250 USA ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
New Year’s Eve Waterfront Stroll: “We the People”
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is planning a Revolution 250–themed New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2025, along the Boston waterfront. Expect ice sculptures, lights, and a festive “We the People” theme honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Boston Public Library Exhibition: Revolution! 250 Years of Art and Activism
From October 23, 2025 through April 21, 2026, the Boston Public Library presents a major exhibition featuring more than one hundred artworks and archival materials. The show reflects on both the American Revolution and later movements for civil rights and social justice. It is a perfect December activity for anyone wanting to connect with themes of freedom and Boston’s role in shaping the nation.
National Park Service: Boston 250 Commemoration
The National Park Service will be honoring the 250th anniversary of the Siege of Boston throughout 2025 and 2026. December programs are limited, yet many historic-site tours, interpretive talks, and guided winter walks are expected throughout the upcoming year. Key places to explore include Paul Revere Park, Roxbury Heritage State Park, and other historic sites connected to Revolution 250.
💡 Ways to Experience the 250th in December
• Plan a historical walking day: Visit the BPL exhibition, stroll the Freedom Trail, and stop at nearby Revolution 250 sites.
• Attend the New Year’s Eve waterfront celebration: Enjoy the sculptures and the atmosphere while reflecting on Boston’s founding-era history.
• Explore state parks and historic sites: Even in winter, places like Paul Revere Park offer meaningful “walk in their footsteps” experiences.
• Use the BPL exhibition as a hub: Pair your visit with reading, conversation, or family activities about what “revolution” has meant across generations.
We highly recommend watching Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. This is television storytelling at its finest. You can download the PBS app or stream it on Hulu, and PBS will also list broadcast showings if you prefer to watch it live. Bring the Revolution right into your living room: light a fire, settle in, and travel back to where it all began. As of this writing, we are in the middle of watching this superb six-part documentary, and we truly cannot recommend it enough!