Nothing is more special than Holiday time in New England.
Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, stars shine brighter in the sky, chestnuts roast on an open fire, bell ringers herald the season and nothing tastes better than a hot chocolate.
Though this tour is self-guided, we offer a variety of guided tours in Boston, even in the winter.
Our self-guided tour takes us from Faneuil Hall’s Holiday Tree and its fabulous light and sound show to the window displays at Macy’s, shopping at Downtown Crossing, Boston’s official Christmas Tree and lights on Boston Common, the Commonwealth Avenue spectacular.
The tour ends at Copley Square/Place shopping center (and the shops at the Prudential Center). Stories, lights, carols, and shopping will all be part of the fun for adults and children alike.
Find out more about what to do in Boston over the holidays or in December.
Use this self-guided tour to check out all the best Holiday Lights in Boston.
Stop 1: Christopher Columbus Park
View the blue lighted arch symbolizing the anticipation of the coming holiday and the birth of the newborn king.
Stop 2: Quincy Market
206 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
While the Puritans once banned Christmas, it is alive and well at Quincy Market.
The largest Christmas Tree in New England is located here that’s over 60 feet tall, 35 feet across, and weighing more than six tones.
Stop 3: Faneuil Hall Market Place
4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
The light and music show “Blink” is an annual highlight of the season. Every half hour for approximately 15 mins.
Stop 4: Omni Parker House
Enjoy hot chocolate, Boston Cream Pie, and read The Christmas Carol together at the oldest continuously operating hotel in the US.
Stop 5: Old City Hall
45 School St, Boston, MA 02108
Look at the front facade of this magnificent French Second Empire building and enjoy it’s decorations and tree.
Stop 6: Downtown Crossing
View the light show on the corner of Washington and School streets.
Stop 7: Macy's
450 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
Take in the beautiful displays at Macy’s windows, look up at its magnificent tree and discover the story of Santa in America.
Stop 8: Boston Common
Enjoy Boston’s official Christmas Tree (and Menorah) while learning about its story and relationship to our sister city, Halifax Nova Scotia.
Stop 9: Charles St.
Walk down Boston’s famous “Antique Row” and relive the feeling of a “Dickens Christmas”
End your journey with libations at the Liberty Hotel, Boston’s former County Jail, 215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114.
Stop 9: Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Wander down the Mall and experience the warm glow of its bright lights and wondrous surroundings.
End your walk at the Copley Plaza Tree.
