Copley Square Tree Lighting

One of our first Christmas activities was attending the Copley Square Christmas tree lighting. Compared to the two tree lightnings that we went to last year (The Newbury Street one was a dud, the other at Quincy Market was waaaay too busy...) this was FANTASTIC. We didn't get there early but were able to see everything going on and even snuck to the front of the little stage.

An Air Force brass band played beautiful Christmas carols. Characters from the Nutcracker were there: the huge bear and a soldier on stilts to name a few. Different sponsors were passing out free cookies, egg nog, and chocolate milk. (We all know that our BrDad can't pass up free goodies!) A children's choir sang, and the mayor gave a short speech and invited the children on stage with him. The tree was beautiful as was the backdrop of the Trinity Church on one side and the Boston Public library on the other.

David on the stage with Mayor Menino in the background.

I forgot my camera so Brad's cell phone had to do.

Perhaps the best part of this night was the weather. It was threatening rain but clear and WARM. Hurrah New England, thanks for coming through, especially after Thanksgiving!

The most fancy part of the evening was the after party at the Farimount Copley Hotel. We had no idea we'd be able to attend such an event. I love things like this that are free and open to the public. It was fabulous to sneak a peek at the fancy ballroom and then be able to go to a party inside! There was a decadent hot chocolate station, a cookie decorating station, and "tea" finger foods. A live band and Santa and Rudolph made the lavish event even more special.

The kids really enjoyed decorating their cookies and having them all packaged up to take home. David enjoyed Santa and William kept his distance from the jolly old guy. We ate some Wendy's for dinner. I thought this night was well worth the few dollars we paid to park downtown! I'm beginning to feel a little sad that our time in Boston will come to a close and we may not be here to enjoy another Christmas. I'm glad we were able to squeeze in this perfect family outing.