Boston Holiday celebrations have begun and there is no shortage of tree lightings and festive events to participate in to kick off the holiday season.

First, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and The Friends of Copley Square will welcome revelers to the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting – (12/2).  The Fairmont Copley Plaza will host a family reception immediately following for all in attendance.  The reception will include cookie decorating, photos with Santa and treats.

Faneuil Hall Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration (12/3) – Join thousands of Bostonians in lighting the Faneuil Hall holiday tree!  Visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace for a day full of holiday entertainment, delicious food, and shopping! This event will include a special appearance by Santa.

The heart of the city will be illuminated with seasonal cheer at Boston Common Tree Lighting & Skating Spectacular – (12/5).  Holiday lights throughout the Public Garden and Common will light up just before 8 p.m., and a fireworks display will close the festivities.  Join the Skating Club of Boston at The Boston Common Frog Pond for a FREE figure skating ice show at 5:00 pm with international competitive figure skaters, soloists, groups, wee skaters, and more.

ILLUMINUS Festival of Lights (12/5-12/6) is a nighttime festival where Boston’s artists, designers, performers, and creative technologists converge to showcase their most thoughtful, innovative, and imaginative works. The festival will include large scale projection mapping, interactive digital projects, immersive installations and more in the Downtown Crossing area.

The Sowa Winter Festival (12/6 – 12/8) is the place to be, where over 80 artists at 450 Harrison Avenue open their studios to the public, so you can purchase art and fine crafts from Boston’s best.  Browse to find the perfect handmade gifts, sip on winter cocktails and enjoy some holiday cheer at the biggest winter holiday shopping festival in Boston.

Mayors Holiday Trolley Tour – (12/6 – 12/8) For the 24th year, the Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing the holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event includes visits with Santa, holiday performances, tree lightings, and more.

You can also enjoy the colorful lights Faneuil Hall’s seasonal BLINK!  Every ½ hour after 4:30 pm from (12/4-12/31), the marketplace will be filled with holiday music choreographed to a spectacular holiday light show.  Don’t miss this unique spin on seasonal fun and other Boston events in December. 

Whatever you do, let go and enjoy things like a kid again – just have some fun!  Isn’t that what the holidays are all about?