This holiday season, wander through the gardens at the Heritage Museum, see the glowing trellis at Christopher Columbus Park and visit the animals and light displays at the Zoo.
Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums and Gardens
Boston Common Tree Lighting
On Dec. 6, 1917, Boston sent relief efforts to Nova Scotia after an explosion in Halifax Harbor. To commemorate their gratitude, the Province of Nova Scotia has given the City of Boston its official Christmas tree for over 50 years, and this year is no different. Celebrate with Mayor Michelle Wu, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and, of course, Santa Claus at the lighting of the official Christmas tree on Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. 139 Tremont St. 617.635.4505, boston.go
Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting
Since 2003, Christopher Columbus Park has marked the beginning of the holiday season with the lighting of the trellis. Don’t miss this opportunity on Nov. 20 to start the season on a cheerful note. See the trellis come to life with 50,000 vibrant blue lights accompanied by jovial singing from the North End Music and Performing Arts Center and harmonies from a Northeastern University a cappella group. Afterward, grab a cookie, hot chocolate or some delicious New England clam chowder. 110 Atlantic Ave. foccp.org
Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums and Gardens
Spruce things up this holiday season with a one-stop trip to see artwork and Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums and Gardens. Bostonians can delight in the ooey-gooey goodness of a toasted s’more or doughnut from Cape Cod Donut Truck before embarking on a reindeer scavenger hunt and strolling through the lights. After, take a spin on the 1908 Looff Carrousel while studying the artwork from the Currier and Ives collection, or visit Santa in the 1913 Ford Model T. Starts Nov. 24, 67 Grove St., Sandwich, Mass., 508.888.3300, heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
Light Up Seaport
For the fifth annual year, Light Up Seaport is back, and this year’s festivities will include holiday tunes, a celebrity appearance from Betty the Yeti and more. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 1, and until then, stop by the Holiday Market at Snowport and try your hand at curling, indulge in wood-fired pizzas from Tuscan Kitchen and more. 88 Seaport Blvd., bostonseaport.xyz
Winterlights
Sparkly lights, remarkable 20th-century estates and spectacular grounds—what’s not to like? Winterlights at the historic Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, The Bradley Estate and Naumkeag are back to dazzle the young and old alike. Visit one twinkling garden or all three to see the birchwood reindeer at the Stevens-Coolidge House, the famous blue steps that lead up to Naumkeag’s garden and seasonal sips like hot cocoa and warm apple cider at The Bradley Estate. Nov. 24 to Jan. 6, multiple locations, 617.542.7696, thetrustees.org
ZooLights at Stone Zoo
Find out what the animals at Stone Zoo are up to after hours when you visit them for ZooLights. Visitors can travel through the tunnels of glowing trees lining the paths before visiting the black bears, bald eagles, Canada lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes in the festively decorated Yukon Creek. Reserve a unique ‘Santa Experience’ on select evenings, or meet Mrs. Claus as she galivants through the zoo on various Tuesday and Thursday nights. Nov. 17 to Jan. 7, 149 Pond St., 617.541.5466, zoonewengland.org
Photography by: Courtesy of Heritage Museums and Gardens
