Boston Flora

Tag: Holiday Lights

  • Thursday, November 30 – Holiday Lights on the Mall

    The Friends is excited to once again steward the annual Holiday Lights on the Mall. For the first time, the Holiday Lights will extend all the way to Kenmore Square! Join us at the Mayors lighting ceremony on the first block of the Mall on November 30, beginning immediately after the Boston Common Tree Lighting.

    The iconic holiday light display along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall was the vision of Parks Commissioner Justine Liff and philanthropists Joan and Ted Bernard Cutler, inspired by the illuminated tree-lined boulevards of Paris. Their sense of civic pride inspired others in the neighborhood to support the cause and the all-volunteer Committee to Light the Commonwealth Avenue Mall was born.

    In 2022, the Committee joined with the Friends, creating a new committee to work with the Friends staff to raise the funds necessary to make this annual light display possible and to support the ongoing care of the park. 

    The Friends is proud to be stewards of this special holiday tradition and excited to work with our community to increase support for the Mall year round.

    Today, the lights illuminate the park from early December to April each year and, beginning in 2023, stretch from Arlington Street to Kenmore Square. To donate, and for more information on times, visit https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/holiday-lights/

  • A Calendar of Three Family Holiday Events

    There are many places to go and things to see in the month of December, and here are three family friendly expeditions:

    ZooLights, through January 2. This winter wonderland attracts thousands of visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Upon entering the Zoo, guests will visit Yukon Creek, which not only features dazzling holiday lights but is also home to bald eagles, porcupines, lynx, a gray fox and reindeer. Children will want to make sure they visit with Santa, who awaits their arrival in Santa’s Castle. Jolly Old St. Nick will be available for photos through Dec. 23. After visiting with Santa, enter a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals. Location: Stone Zoo., 149 Pond Street. Time: 5 – 9 p.m. Cost: weeknights, $5; weekends, $6. Information: 781-438-5100 or visit www.stonezoo.org.

    Christmas Festival of Lights at Edaville USA in Carver, Massachusetts, through January 2. Visit the largest light display in New England with over 7 million lights throughout the park, a 2-mile train ride, animated holiday displays, an indoor play area and visits with Santa. Picture below is of the carousel. See website for schedule of events. Location: 5 Pine Street. Time: weekdays, 4 – 9 p.m; weekends, 2 – 9 p.m. Cost: adults, $18; children under 12, $16. Information: 508-866-8190 or visit www.edaville.com.

    Gardens Aglow Celebration of Lights in Sandwich, Massachusetts, through December 19. Heritage brings warmth and merriment during a multi-weekend event with grounds and gardens aglitter in a seasonal lights display. The museums will feature decorated Christmas trees and a gingerbread exhibit. Santa will visit for photo opportunities in the Model T and drop-in craft activities will be offered. The Museum Store will be open and Blossoms Café will offer treats. Dates: November 26-28, December 3-5, 10-12, 17-19. Location: Heritage Museums and Gardens, 67 Grove Street. Time: 5-9 p.m. Cost: Adults, $6; youth age 4 to 12, $2. Information: 508-888-3300 or visit www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/

  • Thursday, November 26 – Wednesday, December 30, 5:00 – 9:00 pm – ZooLights

    This winter wonderland attracts thousands of visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Upon entering the Zoo, guests will visit Yukon Creek, which not only features dazzling holiday lights but is also home to bald eagles, porcupines, lynx, a gray fox and reindeer. Children will want to make sure they visit with Santa, who awaits their arrival in Santa’s Castle. Jolly Old St. Nick will be available for photos through Dec. 23. After visiting with Santa, enter a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals.  For more information call Brooke Wardrop at 781-438-5100, or log on to www.stonezoo.org.  (Closed December 25)

    http://www.zoonewengland.org/view.image?Id=1170