2022 Lighting of the Ship at Martin's Park

A special children’s celebration will be held on Saturday, November 26, at 4 p.m. at  the Smith Family Waterfront in the Seaport District and Fort Point neighborhood when the Friends of Martin’s Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department host the second annual holiday lighting of the ship in Martin’s Park.

Located at 64 Sleeper Street on the South Boston Waterfront and visible from the Northern Avenue Bridge, Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront is a climate-resilient park built in memory of eight-year-old Martin W. Richard, the youngest victim of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The accessible park provides play opportunities for children, families, and visitors of all abilities. The wooden play ship is the centerpiece of the space that will be lit for the holidays. 

Martin’s Park will be transformed into a beautiful holiday display when the ship, surrounding beach fencing, and pedestrian bridge are illuminated with over 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. WS Development is a key sponsor supporting this year's event as well as the holiday lights on Martin's Ship. Visitors are encouraged to head inside the park for the celebration sponsored by the Friends of Martin’s Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

Santa will arrive by boat with the Boston Police Harbor Unit at the Harborwalk and enter the Park to switch on the lights. Entertainment will be provided by acappella group Ball In The House performing a selection of holiday classics, along with special guest, the Seaport’s own Betty the Yeti. Hot cocoa will be provided by Tuscan Kitchen,  Caffe Nero and Dunkin’, and with donation, attendees will have the opportunity to take home a customized special souvenir of the second annual event while supplies last. 

In addition to this event, the City of Boston will be hosting other tree lightings. The arrival of Boston’s official 2022 Christmas tree from Nova Scotia will be celebrated on Boston Common at approximately 11 a.m. on November 22. The 45-foot white spruce was donated by landowner Roddy Townsend of Christmas Island, along with his children Angela, Carmen, and Andrew.

Other 2022 holiday celebrations hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department include the lighting of the tree in Copley Square on November 28 and the Boston Common Tree Lighting followed by the lighting of the trees on Commonwealth Avenue Mall on December 1. 

Visit the lighting Martin's Park page or call (617) 635-4505 for more information. To stay up to date with news, park improvements, and events, sign up for our email list and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.