nov 20–Jan 3 | Varies by date |
| Winterlights at the Bradley Estate | Canton, 30 min | Nov 27–Jan 2, selected nights | $25–$32 adult |
| Festival of Trees at Elm Bank | Wellesley, 30 min | Nov 25–Dec 28, selected days | $24–$29 adult |
| The Enchanted Village at Jordan's | Avon, 30 min | Nov 13–Jan 1 | Free; extras paid |
| Night Lights at Tower Hill | Boylston, 1 hr | Nov 21–Jan 3 | $26–$29 adult |
| La Salette Festival of Lights | Attleboro, 50 min | Nov 21–Jan 3 | Free |
| Winter Wonderland at Southwick's Zoo | Mendon, 1 hr | Nov 20–Jan 3, selected nights | See tickets |
| Edaville's Winter Wonderland | Carver, 55 min | Nov 27–Dec 27, Fri–Sun | $38; $68 First Class |
| Taunton Green Lights | Taunton, 50 min | Dec 5–Jan 1 | Free to see |
| Celebration of Lights | Marshfield, Methuen and Lancaster, 45 min–1 hr | Nov 27–Dec 30, selected nights | From $22.99 per car |
| Bright Nights at Forest Park | Springfield, 1 hr 45 min | Nov 25–Jan 3 | $32 per car |
| Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens | Sandwich, 1 hr 15 min | Nov 27–Dec 27, selected nights | $30 adult |
| Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village | Sturbridge, 1 hr 15 min | Nov 27–Dec 27, selected dates | See tickets |
| Winterlights at Naumkeag | Stockbridge, 2 hr 15 min | Nov 27–Jan 2, selected nights | $25–$32 adult |
Best Christmas Lights in Boston
Almost everything here is free and walkable, so pick one neighborhood instead of driving between trees. Copley, the Mall, the Public Garden and the Common make the classic walk. Faneuil Hall and the waterfront trellis pair well with a North End dinner, and the Seaport works as its own night. A lighting ceremony is one evening, but the displays stay up afterward, so a later weeknight is usually easier. Several lighting nights double as free Santa appearances; our Boston Santa guide has the details, and Snowport itself is covered in the Christmas markets guide. Skating at Frog Pond? See our Boston ice skating guide.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Commonwealth Ave Mall at Arlington St, Boston, MA
This is the walk we'd start with. The lit trees run down the middle of Comm Ave with brownstones on both sides, and there are no booths or rides to get in the way. You don't need to walk the whole thing: start at the Arlington Street end, go as far as you like, then double back toward the Public Garden. Details: Lighting ceremony Dec 3 at 8 p.m., right after the Common's tree lighting.
Boston Common & the Public Garden
139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
The Common's tree comes from Nova Scotia, which has sent one for 55 years to thank Boston for its help after the 1917 Halifax explosion. Lit trees run across the Common and the Public Garden next door, so come for the setting, not a choreographed show, and keep walking toward Beacon Hill or Back Bay. Details: Tree lighting Dec 3, 6–8 p.m., by the Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont St.
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
110 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
The 260-foot trellis lit in blue is one of the easiest holiday stops to love, and you walk under the lights with the harbor right there. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, so pair it with Faneuil Hall and dinner in the North End, and dress for the wind. Details: Lighting ceremony Nov 23, 5–6 p.m., at 110 Atlantic Ave.
Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
Boston, MA 02109, USA
This is the big-tree moment in the middle of downtown, and it works especially well if you're already sightseeing. The market gives you somewhere to eat before or after photos, and the trellis is a short walk away. Details: Tree lighting event Nov 21, 2–6 p.m., with the tree lit at 6.
Seaport Tree & Snowport
100 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210
The pick for a whole night out instead of a quiet walk. Start at the 52-foot tree with its 10,000 lights, then head to Snowport for gifts and something warm to eat. They're separate spots, so come after Dec 4 if you want both. Details: Snowport is at 100 Seaport Blvd, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas, and opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays from Dec 7 (3 p.m. before that). Optional weekend timed entry is $15, $7 for ages 6–17 and veterans, free for 5 and under. Tree lighting Dec 4 at 6 p.m. at 85 Northern Ave.
The Ship at Martin's Park
64 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210, USA
A play ship outlined in more than 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights, this is a kid-sized stop near the Children's Museum. It takes minutes and makes an easy start before the Seaport tree. Santa arrives by boat on lighting night. Details: Ship lighting Nov 28, 5–6 p.m., at 64 Sleeper St.
Beacon Hill's Decorated Streets
Charles St at Chestnut St, Boston, MA
For people who'd rather see a beautifully dressed neighborhood than a field of flashing lights. Garlands, wreaths, brick sidewalks and gas lamps do all the work. Start on Charles Street, wander Chestnut Street and the sidewalks near Louisburg Square, and go after the first weekend of December, when more decorations are up. Details: Houses decorate on their own schedules. Stay on the public sidewalks.
Copley Square Tree
560 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
The newly renovated square makes a good opening scene for a Back Bay walk. Get a few photos of the tree, then head to Comm Ave a couple of blocks away. Details: Tree lighting Nov 30, 5–6 p.m., at 560 Boylston St.
Frostival Drone Shows on Boston Common
Boston Common, Boston, MA
The one big choreographed light show in the city: drones over the Common on three December Saturdays. Each night has two 15-minute shows, so it's an easy add to a walk through the Common and the Mall. The 6 p.m. show is the better one with kids. Details: Dec 5, 12 and 19, at 6 and 8 p.m.
Prudential Tower's 31 Nights of Light
Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199, USA
For the 18th year, the top of the Prudential changes color through December for a different nonprofit or holiday each night. It's a skyline accent, so fold it into a Copley or Back Bay evening. You'll see it better from a few blocks away. Details: Dec 1–31, starting at 5 p.m. No observatory ticket needed.
The Liberty's Upside-Down Trees
215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
The Liberty hangs Christmas trees upside down over its tall lobby, and it pairs neatly with a Beacon Hill walk and a drink at the bar. The hotel hasn't posted its 2026 plans yet, so check before making a special trip. Details: 215 Charles St.
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Best Christmas Lights Near Boston
Pick one ticketed show and make it the night. Most of these sell timed entry, so book the slot first and plan dinner around it. For a date, go with SOLSTICE, the Bradley Estate or Night Lights. With kids, ZooLights and Elm Bank are the strongest all-rounders, Edaville is the one for train fans, and the Enchanted Village is the rainy-day answer.
SOLSTICE at Mount Auburn Cemetery
580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Light and sound installations turn the historic cemetery into something closer to an art walk than a Christmas carnival. It's a great date night and a less obvious fit for small kids. It's still a place of remembrance, so keep things quiet. Details: 30-minute timed entry. Adults pay $25 after 9 p.m. Thu, Fri and Sun. Ages 2–12 are $10, only for slots through 7:30 p.m. Parking is $10–$12 at 625 Mount Auburn St, a 5–10 minute walk; accessible parking is at 580.
Somerville Illuminations
Somerville, MA, USA
The antidote to a polished commercial light show. The appeal is the houses themselves: creative, funny and clearly decorated by the people who live there. The Somerville Arts Council's online map shows who's taking part, so pick a small cluster and walk it. These are people's homes, so keep voices down. Details: Free and self-guided; the trolley tours have ended. The 2026 map isn't posted yet.
ZooLights at Stone Zoo
149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA
The straightforward family pick: a proper walk-through light show about 25 minutes from downtown. This year, Yukon Creek turns into a candy-themed wonderland with a model train set, and the rides run nightly. Most families take 1 to 1½ hours. Details: 4–9:30 p.m., last entry 8:30. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Prices rise closer to your visit, and parking is free. Santa visits ($5) and rides are extra.
Winterlights at the Bradley Estate
2468B Washington St, Canton, MA 02021, USA
Our pick for a garden-light night that doesn't turn into a road trip. The estate gives the walk a sense of occasion, and about an hour covers it, so there's still time for dinner. Wear boots: paths are uneven and can be muddy. Details: Wed–Sun, 4:30–9 p.m., plus Dec 21–22 and 28–29. Closed Dec 24–25. Adults are $25 on Wed and Thu through Dec 17 and Dec 28–30. Ages 3–15 are $15, free Dec 28–Jan 2. Advance tickets only.
Festival of Trees at Elm Bank
900 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482, USA
Elm Bank earns its place through variety: outdoor garden lights, decorated trees indoors and Snow Village's model trains. Book an after-dark slot so you see the garden lit. It's one of our strongest choices with kids, and your ticket includes a s'mores kit. Details: Usually Wed–Sun plus vacation-week dates, closing at 7:30 p.m. (2:30 on Dec 24). Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ages 3–17 are $8–$10. Timed tickets are nonrefundable, and strollers aren't recommended.
The Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture
100 Stockwell Dr, Avon, MA 02322, USA
The clearest indoor pick on this list, and the one to save for bad weather. The animated village leans into old-fashioned Christmas nostalgia. Decide on the laser show and rides before you go, since they can turn a free visit into a bigger outing. Details: Avon store, 100 Stockwell Dr. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas, with shorter hours on several holiday dates.
Night Lights at Tower Hill
11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505, USA
For a night built entirely around the lights, this is our pick: half a million of them across New England Botanic Garden, with a Fantastical Forest theme this year. It deserves the whole evening, so allow one to three hours. Details: 4–10 p.m. at 11 French Dr, Boylston. Ages 4–12 are $16–$19, and 3 and under are free with a ticket. Check holiday dates before you book. Paths are harder in rain, ice or snow.
La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights
947 Park St, Attleboro, MA 02703, USA
The standout free display in the region, and a real walk-through. These are the grounds of a Catholic shrine, so the religious setting is central to the visit. Try a quieter weeknight, get there a little before the lights come on, and bring layers. Details: Nightly 5–9 p.m. at 947 Park St, Attleboro. Lights stay on Christmas night, when the shrine buildings are closed. Donations welcome.
Winter Wonderland at Southwick's Zoo
2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756, USA
The pick when lights alone won't hold everyone's attention. The lit grounds come with seasonal entertainment and treats, so it feels more like a family night out than a garden stroll. It's a walk-through, so wear good shoes. Details: Fri–Sun plus holiday-week dates, generally 5–9 p.m. (7:30 on Dec 24 and 31). Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Edaville's Winter Wonderland
5 Pine St, Carver, MA 02330
Built for a family that wants the train as much as the lights. General admission gets you the Holiday Express on a first-come basis, and First Class adds a timed steam-train ride, so decide which your kids actually want before you buy. Details: Fri 4–9 p.m., Sat 2–9, Sun 3–7:30. Closed Christmas Day. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. Under 2 free on a lap. Parking is free. Buy online, since gate tickets aren't guaranteed.
Taunton Green Lights
Taunton Green, Taunton, MA 02780, USA
The pick for people who like a whole town dressed for Christmas. The decorations are concentrated around the Green, so it's easy to park and walk a loop. Opening day is the big event, and any later evening is simpler if you just want the display. Details: Lights On Festival Dec 5, 3–8 p.m. Some festival activities require a purchased festival button. Downtown parking is free nights and weekends.
Drive-Through Lights and Longer Trips
The first two let everyone stay warm in the car, and you pay per vehicle, so a full car can beat a per-person show. The last three are real trips, not add-ons to a Boston evening. Sandwich, Sturbridge and Stockbridge all work better as a day out or an overnight.
Celebration of Lights (Marshfield, Methuen, Lancaster)
Gate E, 62 South River St, Marshfield, MA 02050
The practical pick when the group wants the lights without the walking. It's the same drive-through format in three locations, so choose the closest: the Marshfield Fairgrounds south of the city, Mann Orchards' Riverside Farm in Methuen to the north, or the Bolton Fairgrounds in Lancaster to the west. Everyone stays in one warm car, and Marshfield and Lancaster run on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Details: Selected nights Nov 27–Dec 30, 5–9 p.m. (last admission 8:15 at Marshfield and Lancaster). Online $22.99 per car on weeknights, $26.99 on weekends and holidays; gate prices are higher. In Marshfield, use Gate E, 62 South River St. Methuen is 445 Merrimack St, and Lancaster is 318 Seven Bridge Rd.
Bright Nights at Forest Park
295 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108, USA
The drive-through to choose when the drive is the main event. The long themed route through Forest Park has a different scale from a fairgrounds loop, and it's open on Christmas Day. It's nearly two hours from Boston each way, so it's best when your plans already take you west. Details: Closed Nov 30 and Dec 1. 5–9 p.m., to 10 on Fri, Sat and holidays. $20 plus the $2 fee Dec 28–Jan 3. Advance tickets only, on sale Nov 12.
Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove St, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
The Cape Cod option, and worth treating as a destination. The galleries and the carousel give the night more variety than a simple loop, and it's worth pairing with a daytime visit to Sandwich. Book first, since day-of tickets cost double. Details: 25 selected nights, 4:30–8:30 p.m., last entry 8. Not open Dec 24–25. Ages 3–17 are $20. Parking is free. The main path is paved, with some grades.
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
The one for a quieter, old-fashioned Christmas. The re-created 1830s village stays open into the evening, lit up and decorated, with a Christmas Tree Trail among the historic buildings. It's worth the drive if your group likes history. Details: Generally 2–8 p.m. Check the ticket calendar for your date.
Winterlights at Naumkeag
5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, USA
A Berkshires trip built around the estate's lit gardens, and the sense of place is the reason to go. Pair it with a night in Stockbridge rather than driving out and back. Everyone parks offsite and takes a shuttle from the zone chosen at checkout. Details: Wed–Sun, 4:30–9 p.m., plus Dec 21–22 and 28–29. Closed Dec 24–25. Adults are $25 on Wed and Thu through Dec 17 and Dec 28–30. Ages 3–15 are $15, free Dec 28–Jan 2. Advance tickets only. Paths are uneven, with some stairs.
Tree Lightings and Easy Boston Evenings
You don't need to go on lighting night. Go for the occasion, or pick a later evening for an easier walk.
| 2026 date | Place | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 21 | Faneuil Hall | Event 2–6 p.m., tree lit at 6 |
| Nov 23 | Christopher Columbus Park | Trellis lighting, 5–6 p.m. |
| Nov 28 | Martin's Park | Ship lighting, 5–6 p.m. |
| Nov 30 | Copley Square | Tree lighting, 5–6 p.m. |
| Dec 3 | Boston Common and Comm Ave Mall | Common 6–8 p.m., Mall at 8 |
| Dec 4 | Seaport | Tree lighting at 6 p.m. |
| Dec 5 | Taunton Green | Lights On Festival, 3–8 p.m. |
| Dec 5, 12, 19 | Boston Common | Frostival drone shows at 6 and 8 p.m. |
Back Bay: Copley Square, Comm Ave, the Public Garden, then the Common, any night after Dec 6. Allow 1½ to 2½ hours. On Dec 12 or 19, end with a drone show.
Downtown: Faneuil Hall, the blue trellis, then dinner in the North End. Allow 45 to 90 minutes, and book dinner ahead.
Seaport: Martin's Park, the tree at 85 Northern Ave, then Snowport, Dec 4–27. Allow 1½ to 3 hours, or stop after the tree with young kids.
To warm up before or after, see our best cozy bars in Boston.
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