Lighting of the Ship at Martin's Park

Friends of Martin's Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department host the ship lighting at Martin's Park on the Smith Family Waterfront in the Seaport and Fort Point. The ship, beach fencing, and pedestrian bridge wear more than 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. Santa arrives by boat with the Boston Police Harbor Unit on the Harborwalk, while Berklee School of Music artists play holiday classics. Holiday drinks are served, Park Rangers bring the Mounted Unit, and the Boston Fire Department sets out a Touch Truck beside arts and crafts led by a local artist. The park sits at 64 Sleeper Street in South Boston.

Our take: Get to the Harborwalk early if you want a clear view of Santa arriving by boat with the Harbor Unit before the ship lights up.