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Downtown Crossing transforms into a winter wonderland with the premiere of Snowflake Crossing. 

Downtown Crossing becomes “Snowflake Crossing” in December with a slate of seasonally inspired programs, hundreds of streetscape decorations and lighting, and live performances throughout the neighborhood from post-Thanksgiving weekend through December 24th. 

Visitors can expect bright and colorful lights spanning the main thoroughfares, hundreds of lighted trees, giant hanging snowflakes, and winter-themed plants and landscaping along the streets. 

“SNOWFLAKE CROSSING” HIGHLIGHTS:

EVENTS:

Dec. 5-9 and Dec. 12-16, 8am - 6pm: A district-wide lobby decoration contest. In celebration of Downtown Crossing and the Financial District’s impressive array of historic and contemporary buildings, the Downtown Boston BID hosts a series of immersive decorations in building lobbies throughout the neighborhood with toy drives and seasonal treats. Visitors vote for their favorites via QR code. Winner announced Dec. 20. Participating lobbies include 155 Federal, 100 Federal, 75-101 Federal, 99 Summer, The Parker House Hotel at 60 School, The Godfrey Hotel at 505 Washington, and 125 Summer Street.

Dec. 17 (11 am to 5 pm) & Dec. 18 (11 am to 4 pm): Snowflake Crossing Ice Festival. An immersive ice sculpture experience transforms the Downtown Crossing Steps (Washington and Franklin Streets). Surrounded by twinkly lights and decorated trees, this installation’s winter- and toy-themed decor creates a magical, eye-popping wonderland perfect for photos. Hot chocolate, plus music and family-friendly performances accompany the icy display. Performances include special appearances from the Urban Nutcracker, Black Nativity and Blades from the Boston Bruins on Dec. 16th. The University of Cincinnati Marching Band will also be joining on Dec. 16th for a special performance . . . featuring over 300 musicians, cheerleaders, and dancers.

ONGOING WINTER PROGRAMMING AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES: 

Musicians, puppeteers, holiday market, food vendors, visits from Santa and a winter-themed mural can be found on Summer Street Plaza. 

Nov. 25 - Dec. 17, 11am - 4pm, Fridays and Saturdays: The Downtown Boston Holiday Market opens at Summer Street Plaza each weekend, where regional makers and independent retailers offer unique and off-beat gifts.

Nov. 25 - Dec. 23, 12 noon - 2pm and 4pm - 6:30pm: Daily carolers and roaming seasonal bands will delight visitors throughout the neighborhood, popping up throughout Downtown Boston with cheerful, holiday favorites.

Nov. 26 - Dec. 18, 12:30pm - 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays: Local female acapella group Sweet Harmony performs each weekend at One Summer Street Plaza outside Macy’s, with moving renditions of classic holiday songs and seasonal favorites. 

Dec. 3 - 18, 12 noon - 2pm and 3pm - 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays: Santa returns to the window at Primark (10 Summer Street), delighting kiddos and hearing Christmas gift lists on weekends.

Dec. 8, 12 noon - 2pm: The Singing Nuns will enthrall passersby at One Summer Street outside Macy’s, joining voices in beloved holiday tunes, Sister Act-style.