Nova Scotia Christmas Tree at New Years?

by LH
(Sambro, Nova Scotia, Canada)

I'm from Nova Scotia and will be in New England on December 31st. I'd like to come take a look at the tree sent to Boston from Nova Scotia. Is there parking in that area? Are there any outdoor events going on in that same area for New Year's Eve? We'll be staying in the Portsmouth, NH area and also wondered if there was an Amtrak or Commuter Train that would travel anywhere near where the Nova Scotia tree is located. Thank you.

Susan's reply: Before answering your question, I want to say a big "Thank You!!!" to the people of Nova Scotia for the beautiful tree that you send to Boston each year. Its arrival is always an exciting moment, and our mayor presides over a special ceremony when the lights on it are turned on each year (details in the Boston Event Calendar for December).

You'll find the tree on Boston Common, near the Visitor's Center on Tremont Street. There is convenient parking in the underground Boston Common Garage located directly under the Common. Although this is normally an excellent place to park as rates are lower than other nearby garages, there is a strong chance that it will fill up early on the 31st due to the HUGE First Night Boston New Year's Eve celebration going on from around 9am past midnight - both indoor and outdoor events throughout the central city. Your idea about taking the Commuter Rail in is a wise one!

The nearest station to Portsmouth is actually quite close - Newburyport, MA. Here is a link to the MBTA (local transit authority) website where you can find information about schedules, fares, etc.

The train comes into North Station, and from there you would need to take the T (subway) to Park Station, which is on Boston Common). You can also walk, but if you're not familiar with the city, you would need a good map, as the stretch between North Station and the Common goes through the oldest part of the city and the streets wind around quite a bit. It's an interesting walk, though - about 15 minutes, if you make no wrong turns.

Have a wonderful visit to Boston!

Susan

Click here to post comments.

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Things to do - December.

Back to Boston Tourism and Discovery Guide Home Page

Connect with Boston Discovery Guide

Boston Tourism Blog
Get the latest updates on Boston events, attraction discounts, and hotel specials as they happen. Best place to find up-to-date tips about things to do in Boston.

Boston Tourist Tips Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe for free to Boston Tourist Tips to learn about all the top events for the coming month, plus tips about discounts, seasonal information, and attractions.

Boston Travel Questions
Do you have Boston travel questions? Ask them here, and we'll answer.

Plan Your Trip to Boston

Cheap Flights to Boston
Where to find cheap flights to Boston Logan Airport, how to find best online deals and specials, and when to consider flying into an nearby airport.

Boston Hotels | Best Deals, Luxury Hotels, Boutique Hotels
Whether you want waterfront views, cheap rates, luxury, proximity to special events, top service, or a warm welcome for your pet, you can find Boston hotels to match your preferences.

Boston Discount Cards
Want to see Boston for half-price? Find out which discount cards give you the biggest savings.

Enjoy Your Boston Visit

Top Boston Attractions
Check out about Boston's must-see attractions, how to get discounts, and how to get there.

Boston's Biggest Events
Learn about festivals, holiday celebrations, parades, concerts, shows, kids activities, free movies, sports, and other fun things to do each month in Boston - plus where to find discounts, deals, and half-price tickets.

Boston Sightseeing Information and Neighborhood Map
Need the "big picture" of Boston neighborhood locations, and the top attractions in each one? Use our sightseeing map to learn where things are.

Boston Tours
Find all the fun ways to see Boston - the Freedom Trail (with or without costumed guides), movie tours, Duck Boat tours, Boston Harbor cruises, daytrips to Concord, Salem, and Plimouth Plantation - and much more!

Boston CruisePort Visitors

Cruises from Boston and Shore Excursion Information
Whether you're departing on a cruise from Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal or spending just a day here for a Port of Call shore excursion, you'll find all the information you need here.