Deck the Hulls

Who says Christmas has to wait until December? Deck the Hulls flips the calendar on its head with a holiday-inspired boat parade that sends illuminated vessels gliding across Boston Harbor in the middle of summer. Created as part of Boston's 250th anniversary celebrations, the inaugural event invites boaters to dress up their vessels while spectators claim spots along the Harborwalk, waterfront parks, and piers to watch the procession unfold. As dusk settles over the harbor, the glowing flotilla provides an unusual backdrop against one of the city's most recognizable skylines. It's equal parts nautical spectacle and seasonal novelty, proving that festive lights feel just as magical in July as they do in winter. Boston has no shortage of events on the water, but this one stands out for embracing the unexpected.