Why Boston is the Perfect Place for the Holidays

Boston during the holiday season is arguably one of the best cities in the country to be in. Holiday decorations line the streets encompassing many backgrounds and religions. Celebrations fill the city from hanging wreaths to lighting trees. People walk around with a spring in their step and a little extra cheer. And most importantly, the cold air (and if we’re lucky enough, the snow) seem to be embraced and welcomed rather than despised.

Additionally, there is so much to look forward to throughout Boston this time of year. There are many traditions, events, ceremonies, and activities constantly going on. Essentially, there’s always something happening to give you a little holiday spirit.

Tree Lightings

One of the most beloved traditions in the city are the many tree lighting ceremonies that occur from November to December. There is one in Copley Square, another at the Massachusetts State House, one in Boston Common, and many more. However, the most popular by far is the 60-foot tree that stands tall at Faneuil Hall. Stop by to see the incredible Blink! show after spending your day shopping and eating your way through Quincy Market.

31 Nights of Light

A newer tradition that has been going on for 10 years as of 2018 is the 31 Nights of Light. This begins on December 1st where the Prudential Center lights up a different color every night. Above all, each night aims to bring awareness to special holidays or a different nonprofit organization in Boston. For example, the Prudential Center shines bright for the start of Hanukkah on December 2nd. Likewise, the lights will beam for another incredible reason on December 27th symbolizing the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Things to Do

A few other fun things we recommend doing in the city are seeing a show or lacing up your skates for some ice skating. The Boston Pops and Nutcracker frequently play in mid-to-late December to make seeing a show easy. Furthermore, ice skating at Boston Common Frog Pond is by far the most popular destination in the city to skate. The pond has season passes, discounted college student nights, birthday party packages, and a café with food and warm beverages.

Walking the City

Finally, we highly recommend just taking a walk around the city and taking in all the magic. You’re bound to stumble upon something beautiful. If you need a little guidance, Back Bay will never disappoint. Starting in Boston Common will immediately exceed your expectations. After, continue down through Back Bay by passing Copley Square and heading toward the Prudential Center. This is sure to put you in the holiday spirit and spread some cheer.

About the Author

Joshua Stephens, Vice President

Joshua Stephens is the founder and president of Moving Greater Boston and a Vice President of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Warren Residential. After graduating from UMASS Amherst with a degree in psychology in 2008, Josh dedicated five years to social service work on the North Shore before joining Berkshire Hathaway in 2013, where he found his professional calling and quickly distinguished himself as a motivated innovator capable of synthesizing the needs of buyers, sellers, investors, and developers. In just a few short years, Josh formed Moving Greater Boston and achieved over $100 million in sales after only 7 years in the business. Josh's team has been consistently recognized at both the local and national levels, receiving numerous prestigious awards for sales and customer service. Last year, the Moving Greater Boston team was awarded the coveted Chairman’s Circle Platinum award for all of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, which recognizes agents and teams that are in the top 1% for sales across a network of over 70,000 agencies. In 2017, Josh was also personally selected to serve on the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services National REthink Council, an honor bestowed upon only 15 agents among thousands of applicants. Despite his many and ongoing successes in the world of real estate, Joshua has never lost sight of his social work roots. A compassionate and principled professional who knows the value of strong communities, Josh continues his advocacy outside of the office by being actively involved in a number of local organizations and charities. In 2016, he was instrumental in conceptualizing and developing Business Networking International (BNI) Prospect Hill, an organization that connects local business professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. As a native of Massachusetts, Joshua has an intimate knowledge of Boston real estate, while having a degree in psychology helps him to understand each of his clients' unique needs, enabling him to connect them with ideal communities, an opportunity which he considers both a priority and privilege. Rather than simply facilitating the buying and selling of property, Josh views his role as a realtor as a lifelong commitment to continually serving the best interests of the people who have put their trust in him. Josh continually strives for excellence in service, provides in-depth knowledge of the market, and blends unwavering integrity with amenable good humor to alleviate the stress of real estate transactions and assure the experience is one that lets the sensation of being in the perfect place, at the perfect time, truly resonate.