The official holiday season kick-off in Boston includes the lighting of the City of Boston's official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden. 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. Join us in the countdown as Mayor Walsh illuminates Boston's official tree and trees on Boston Common and the Public Garden bridge.

The Province of Nova Scotia returns as title sponsor as they commemorate the 101st anniversary of the disaster which led to its special bond with Boston. This marks the 47th year Nova Scotia has given a tree to the residents of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor. Within 24 hours of this disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was en-route from Boston to Halifax. For the 20th consecutive year, the event will be televised live on WCVB-TV Channel 5 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m