On December 6, 1917, the Halifax Explosion killed nearly 2,000 people. Boston responded with urgent medical aid and relief supplies, and in thanks Nova Scotia has donated an annual Christmas tree to the city since 1971. This year’s 45-foot white spruce from Lunenburg County arrived on Nov. 18, marking the 54th formal gift and 108 years of friendship; Mayor Michelle Wu traveled to accept it.
How a 1917 Disaster Became a Century-Long Gift: Nova Scotia’s Annual Christmas Tree for Boston
tree for boston/instagramBoston Tree Nova Scotia
Each year, Boston’s official Christmas tree arrives as more than a seasonal decoration — it is a gesture of gratitude from the Canadian province of Nova Scotia that traces back to one of North America’s worst man-made disasters.
On December 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax Harbour in what became known as the Halifax Explosion. The blast killed nearly 2,000 people, injured hundreds more and left many homeless. In the immediate aftermath, the city of Boston dispatched medical teams, supplies and other aid to help Nova Scotians recover.
From Relief to Ritual
To acknowledge Boston’s prompt assistance, Nova Scotia began a formal tradition of gifting the city a Christmas tree. The first official "Tree for Boston" was presented in 1971, and the annual donation has continued every year as a symbol of lasting friendship and gratitude.
John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via GettyNova Scotia tree in Boston
This year’s tree — a 45-foot white spruce felled in Lunenburg County — arrived in Boston on Nov. 18. The delivery marks the 54th formal donation and commemorates 108 years of ties between Nova Scotia and Boston. The tree’s journey and the ceremony attract public attention; the tree even maintains its own social media presence to document the annual exchange.
“To the government and people of Nova Scotia, I am so proud and honored to bring greetings from the people of Boston and tremendous gratitude for this very special gift,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said during the handover ceremony, as reported by NBC Boston.
Mayor Wu travelled to Nova Scotia to witness the felling of the tree and personally accepted the gift on behalf of Boston. The yearly exchange remains an enduring, symbolic expression of the bond born from the tragedy of 1917 and the compassion shown in its wake.
Why It Matters
The tradition blends history, remembrance and civic diplomacy: every tree stands as both a holiday emblem and a public reminder of mutual aid across borders during a time of crisis.
