On Friday, December 1, the annual Light Up Seaport event returns for the seventh year! There’s so much happening, including a tree lighting, holiday stroll, live music and more. There will also be deals from local retailers and makers, appearances from local celebrities and of course, winter at the Seaport mascot Betty the Yeti.
When and where is the tree lighting?
Friday, December 1 at 7:30pm will see Boston’s largest Christmas tree lit up for the season. The 50 foot tall tree is covered with over 10,000 twinkling lights – talk about holiday cheer – and is located at the Seaport Common (85 Northern Ave). There will also be a menorah lighting on December 10.
This years performers
The event will be emceed by television host Segun Oduolowu and NBC Sports Boston’s Amina Smith, and musical performers include the Boston Children’s Chorus, Coral Moons, Miranda Rae and the Gracenotes, a featured headlining band from Grace by Nia. The performances will start prior to the tree lighting at 6pm, and will run until 9pm. Look up as well, there will be aerialists performing all evening!
Holiday stroll and specials
The evening will also feature a holiday stroll through the Seaport, with more than 50 retailers participating in the event. Many will be offering specials only good for that evening, such as 20% off at Outdoor Voices, Helly Hansen, Fjällräven and Sh*t That I Knit.
There will also be lots of food specials, because all that caroling and strolling is sure to stir up an appetite. Just a few examples include: Borrachito Taqueria is offering complimentary churros with your meal, Mack Weldon (clothing store) is offering hot cocoa, cookies and whiskey tastings (gotta be 21 for that one!), Shake Shack is offering complimentary fries with milkshake purchases and Tuscan Kitchen is offering a free appetizer with your entree.
Do I need to buy tickets to the tree lighting?
This event is free to the public, so all you and your family and friends have to do is show up. However, organizers are encouraging visitors to RSVP here. For more information, see the Snowport website.
Can I watch the event at home?
Yes! The musical performances and tree lighting will be broadcast on NBC 10 Boston, Peacock and Roku as a special edition of The Hub Today at 7:30pm.
Check out our guides to the best holiday markets and other festive things to do this season.