2011 Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting

Boston Common is a lively hub of activity for both city dwellers and visitors. This beautiful 5-acre park has a rich history. Many famous speakers and historic events are associated with this area of Boston, including its designation as the starting point of the Freedom Trail. Every year, around the beginning of December, the park goes through a magical metamorphosis as thousands of tiny lights come to life with the annual Christmas tree lighting.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the annual event. On Thursday, December 1, 2011, St. Nick and Mayor Menino will share the joy of flipping the switches to light the trees of Boston. Thousands of people are expected to join in the festivities. The tree lighting ceremony begins around 6:00PM and the lights will be illuminated just before 8:00PM.

This year there will be a spectacular skating program at Frog Pond in Boston Common. Pairs, couple dancing routines and other programs will delight and entertain young and old. The two-hour show will feature local skaters and national champions. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:00PM.

Planning the annual tree lighting is a yearlong process. For the past forty years, the trees that have adorned Boston Common have come from Nova Scotia. This year’s tree will arrive on November 18th and take its place in history. As the truck delivering the tree makes its way to Boston Common, it will wind through the city. Occupants living along the path will be able to watch the tree as it travels past luxury Boston condos, down Cambridge and Boylston Street, and finally past One Charles Street, before it turns onto Tremont for the final leg of the long journey.

The tree will stand at 139 Tremont Street, near the Boston Visitor Center. Local schoolchildren will be on location to watch the tree arrive and visit with Santa. Residents living at Tremont on the Common, have a bird’s eye view of all the activities from their luxury condos.

Boston is a beautiful city filled with history and romance around every turn. The magical transformation of the city during the holiday season must be experienced up close. If you are visiting the area as part of a Boston relocation package, consider renting a handsome cab for the afternoon and evening before the ceremony.

Touring the city, meandering through the Back Bay condo districts and exploring the North End waterfront communities on Battery Wharf from a carriage lets you hear and feel the essence of the city. It will give you a chance to see some of the most luxurious and exquisitely designed properties available in Boston. If you are near Battery Wharf during lunchtime, you can enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the fine dining establishments.

If you are looking for a luxury apartment Boston style, working with a Boston real estate agent is recommended. Luxury apartments and condos are scattered throughout the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Tell your Warren Residential real estate agent about the properties and neighborhoods you liked most. Real estate agents have the inside scoop about new properties under construction and recent renovations in the inner city, too. It is impossible to see everything in a day or two on your own, working with a professional will help narrow down your search.

The lighting of Boston Common is a magical experience, steeped in tradition. This time of year is filled with wonder, hope, joy and anticipation.

Join us for an evening of family fun, Boston style. For more information call 617-635-4505 or visit www.massconvention.com/bcg.html for parking information.

A fire broke out Saturday November 15th at 777 Boylston St. in Boston’s Back Bay, home to a Crate and Barrel home furnishings store.  The Alexander apartments at 755 Boylston in Back Bay were affected by the smoke but did not substain any real damage.  Residents of 755 Boylston returned to their apartments shortly after the blaze was contained.  Atlantic Fish Company and Abe and Louie’s opened back up not long after the fire was contained but Crate and Barrel will remain closed indefinitely.

The apartments at the Alexander (755 Boylston) are luxury apartments priced between $3500-5500 per month.  The will be undergoing a major renovation in 2009 turning the building into a green building, one of Boston’s first green apartments buildings.