CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST 5TH ANNUAL SHIP LIGHTING AT MARTIN’S PARK ON NOVEMBER 29

CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST 5TH ANNUAL SHIP LIGHTING AT MARTIN’S PARK ON NOVEMBER 29

BOSTON – November 19, 2025 –- Boston’s newest holiday tradition will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 5-6 p.m. in Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront. Located in the Seaport District and Fort Point neighborhoods, this fourth annual children’s celebration is hosted by the Friends of Martin’s Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

Located at 64 Sleeper Street, Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront is a climate-resilient park built in memory of eight-year-old Martin 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 Park’s wooden playship is the centerpiece of the space and will be transformed into a beautiful holiday display when the ship, surrounding fencing, and pedestrian bridge are illuminated with over 7,600 feet of white and blue LED lights. 

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, with additional support by Nan Fung Life Sciences Real Estate. Refreshments will include holiday beverages from H.P. Hood and Cafe Nero. 

Santa Claus and The Grinch 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 students of Berklee School of Music, Sofia Sunshine and duo Skye and Jo. In addition, the Boston Park Rangers will be on hand, along with a fire truck from the Boston Fire Department. Visitors can also enjoy holiday arts and crafts led by a local artist. 

Other 2025 holiday celebrations hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department include the Copley Square Tree Lighting on Monday, December 1 at 4 p.m. and the Boston Common Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4, beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s tree is a 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Ronald and Claire Feener of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.  The celebration will be immediately followed by the lighting of the trees on Commonwealth Avenue Mall at Arlington Street and Commonwealth Avenue at 8:15 p.m.

Visit boston.gov/holiday-lights for more information about the season’s festivities. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.