Holiday Trellis Lighting at Christopher Columbus Park

The trellis at Christopher Columbus Park in holiday lights · Photo: Ande Rodrigues via Google

• When: Monday, November 23, 2026, 5-6 pm
• Where: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, 110 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
• Cost: Free
• Organizer: Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Friends of Christopher Columbus Park

Official Event Page

The holiday trellis lighting at Christopher Columbus Park is the North End waterfront's start to the season: on Monday, November 23, 2026, from 5 to 6 pm, the park's 260-foot trellis is switched on in holiday lights. It is hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department with the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, and it is free.

What happens

• Musical performances
• An appearance from Santa Claus and Rudolph
• Eggnog from H.P. Hood
• Hot chocolate and cookies from the Boston Marriott Long Wharf
• Clam chowder from Joe's Waterfront

The lights run the length of the trellis and through the rest of the park, which sits next to the Marriott Long Wharf.

Where it is

Christopher Columbus Park sits on Atlantic Avenue where the North End meets the waterfront, between Long Wharf and Commercial Wharf. It is a short walk from Faneuil Hall and the North End restaurants on Hanover Street, which makes the lighting an easy start to a dinner out.

Good to know

It is a short, outdoor, early-evening event beside the harbor in late November; wind off the water makes it feel colder than the forecast. Other city lightings follow the same week, including the lighting of the ship at Martin's Park on November 28 and the Boston Common Tree Lighting on December 3.

Where to stay on the waterfront

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf is right next to the park. Check waterfront hotels for November 23 to 24. For the other lightings and holiday shows, see our Boston Christmas events calendar.

Details checked against the City of Boston's official event page, boston.gov/calendar/2026-trellis-lighting-christopher-columbus-park, on September 28, 2026. Dates and times can change; confirm with the organizer before you go.