From the busy streets of Beacon Hill to the quiet beauty of a candlelit service at Trinity Church in Copley Square, photographer Michael Piazza captured the spirit and beauty of the holiday season in Boston at Christmas for Yankee Magazine. Please enjoy this collection of some of our favorite photos that didn’t make it into print. We hope they will inspire you to create and capture your own memories in New England’s most iconic city.
See the full feature, “Christmas in Boston,” in the November/December 2016 issue. It’s packed with our expert advice on the best things to do, see, and eat in the city this Christmas — including holiday craft fairs, light displays, and more!
The Candelight Carols ceremony at Copley Square’s Trinity Church, a Boston at Christmas tradition that has been honored since 1909. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaThe beauty of the Trinity Church’s architecture can be seen in the details of the stained glass by William Morris and the encaustic murals by John La Farge. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaWooden ornaments and santas surrounded by holiday greenery at Rouvalis Flowers on Beacon Hill. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaA sidewalk display outside Rouvalis Flowers. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaGiant pinecones fill a vintage cart at Rouvalis Flowers. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaA statue of Alexander Hamilton on Commonwealth Avenue takes center stage illuminated by the holiday lights in the trees. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaHoliday lights and greenery speak to the season on Charles Street. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaBlack Ink’s holiday window display on Charles Street. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaThe George Washington Statue by Thomas Ball has graced the Boston Public Garden since 1869. Photo Credit : Michael PiazzaThe simplicity of an Acorn Street holiday wreath in Beacon Hill. Photo Credit : Michael Piazza
Have you ever visited Boston at Christmas?
Heather Marcus
Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee. She works closely with the art director and contributing photographers to tell our stories about people and place in a compelling way. Living and growing up in New England, she continues to be inspired by the communities, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.
I was born and brought up in Milton and the highlight of the Christmas season was when my parents brought us to downtown Boston and we were so excited to see the huge windows in Jordon Marsh and Filenes with all the moving pieces.
With all the fabulous winter–wonderland type lights and displays that Boston has, I find it hard to believe that this is all you show (and three being from the same source).
Hi Laura. This collection of photos are the overflow from the many events, places, and attractions we shot for the 2016 Yankee feature cover story on Boston at Christmas. I encourage you to pick up the current issue to see more. You can also view it online here: https://newengland.com/yankee-magazine/travel/massachusetts/boston/christmas-in-boston/
Boston is beautiful at Christmas! It would be a dream come true to spend it there some year – and these photos make it even more appealing. I wonder if the Beacon Hill Bellringers still active? A friend from college told me about them years ago [40] and said it was a real highlight of the season for those who lived in the Beacon Hill region.
I grew up in Boston, and went to nursery school on Acorn Street. The lights around town have become better and better, and it’s lovely to see a few photos of Beacon Hill. Where are the photos of the trees on The Common? What other lights are out? On Newbury Street or Marlborough or Beacon Street? What about The North End and Southie and beyond?
I grew up in the Boston area and every year we went into Boston to see the lights and displays on the common.
!thank you!
Beautiful photos!!!
I was born and brought up in Milton and the highlight of the Christmas season was when my parents brought us to downtown Boston and we were so excited to see the huge windows in Jordon Marsh and Filenes with all the moving pieces.
With all the fabulous winter–wonderland type lights and displays that Boston has, I find it hard to believe that this is all you show (and three being from the same source).
Hi Laura. This collection of photos are the overflow from the many events, places, and attractions we shot for the 2016 Yankee feature cover story on Boston at Christmas. I encourage you to pick up the current issue to see more. You can also view it online here: https://newengland.com/yankee-magazine/travel/massachusetts/boston/christmas-in-boston/
Boston is beautiful at Christmas! It would be a dream come true to spend it there some year – and these photos make it even more appealing. I wonder if the Beacon Hill Bellringers still active? A friend from college told me about them years ago [40] and said it was a real highlight of the season for those who lived in the Beacon Hill region.
I grew up in Boston, and went to nursery school on Acorn Street. The lights around town have become better and better, and it’s lovely to see a few photos of Beacon Hill. Where are the photos of the trees on The Common? What other lights are out? On Newbury Street or Marlborough or Beacon Street? What about The North End and Southie and beyond?
pictures cute, but in no way do they compare to New York at Christmas
…..you are comparing apples to oranges – I prefer apples.