In the heart of Boston Common, a towering Canadian Christmas tree stands as a bright emblem of friendship between two cities forever bound by a tragic historical event.
Nova Scotia’s annual Tree for Boston tradition, spanning over a century, sees the province generously gifting Boston with a majestic Christmas tree.
The roots of this exchange trace back to the fateful year of 1917 when Halifax was ravaged by one of the largest man-made explosions before the atomic bomb.
The cataclysmic event occurred when a French cargo ship laden with explosives collided with a Norwegian vessel in Halifax Harbor, creating a devastating fireball that claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 people, injured 9,000, and left entire neighbourhoods flattened to rubble.
Compounded by a blizzard that hindered rescue efforts, the survivors were left destitute and freezing. In the face of this unprecedented disaster, Boston emerged heroically.
Swiftly responding to the call for aid, Bostonians organized trains laden with relief supplies, medical personnel, and volunteers. They played a central role in helping Halifax rebuild.
In a gesture of appreciation, Halifax sent its first Christmas tree to Boston in 1918—a simple yet heartfelt token of gratitude.
Although the tradition paused for a period, it was rekindled in 1971 by the Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Council, and it has since become an enduring annual tradition.
Each year, a carefully chosen tree is harvested from the verdant forests of Nova Scotia and embarked on a journey to Boston. Transported by truck, the tree arrives in Boston for a festive ceremony attended by dignitaries and citizens from both sides of the border.
This towering evergreen is far more than a festive decoration. It stands as a living testament to the resilience of two communities that have faced adversity together.
The tree selected for this year was donated by the Gourley family in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia and was erected in Boston’s city centre this November.
