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2026 Lighting of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Please join us as we hit the switch and celebrate the lighting of trees up and down Commonwealth Avenue.

December 3, 2026
Event Date2026-12-03T20:00:00 2026-12-03T20:00:00

The City of Boston and the Friends of the Public Garden to light the trees on the Mall on December 3, at 8 p.m., immediately following the Boston Common Tree Lighting. 

The Friends of the Public Garden are proud to take on this special holiday display and excited to work with our community to increase support for the Mall.

For decades, the iconic holiday light display along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall was the work of the all-volunteer Committee to Light the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. These neighborhood leaders banded together and created a beloved Boston tradition. In 2022, the Committee joined with the Friends of the Public Garden, creating a new Commonwealth Avenue Mall Enhancement 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. Join us on the Mall as we turn on the lights.

December 3, 2026
Event Date2026-12-03T20:00:00 2026-12-03T20:00:00

Black Veterans Appreciation Luncheon

Please join us and Mayor Wu in celebrating and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Black Veterans in helping to create and add to our great nation's legacy.  This event will be held on Saturday, February  20, 2027. The location of this event is will be at Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St #200, Boston, MA 02119.

February 20, 2027
  • 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • Hibernian Hall
    184 Dudley St #200
    Boston, MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Veterans Services Department
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
  • Flyer
Event Date2027-02-20T11:00:00 - 2027-02-20T14:00:00

We will also be honoring deserving veterans with Community and Outstanding Service awards. 

register Now.

For more information, please contact us at 617-635-3026.

 

 

 

 

February 20, 2027
  • 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • Hibernian Hall
    184 Dudley St #200
    Boston, MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Veterans Services Department
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
  • Flyer
Event Date2027-02-20T11:00:00 - 2027-02-20T14:00:00

POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony 2026

The annual POW/MIA event will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event will held on City Hall Plaza for a flag-raising ceremony. 

September 18, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Plaza, Flag Pole
    Boston, MA 02201
  • Contact:
    Quaddel Reis
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-18T10:00:00 - 2026-09-18T12:00:00

Please join us as we reflect upon the extraordinary sacrifices made on behalf of this country's Prisoners of War, as well as by those who are still unaccounted.

Check out our Facebook page for more information as the date approaches.

September 18, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Plaza, Flag Pole
    Boston, MA 02201
  • Contact:
    Quaddel Reis
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-18T10:00:00 - 2026-09-18T12:00:00

Fall-o-Ween Children's Festival 2026

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the sixth annual Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival at the Boston Common Frog Pond.

October 16, 2026
  • 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Corner of Charles and Beacon Streets
    Boston, MA 02108
  • Contact:
    Parks and Recreation Department
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-10-16T16:00:00 - 2026-10-16T20:00:00

The Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Skating Club of Boston. The key sponsors are Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and HP Hood LLC. Additional support is provided by New England Dairy Council.

Adults and children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and participate in a wide range of free, fun, and spooky family-friendly activities. Test your speed in our Monster Dash Obstacle Course or Alpine Slide and try the Jumpin’ Pumpkin or Scarecrow Slide. 

A “monster mash” of activities will include music, arts and crafts, treats and field games facilitated by Knucklebones  Visit the New England Dairy displays to enjoy both the Mobile Dairy bar and the Mobile Dairy Experience.  Enjoy live entertainment at the Parks Department Stage with music and magic!

Don't miss out, it's going to be frightfully fun! We hope to see you there!

October 16, 2026
  • 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Corner of Charles and Beacon Streets
    Boston, MA 02108
  • Contact:
    Parks and Recreation Department
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-10-16T16:00:00 - 2026-10-16T20:00:00

2026 Lighting of the Ship at Martin's Park

Join us for Boston's newest holiday tradition!

November 28, 2026
Event Date2026-11-28T17:00:00 - 2026-11-28T18:00:00

A special children’s celebration will be held on Saturday, November 28, at 5 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 fifth annual holiday lighting of the ship in Martin’s Park. Additional support provided by Nan Fung Life Sciences Real Estate, Caffe Nero and HP Hood.

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. 

Other festive attractions include: 

  • Santa will arrive by boat with the Boston Police Harbor Unit at the Harborwalk
  • Entertainment will be provided by Berklee School of Music artists Sofia Sunshine, duo Skye & Jo and singer/songwriter Mia McIntosh performing a selection of holiday classics
  • Holiday beverages provided by Hood and Caffe Nero
  • Meet the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit and explore the Boston Fire Department's Touch Truck
  • Holiday arts and crafts lead by a local artist

For more information, visit the Martin's Park page or call 617-635-4505.

November 28, 2026
Event Date2026-11-28T17:00:00 - 2026-11-28T18:00:00
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