Commonwealth Avenue Mall Holiday Lighting

About this adventure

Transforming Boston's Back Bay into an enchanting European-style boulevard, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall holiday light display features thousands of warm, twinkling white fairy lights wrapping the stately Parisian-inspired sweetgum and elm trees that line the historic promenade. Extending from Arlington Street to Charlesgate, the luminous canopy reflects off the snowy lawns and Victorian brick brownstones, creating one of the most picturesque, serene winter night walks in New England. This cherished, multi-generational neighborhood tradition is presented by the Friends of the Public Garden and the Committee to Light Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Wide, gently graded crushed-stone and paved central walkways make this a peaceful, stroller-friendly evening excursion for families with toddlers and babies. The lights are officially illuminated on the first Thursday of December following the Boston Common Tree Lighting and remain on through the end of March, giving winter visitors a continuous, tranquil evening destination.