Do you know why Boston receives a tree every year from Nova Scotia? Well, gather around, and let me tell you the story of the Tree for Boston (via Boston Parks & Recreation Department).
Over a hundred years ago, on December 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax Harbor, causing a devastating explosion. Boston authorities learned of the disaster by telegraph and quickly organized and dispatched a relief train full of supplies & emergency personnel within a day.
Nova Scotia was so grateful for the kindness and quick response the people of Boston provided that they gave the gift of a beautiful Christmas tree each year as a thank you.
Boston’s official 2024 tree arrives to fanfare on Boston Common by flatbed truck from Nova Scotia. This year’s historic Tree for Boston is a 30-year-old, 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Hugh and Liz Ryan of Mattie Settlement, Antigonish County, Nova Scotia. The public is welcome to cheer the tree’s arrival with candy canes and an appearance by Santa. (Here’s hoping there’s a baby owl in it!)
This is the 53rd year that a tree has been donated and commemorates 106 years of friendship with Nova Scotia. This recognizes the people of Boston who provided emergency assistance when Halifax, Nova Scotia was devastated by a maritime munitions explosion in the harbor in 1917. The first Tree for Boston was donated in 1971 by Joseph Slauenwhite from Lunenburg County.
Official Tree Light on Thursday, December 5, 6–8 p.m. at Boston Common
Boston’s official 2024 Christmas tree from Nova Scotia will be lit at the close of a two-hour celebration beginning at 6 p.m. and broadcast live on WCVB Channel 5 starting at 7 p.m. This is the 53rd year that a tree has been donated by Nova Scotia and commemorates 107 years of friendship with the people of Boston. The tree will be lit at approximately 7:55 p.m.
Visit Boston.gov/lights-on-bos for more information and follow Boston Parks social channels to stay up to date with all the holiday lighting events: @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
