A parade, the switch-on, an ice sculpture experience, the Santa Fun Run - Boston Christmas Festival set to bring three days of festive fun to town
Three days of festive fun is set to get under way in Boston.
The Boston Christmas Festival, as staged by Boston Borough Council, starts at 2pm tomorrow (Friday, November 28) and run until 4pm on Sunday (November 30).
A new attraction for 2025 will be an ice sculpture experience.
This will take place on the Saturday only and be provided by Glacial Art Ice Sculptors.
The award-winning, Liverpool-based company counts HBO, Netflix, Channel 4, Reebok, Adidas, Rolex and Nescafé among its previous clients.
It will install five ice sculptures, dubbed ‘The Frozen Five’, in the town centre, with inspiration for the pieces ranging from mythical winter creatures to festive icons.
In addition to the sculptures, the company will also perform a live ice-carving demonstration between 12pm and 3pm.
Other attractions will include:
- A new, larger open-air ice-skating rink
- A selection of fairground rides, including a traditional cakewalk, ferris wheel and a range of children’s rides
- A market each day, offering a wide range of seasonal products, handmade gifts, festive food and drink, and unique items from local traders
- A main stage featuring live music from local bands and community performances
In addition to these, the Illuminate Parade, organised by Transported Arts, will return again.
This will take place on the Friday at 5.45pm, ahead of the switch-on at 6.45pm.
The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Fantastic Beasts on Boston’, with inspiration coming from carvings inside St Botolph’s Church depicting mythical creatures, faces and folktale scenes.
The Santa Fun Run will take place on the Sunday at 9am.
The festival is complemented by a full programme of performances and activities in St Botolph’s Church, including appearances by: Singing For Fun, The Home Nursery, Tower Road Academy, Thistles, Adult Learning Boston College, Boston Junior Choir, The Butterwick Pinchbeck's Endowed CofE Primary School, Coastal Community Choir, and Boston Choral Society.
There will also be arts and crafts, face painting, games, a Christmas trail, a photo selfie board, two festive stalls and the popular Christmas Tree Festival. The café will be open throughout the event.
To support town centre businesses, shoppers and the community as a whole, the council is suspending parking charges at its off-street car parks from 8am on Friday until 6pm on Sunday, and then on every subsequent Saturday up to and including December 20.
No ticket will be required from any off-street parking machine during these times, and enforcement for non-payment of advertised fees will be suspended. However, all other parking rules, such as parking within designated bays, will remain in effect and be enforced in line with the Council’s Parking Order.
The following off-street car parks are included in the free parking offer: Bargate Green, Custom House Quay, Cattle Market, Botolph Street, Doughty Quay, West End, St George's Road, Artillery Row, Maud Street, Buoy Yard, Victoria Place, Staniland, George Street, Spayne Road, and Tunnard Street.
On-street parking charges will still apply at Pump Square, Market Place, South Square, Station Approach, and Wide Bargate. No refunds will be issued for tickets or app payments made during the free parking periods, and season ticket holders will not receive partial refunds.
Coun Mike Gilbert, portfolio holder for town centre at the council, said: “We want to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for everyone to come together and celebrate the magic of the season.
“This time of year is about connection, joy, and shared experiences, and we believe no one should have to worry about the little things when joining in the festivities.
“Offering free parking is our way of saying thank you to the community, removing barriers, and helping create a welcoming atmosphere within our borough.”