Bright Lights, Big City: Boston’s Top 10 Holiday Light Displays

by Allison SutcliffeNovember 11, 2022

The best Boston Christmas lights are turning on soon. You won’t want to miss these dazzling holiday lights

It may seem like you’ve barely finished your turkey dinner, but it’s definitely time to celebrate the winter holiday season with some serious wattage. Boston is full of epic holiday light displays (and tree lightings to go with them), most of which are going live soon. So grab your best scarf, put on those woolly hats and warm mittens, and head out to catch some of the best Boston Christmas lights in town, after heading out to get your Christmas tree, of course.

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1. Boston Common Tree Lighting

The official holiday season is underway, and lighting the City of Boston's official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden, is one of the main events. Generations have enjoyed, and continue to treasure, Boston's tree lighting celebration. Twenty-five thousand people of all ages attend the event, which has grown to include a festive stage show with nationally known talent. The Lighting of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall follows the Boston Common Tree Lighting, two of the best places in the city to see holiday lights, Boston families.

Date: Dec. 1, 2022
Event details

2. Copley Square Tree Lighting

This family-friendly event is sure to get you and the kids in a festive mood. There will be refreshments and giveaways, and a special line up of local talent to keep the crowd singing classic holiday hits until the lights turn on. Come for the lighting, return to enjoy the holiday lights Boston residents love all month long.

Date: Nov. 28, 2022
Event details

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3. ZooLights at Stone Zoo

Tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights make up this winter wonderland at Stone Zoo. Yukon Creek is where the Boston Christmas lights shine bright at this display. It's home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Add in this year's large-scale lantern displays and we know these holiday lights will make your winter's night bright. Grab tickets to this favorite display while you still can.

Insider Tip: Get over the mid-week hump when you visit ZooLights on a Wednesday, from November 30-December 21. That's when the kids can bump into Mrs. Claus. Psst...we hear she's pretty good at delivering holiday wishes to Santa.

Dates: Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023
Event details

4. Night Lights 2022

Get into the winter spirit with Night Lights 2022 at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. It’s a celebration of light that includes thousands of lights, new experiences, and enchanting landscapes. Enjoy an outdoor walking experience through roughly 15 acres of formal gardens and surrounding woodlands, including illuminated plants, paths, sculptures, fountains, and a magical model train. The Boston Christmas lights scene is enhanced with fire pits for warming up, making s’mores, or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa (or an adult beverage).

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2022
Event details

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5. Magic of Lights

Pack the kids into the car and head to Gillette Stadium for a drive-thru display of lights that rivals no other. Magic of Lights is a dazzling display with a drive-through experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and some of your favorite characters of the season. Lit using the latest LED technology and digital animations, kids will squeal with delight as your car makes its way along the route. Get tickets online before driving down.

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
Event details

6. Martin's Park Ship Lighting

This tree lighting will definitely be lit. Join Martin’s Park in celebrating the holiday season with their annual Ship Lighting. Your kids will love seeing Santa arriving by boat. Enjoy Martin’s Park with hot cocoa, caroling, and holiday fun of all kinds.

Dates: Nov. 26, 2022
Event details

7. Illuminations Tour

Drive to Sommerville with the aid of the Illuminations Tour Map to find the town's most festive houses. Decked in lights from porch to rooftop, these folks go out to create holiday light displays Boston folks return to see year after year. Holiday caroling in planned for December 15, and the map is expected to release on December 8.

Online: somervilleartscouncil.org

a person warms themselves with a cup of hot cocoa while out to see Boston Christmas lights — Chris Ainsworth via Unsplash

8. Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge House & Garden

Winterlights is back with some of the best holiday lights Boston has to offer. And the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens is just one of three beautiful properties that will sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed Christmas lights. The Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate and Naumkeag are the other two festive spots to display this dazzling show. Bring the whole family for a magical and fun outdoor experience, with food, refreshments, and more.

Insider Tip: Tickets always sell out quickly for this event (in fact, some weekends are completely sold out now), so grab yours soon if this trip is on your winter wish list.

Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023
Event details

9. Annual Lighting of the Columbus Park Trellis

Take in the gorgeous views of the city when this trellis is lit with blue lights for the duration of the holiday season. The family will love the music, hot chocolate, and dazzling lights at this amazing event.

Date: Nov. 21, 2022
Event details

10. Winter Light Show at Crescent Farm

The Winter Light Show is an annual spectacular that features dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family as they drive through the gorgeous display. Bundle up the kids, pack your favorite holiday cookies, and pour creamy hot cocoa into the thermos; then sit back and listen to the holiday music on your car's stereo. The synced light performance will make your kids smile. The drive is one mile. Be sure to plan ahead as you'll need tickets for this one.

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
Event details

The Surprising Way to Calm Down Your Kids (& It Only Takes 7 Minutes)

by Erin LemFebruary 3, 2021

It doesn’t take much to wind up our kids to the point they’re furiously running loops around our house (and us). Instead of just crossing your fingers their frenzied energy doesn’t end in tears, turn to the Calm app. They just teamed up with Apple TV+ to co-create a series of guided meditations just for kids inspired by Apple’s show, Stillwater.

Each meditation is a kid-friendly seven minutes long, meaning it’s ideal for short attention spans. Narrated by James Sie, each short meditation features an exercise meant to calm their mind and is followed up by a story illuminating a classic parable. Apple TV+ and Calm tell us that Stillwater executive producer Rob Hoegee worked with Tamara Levitt, Calm’s Head of Mindfulness, to write the meditations with Stillwater mindfulness consultant Mallika Chopra.

So far Calm has released three original meditations:

1. Rainy Day—Stillwater shows kids how to manage disappointment by tuning into sounds with a meditation on the rainfall in his garden.

2. Stargazing—Settle down and relax at bedtime. Stillwater guides kids through a soothing body scan under a canopy of stars.

3. Windchimes—Develop feelings of kindness. Stillwater teaches little ones how to fill up with friendliness for themselves and others.

Each guided meditation aims to teach lessons like how to be kind and manage disappointment, while also setting them up to relax and settle their bodies and minds.

The three-part series is based on the Apple TV+ show, Stillwater, which debuted in December. The show is based on the popular “Zen Shorts” book series by Jon J. Muth, which tells the story of the friendship formed between siblings Karl, Addy and Michael and their next-door neighbor, the wise panda Stillwater.

Learn more here.

—Erin Lem

photos: Calm and Apple TV+

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Disney+ Releases Trailer for “Flora & Ulysses”

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 14, 2021

Superheroes come in many different forms. The next dynamic duo might be right before your eyes and you wouldn’t even know it. Today, Disney+ released the trailer and new images for the comedy-adventure Flora & Ulysses, premiering exclusively on Disney+ Fri., Feb. 19, 2021.

The film is based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers, which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora’s life–and her outlook–forever.

Flora & Ulysses stars Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, Benjamin Evans Ainsworth, Janeane Garofolo and Kate McCucci. It was directed by Lena Khan and produced by Gil Netter. Based on the novel Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, the film’s screenplay is by Brad Copeland. Katterli Frauenfelder and James Powers served as executive producers.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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Add Some Magic to Your Holiday Mantle With This Harry Potter Illuminated Village

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 24, 2020

Holidays at Hogwarts have an extra touch of magic infused into them. The Bradford Exchange has just introduced the Harry Potter Illuminated Village Collection for fans of the beloved series. Each fully-sculpted village building and figurine in this collection is individually handcrafted and then hand-painted to capture with amazing details your favorite places and characters from the films.

Your collection of illuminated villages and figurines begins with Issue One, Three Broomsticks Pub which comes with a free Harry Potter figurine. Continue your collection with Issue Two, Honeydukes sweet shop which comes with a free Ron Weasley figurine, followed by Issue Three, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and additional villages and figurines, each with a separate issue to follow.

Grab a warm mug of Butterbeer and settle in by the fireplace to enjoy all the magic the Harry Potter Illuminated Village Collection holds.

Each issue retails for $59.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: The Bradford Exchange

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Merry & Bright: The Best Christmas Light Displays in DC

by Meghan Yudes MeyersDecember 17, 2019

Nothing warms a cold night like the sparkle and glow of a holiday light display. Get out the hats and gloves and prepare to bundle the babies for an illuminating night of Christmas wonder. Take in the largest light maze in the world or stroll through the free display at the National Zoo. Read on for the best places to be LED-dazzled in the DMV.

photo: Dani Burnett via Immortal Beloved Photo

Enchant
Billed as the largest light maze in the world (the. world!), this holiday spectacular boasts over 90,000 square feet of sparkling lights. Get lost in a labyrinth of holiday cheer while you search for Eddie the Elf and his sidekick, Sparky! While you’re there, take a moment to snap a pic with Old St. Nick at Santa’s Landing, cross off your holiday shopping to-do list at Christmas Market and don’t forget to take a spin on the Ice Skating Trail.

Cost: $14.99-$33.99; kids 3 & under are free.
Date: Daily from 4:30-10:30 p.m. now through Dec. 29
Where: Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St SE
Online: enchantchristmas.com/dc

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Take a stroll through a tunnel of rainbow lights, walk under sparkling arches and around illuminated trees and—if you catch a chill—be sure to pop in a heated igloo. After you walk through the 20′ tree, be sure to test out your skating skills at the near-by rink.

Cost: $5
Dates: Daily 5-10 p.m. now through Jan. 5
Where: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA
Online: novaparks.com

photo: William Folsom via NovaParks

Winter Walk of Lights
This Vienna garden becomes a twinkling wonderland at dusk when a half-mile walk becomes illuminated with animated lights. After you’ve toured the property, be sure to roast marshmallows by the fire. Timed tickets are required for entry.

Cost: $8-14.50
Date: Daily from 5:30-9:15 p.m. now through Jan. 5 (including holidays)
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA
Online: eventbrite.com/e/meadowlarks-winter-walk-of-lights

photo: Brookside Gardens/Montgomery Parks

Garden of Lights at Brookside Garden
While there are plenty of places to see lights for free, the dazzling display of over one million bulbs makes the entry fee at Brookside totally worth it in our book (you pay per vehicle, so bring the minivan and pack ‘em in!). In keeping with the botanical theme, Brookside offers a colorful parade of animals, flowers and more. After you’ve enjoyed strolling from garden to garden, be sure to check out the model train display inside the Conservatory.

Insider tip: on weekends the wait time can exceed an hour, so try to go during a weekday.

Cost: $25 per car ($30 on Fri.-Sat)
Date: Daily from 5:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 25-28 and Dec. 24-25)
Where: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
Online: montgomeryparks.org

photo: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

ZooLights at the National Zoo
For eco-friendly festivities, head to the National Zoo where more than 500,000 LED lights are on display along side a new exhibit of glowing lanterns depicting everyone’s favorite zoo animals. Each evening, guests can also visit the Small Mammal House and the Reptile Discovery Center.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily from 5-9 p.m. now through Jan. 1 (closed December 24, 25 & 31)
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu/events/zoolights

Lights on the Bay
Grab your footed pajamas and a thermos of hot chocolate; this light display is a drive-thru attraction that features over two miles of lights along the Chesapeake Bay. Lights on the Bay boasts over 70 animated and stationery exhibits. For an additional fee, guests can purchase 3-D glasses for a truly unique experience.

Cost: $20 per car
Date: Daily from 5-10 p.m. now through Jan. 1
Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD
Online: lightsonthebay.org

photo: LaDonna G. via Yelp

Festival of Lights at the DC Mormon Temple
Over 650,000 lights illuminate the grounds of the temple, making this one of the largest light displays in the DC area. Guests can also view internationally-inspired Christmas trees and nativity scenes. Nightly performances require a free event ticket, which are handed out on a first-come basis starting 60 minutes prior to performances.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily 10 a.m.to 9 p.m.now through Jan. 1
9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensignton, MD
Online: churchofjesuschrist.org

photo: Georgetown Glow DC

Georgetown Glow DC
You won’t find illuminated snowflakes or walk-thru Christmas trees at this light art exhibit. For one month, bright lights and neon colors brighten up the streets of historic Georgetown with a curated outdoor installation that is sure to dazzle and delight. If you’re looking for some Santa-free time that still has some seasonal sparkle, be sure to take a stroll down M St.

Cost: Free
Date: Dec. 6 through Jan. 5
Where: Throughout the commercial district of Georgetown
Online: georgetownglowdc.com/map

Baltimore’s 34th Street
Fondly referred to as the Miracle on 34th Street, the residents of the 700 block (between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road) of 34th Street in Hamden have been decorating their homes since 1947 (the same year the movie by the same name was released). Decoration themes this year include: compassion, unity, love and kindness.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily from 5:45 now through Dec. 31
720 West 34th Street (Baltimore, MD)
Online: christmasstreet.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Free to Look: NYC’s 2019 Christmas Windows

by Jesseca StensonDecember 2, 2019

Few places are as magical as NYC during the holidays. (Have you seen all those lights?) Sure, we may be a little biased, but all it takes is one visit this time of year to convert any doubters. If you’re visiting and want to make the most of the magic, or if you’re local and want to cross things off your Holidays in NYC bucket list, here’s one of the first things you should do: check out the Christmas windows in NYC. From Macy’s to Bloomingdale’s and everything in between, we’ve rounded up the best decorated windows in the city. Make sure your phone is Insta-ready and brace yourself for some (festive) crowds. It’s totally worth it.

Macy's Herald Square

Mimi O'Connor

Let’s start with the O.G. of Christmas windows. This year, Macy’s theme is Believe in the Wonder. Go on a journey with “Santa Girl” as she discovers the spirit of Santa lives within our hearts. Spectators can expect to see some chrome, LED lights, and 3D objects blending together to tell the story, creating a spectacular sight befitting Macy’s storied holiday window legacy.

Macy’s Herald Square
151 W 34th St.
Herald Square
212-695-4400
online: macys.com

The Windows at Sak's Fifth Ave

Jeff Kern via flickr

Sak’s gets a special mention because its display is two-fold. A huge light show plays across the store’s impressive facade every 10 minutes thanks to LED lights and 3D projectors. And if that wasn’t enough, they also have themed holiday windows, too. The holiday windows this year are celebrating the cinematic release of Frozen 2, and are guaranteed to bring visitors to Arendelle like never before. Plus, they also have exclusive Frozen 2 merch and an Enchanted Forest Immersive Experience happening inside the store.

Sak's Fifth Ave.
611 Fifth Ave
Midtown
212-753-4000
online: saksfifthavenue.com

Bloomingdale’s

Joe Schildhorn BFA.com

The windows at Bloomingdale’s this year are just stellar… literally. The Out of This World theme honors the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. The windows will feature holographic shopping bags, gift boxes, a special catalogue—and even zero gravity. Outer space has never looked so glamorous.

Bloomingdale’s
59th Street and Lexington Avenue
Midtown
212-705-2000
online: bloomingdales.com

Bergdorf Goodman

Kevin Harber via Flickr

Head over to Bergdorf’s for some Good Times. That’s actually the theme of the store's 2019 holiday windows. You can expect the luxury department store to go all out while telling the story, as usual. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t want to have good times this holiday season?

Bergdorf Goodman
754 5th Ave.
Midtown
800-558-1855
online: bergdorfgoodman.com

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. via IG

“Tiffany blue” will feature prominently in the jeweler's holiday windows this year. The stunning display will of course include some of their best and brightest jewelry. You know, in case you need some ideas for your gift lists.

Tiffany & Co.
727 5th Ave.
Midtown
212-755-8000
online: tiffany.com

Chelsea Markets

Alyssa L. via Yelp

A little off the typical windows beaten path, and not exactly a window display, Chelsea Markets gets an honorable mention for their wonderland of holiday lights. The entire market is transformed into an illuminated wintry wonderland, thanks to a bright canopy of twinkling lights.

Chelsea Markets
75 9th Ave.
Chelsea
212-652-2111
online: chelseamarket.com

Luminaries at Brookfield Place

Courtesy of Brookfield Place

Also on the honorable mention list: Luminaries at Brookfield Place. This light show features colorful lighted lanterns on display up above. Visitors can also make a digital "wish" and watch it come to life in the lanterns!

Brookfield Place
230 Vesey St.
Battery Park City
online: artsbrookfield.com

— Jesseca Stenson

featured image: Troy Tolley via flickr

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15 Ways to Entertain the Kids Over Thanksgiving Break

by Christina Montoya FiedlerNovember 22, 2019

There’s so much more to Thanksgiving weekend than leftover turkey sandwiches and online Black Friday deals. With the kids out of school (whether it’s the Zoom or in-person kind), you’re probably desperate for ways to keep everyone entertained. Scroll down for 15 fun and festive activities that will make the long weekend fly by.

See the Light(s)

Sure, some of our favorite holiday light displays have been cancelled this year (as in, no LA Zoo lights... sigh). But these over-the-top, illuminated houses around town are sure to dazzle and delight.

Branch Out

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, most of LA's local tree lots and further-out tree farms open for business. If you're feeling adventurous, start a new post-holiday tradition at a cut-your-own farm, where kids can wander through the rows of trees in search of the perfect one to take home.

Get Crafty

Check out these six kid-friendly fall crafts from our favorite LA Instagrammers.

Raise the Roof

From Graham cracker creations to a clever ice cream cone trick, here are 13 hacks to help you construct your next gingerbread house.

Take a Moment

After a tough year, Descanso Gardens invites you to reflect and enjoy the beauty that's all around us with Reflections at Descanso, a celebration of all that’s hopeful and peaceful in this world. Be sure to stop by the magical Wishing Tree, where you can add your own wish for the new year. More details.

Buckle Up & Celebrate

LA's best drive-thru holiday events are happening now! Get tickets to The Elf of the Shelf's Magical Holiday Journey, Santa's Speedway Spectacular (with 2 miles of lights!) and more.

Hit the Trails

Looking to work off all that stuffing (plus tire out the kiddos)? Visit one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path LA hikes.

Play It Safe

Most of LA's outdoor playgrounds have reopened with Covid restrictions in place. We recommend going during off hours, ideally earlier in the morning, to avoid the most crowded times.

Take It or "Leaf" It

There's still plenty of time to give your LA kids a true fall experience with a visit to one of these nearby wooded spots, where you can see trees in all their autumn glory.

Give Back

Help kids experience their own helper's high. From creating a Blessing Bag to writing a letter to the troops, here are 14 ways for them to give back this holiday season.

-Christina Montoya Fiedler & Shannan Rouss

featured photo: pexels

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There’s Some Serious Stargazing in July, with the Black Supermoon & Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower

by Erica LoopJuly 26, 2019

Look up! There’s plenty of nighttime viewing for junior astronomers this July, and we’ve got the scoop on all the summer stargazing fun.

July has two new moons—and one of them is a “black moon.” So what exactly is a black moon? Even though the name sounds ominous, it’s really pretty simple. When two new moons happen in one month, the second is called a black moon. For those of us in North America, that happens on Wednesday, Jul. 31.

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A post shared by NASA Solar System Exploration (@nasasolarsystem)

Not only is this month’s black moon a special treat (it happens once every 32 months), but it’s also a supermoon. This means the moon is near the closest point to our planet it gets on its Earth orbit, but sadly, we can’t view the awesomely illuminated surface. The new moon (black moon, that is) will line up between the Earth and the sun. With the sun’s rays shining on the opposite (far) side of the moon, we won’t have a view of the super sight.

But the black supermoon isn’t the only celestial event to see this summer. From Jul. 12 through Aug. 23 you can catch a view of the Delta Aquariids meteor shower, with its peak on Sunday, Jul. 28.

Your best chance at getting a prime view of the show is in late July/early August, during the second new moon. With the moon’s light out of the way, you could see as many as 20 meteors per hour, according to NASA!

Just head outside, preferably after midnight and away from street lights, and look halfway between the horizon line and the zenith.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Neale LaSalle via Pexels

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This University Is Adding a Course in Harry Potter & Sign Us Up!

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 24, 2019

Have you ever dreamed of attending Hogwarts? Here’s your chance, well, sort of. One university is offering Harry Potter-themed classes and it’s as close as you can get to the History of Magic with Professor Binns.

This fall students at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia have the option to enroll in a course titled “Harry Potter and the Good Life.” According to Mental Floss, the class will have students read the Harry Potter collection alongside the works of philosophers “to create connections between past and present.”

photo: Warner Bros. via YouTube

Amy Merrill Willis, University of Lynchburg coordinator of integrated seminars, explained to WSL 10 News that the class is “going to be introducing philosophical concepts from Plato, Socrates and Aristotle and asking students to think about the Harry Potter series in depth.”

This new curriculum is part of the university’s effort to streamline and modernize some of its course offerings. While it might not involve casting spells, it will certainly be an illuminating look at the world of wizardry.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Eureka! Discover 13 Books that Inspire Innovation

by rtemmasmithJune 22, 2017

Kids love to dream about becoming inventors. After all, tinkering and creativity come naturally to them. These picture and chapter books revel in the magic of creations and innovation while illuminating the other processes that are critical for success: curiosity, imagination, problem solving, and most of all, persistence. Flip through the album below to discover 13 stories that’ll get their gears spinning.

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Age: 4-8

This best-selling book about a little girl with big dreams has spawned several equally fun sequels (Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist). The illustrations support the theme with a blocky font and grid background, and the bouncy rhyme begs to be read aloud. The awesome hook here is that Rosie is the descendent of the famous Rosie the Riveter and is determined to follow in her grandmother’s groundbreaking footsteps.

Available at amazon.com, $10.59.

Which book do you want to read with your kids? Share with us in a comment below!

—Emma Bland Smith

The best Boston Christmas lights are turning on soon. You won’t want to miss these dazzling holiday lights

1. Boston Common Tree Lighting

2. Copley Square Tree Lighting

3. ZooLights at Stone Zoo

4. Night Lights 2022

5. Magic of Lights

6. Martin's Park Ship Lighting

7. Illuminations Tour

8. Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge House & Garden

9. Annual Lighting of the Columbus Park Trellis

10. Winter Light Show at Crescent Farm

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Macy's Herald Square

The Windows at Sak's Fifth Ave

Bloomingdale’s

Bergdorf Goodman

Tiffany & Co.

Chelsea Markets

Luminaries at Brookfield Place

Related reads

See the Light(s)

Branch Out

Get Crafty

Raise the Roof

Take a Moment

Buckle Up & Celebrate

Hit the Trails

Play It Safe

Take It or "Leaf" It

Give Back

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Rosie Revere, Engineer

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