Boston Christmas Tree - A Gift in Rememberance of the Halifax Explosion

The City of Boston's annual holiday display includes the official Christmas tree from Nova Scotia and trees throughout Boston Common.

The 60-year-old white spruce tree is a thank you to Boston for its support following the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Every year, Nova Scotians and Bostonians celebrate the lighting of the Nova Scotia tree gifted to Boston.

Nova Scotia's Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine was among a delegation of Canadians that visited Boston to witness the 2019 tree lighting ceremony on the Boston Common.

"This special tree is for the generosity shown to us after the Halifax Explosion and I am honoured to witness it light up the City of Boston," said Mr. Glavine.

This is the 48th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor.

Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia.

sources: City of Boston, Province of Nova Scotia

Christmas In New England

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Maine | credit : NPS

Since the colonial period, Christmas has been a special time in New England. This article takes a brief look at Christmas traditions, events, things to do, and trip ideas for Christmas in New England.

Traditions

The region's natural beauty and wealth of resources have played a major role in shaping America's Christmas traditions.

Christmas traditions associated with New England include sleigh rides, ski retreats, Christmas tree farm tours, cranberry sauce, pies, seafood, and others.

Food and Drink

Food is a big part of Christmas in New England. There are usually plenty of main courses such as turkey, ham or even Maine lobster, accompanied by potatoes, winter squash, cranberry sauce, and other traditional foods. For dessert, pies are often served, especially apple, blueberry, and pumpkin. At breakfast, Vermont maple syrup is an essential topping for pancakes or waffles.

Outdoor Activities

During the Christmas season, there is no shortage of outdoor things to do in New England. Enthusiasts can enjoy skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and other cold weather activities. Holiday train excursions are another option for seeing the outdoors.

Along the coast, winter boat excursions offer unique views of waterfronts, historic landmarks, wildlife, and other sites. For birdwatchers, there are numerous Christmas Bird Counts held throughout New England.

Destinations

New England's diversity is part of its attraction. There are so many unique areas that are unlike anything else nearby.

Maine, the largest New England state, offers an array of experiences. There are isolated wild lands, quaint coastal towns, and many other settings.

Nearby, Massachusetts is another state with a range of settings for Christmas. Visitors can enjoy an urban holiday in Boston, celebrate in a coastal town, or explore the western part of the state.

In Vermont and New Hampshire, visitors can enjoy incredible scenery and a quiet atmosphere. Vermont has winter attractions such as the Green Mountains, ski areas, hiking trails, Lake Champlain ice fishing, top notch spas, and more.

In New Hampshire, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers can explore the White Mountains or ski one of the most extensive networks of cross-country ski trails in the East. Located near Mount Liberty in Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume Gorge is one of the state's most popular natural attractions. In Portsmouth, the Festival of Trees includes a spectacular display of lights.

Rhode Island, the smallest New England state, has plenty of things to do during the Christmas season. Christmas In Newport, a month long celebration, includes traditional lighting, mansion tours, and much more. While in Newport, visitors can take a boat tour to see seals, lighthouses, and waterfront views. Rhode Island also has lots of beaches where families can enjoy a winter walk.

In Connecticut, there are plenty of cities and coastal communities to visit. Favorite destinations include Mystic, New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Greenwich, or other towns. Annual winter events include Winterfest Hartford, Holiday Light Fantasia (with more than 1 million lights), and the Gingerbread Festival in South Windsor.

Related Information

Where is New England?

New England Facts

Local Foods