Time to pack away the shorts and dig out your scarves and hats, Squantumites…those balmy breezes have finally given way to crisp morning air! And just in time for us to kick off the season. From parachuting Santa and elves, to sing alongs, and two tree lightings…it’s time to get your twinkle on peeps! Here’s a roundup of Quincy and Squantum holiday festivities over Thanksgiving weekend. After you recover from the Turkey Trot and the feast…head out with your friends and fam to celebrate the warmth of the season.
Squantum Tree Lighting
Sunday, November 26, 2017
4:30 pm
Gilbert Memorial Park, at the intersection of Huckins Avenue and East Squantum Street
Join the festivities as we kick off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting following the Quincy Christmas Parade. Head over to the triangle at Gilbert Memorial Park and join your neighbors for hot cocoa and delicious cookies provided by the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum. Join in on the carol singing as we welcome Santa Claus who will do the honors of lighting up the tree! Hope to see you and the whole family there!
Quincy holiday festivities
Quincy tree lighting celebration (note new location this year)
Friday, November 24, 5 pm-7 pm
Thomas Crane Public Library lawn, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, MA
Drop off your letters to Santa and enjoy free popcorn, hot chocolate, and candy canes, as well as food trucks food trucks and a gingerbread competition. Enjoy Donna Marie Children’s Puppet Show (5pm), strolling Victorian Christmas Carolers, street performers, and the youthful voices of the Quincy/North Quincy Choir. At approximately at 6:15pm, Mayor Thomas P. Koch will turn on the Christmas lights at the library and throughout Quincy Center to mark the beginning of our holiday season.
City of Quincy Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 26, 12:30 pm-3 pm
Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas parade featuring high school and adult marching bands from around the state, Christmas themed floats, costumed characters, antique vehicles, and Santa in his traditional fire truck ride. The parade route begins at the intersection of Hancock Street and the Walter J. Hannon Parkway, continuing up Hancock Street to North Quincy High School. This is one of the largest parades in the Commonwealth.
Santa and his Elves arrival by parachute – new date
Saturday, December 2 (postponed form November 25) ~ 12:30 pm
Pageant Field,One Merrymount Parkway (up the road from Adams Field), Quincy, MA
Costumed characters from the parade greet children as they await the arrival of Santa Claus and his elves by parachute at Quincy’s unique Christmas tradition. Take a Holiday Wagon Ride with a costumed character.
Please note: In the interest of public safety, all bags and backpacks are subject to public search.