Revolutionary Spaces Revives Lost 20th-Century Christmas Eve Tradition at Boston’s Old State House
Historic balcony carols return to downtown after more than 80 years
BOSTON, MA (December 17, 2025) — This Christmas Eve, Revolutionary Spaces will bring back a long-forgotten Boston holiday tradition, returning live trumpet carols to the balcony of the Old State House for the first time since World War II. The 30-minute program begins at noon, reviving a custom first introduced by the Bostonian Society (Revolutionary Spaces’ predecessor organization) in 1913 just one year after Boston Common hosted America’s first public Christmas tree lighting. At the time, the buglers’ performance marked the start of the holiday season and signaled the close of the business year in Boston’s financial district.
The tradition came to an abrupt halt in 1942, when military buglers were deployed during World War II. Though expected to resume afterward, the program quietly faded from public memory. This year, Revolutionary Spaces restores this century-old civic celebration. In a moment when Bostonians crave connection and cheer, the familiar strains of trumpet carols will once again echo over State Street, inviting the local community to pause, gather, and share in the warmth and hope of the season.
“Standing on the balcony where Bostonians from long ago gathered to welcome the holiday season reminds us how deeply our city values tradition, resilience, and community,” said Matthew Wilding, Senior Director of Interpretation & Future Projects at Revolutionary Spaces. “Bringing back this beloved Old State House tradition is our way of connecting past and present, reminding Bostonians that even in challenging times, there’s joy to be found in community and song.”
This year’s program features live trumpet performances of carols documented in early 20th-century setlists. Instrumental selections will include public-domain favorites historically played between 1913 and 1924, such as Adeste Fideles, Jingle Bells, The First Noel, and more.
The Downtown Boston Alliance will sponsor the musicians high atop the balcony at the Old State House.
Event Program – Christmas Eve at the Old State House
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Old State House Balcony, Downtown Crossing
11:58 AM: Bell ringing and announcement from the balcony, delivered in town-crier style, honoring the return of this 1913 holiday tradition.
12:00 PM: Trumpeters perform instrumental versions of historic carols. Selections may include:
Sleep, Holy Babe (1916); Jingle Bells (1916); There Dwelt in Old Judea (1916); America (1913, 1916, 1919, 1921); Adeste Fideles (1913, 1916, 1919, 1921); Holy Night (1916, 1921); Angels We Have Heard on High (1921); Dear Little Stranger (1921); Glory to the New Born King (1921); Joy to the World (1921); Home Sweet Home (1921); Star-Spangled Banner (1913, 1916, 1919, 1921); O Come All Ye Faithful (1924); The First Noel (1924); Good King Wenceslas (1924); God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (1924)
12:30 PM: Program concludes.
Revolutionary Spaces invites Bostonians, visitors, and members of the business community to gather on State Street and help welcome back a piece of the city’s holiday heritage. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about Revolutionary Spaces and its stewardship of Boston’s historic Old South Meeting House and Old State House, visit revolutionaryspaces.org.
For press inquiries, contact taryn@tmlpublicrelations.com.
ABOUT REVOLUTIONARY SPACES
Revolutionary Spaces stewards the historic Old South Meeting House and Old State House as landmarks, museums, and active civic spaces. Its mission is to bring people together to explore the American struggle to create and sustain a free society—using history as a powerful tool for civic engagement and public dialogue. For more information, go to RevolutionarySpaces.org or follow on social media at @RevSpaces.
ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN BOSTON ALLIANCE
The Downtown Boston Alliance (DBA), formerly known as the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, was created by property owners committed to achieving the district’s full potential as a premier and vibrant destination. Our mission is to significantly improve the experience of all who live, work, visit, go to school, or shop in the 34-block, 100-acre DBA service area by providing supplemental services to keep the district clean, safe, and vibrant while catalyzing an energetic and thriving business climate and serving as the neighborhood’s voice and advocate. Learn more at DowntownBoston.org.