Cape Breton Island 
A 13.7-metre white spruce from Lunenburg County will represent Nova Scotia in Boston this holiday season, continuing a tradition that began as a gesture of gratitude after the Halifax Explosion of 1917.
Credit: Province of Nova Scotia
The tree, standing 45 feet tall, was nominated by former property owners Ronald and Claire Feener and is supported by the current residents of the property.
It will be cut during a public ceremony on Wednesday, November 12, at 10:30 a.m. at 49 Herman’s Island Road in Martins Brook. The event will include a smudging ceremony led by Holly Meuse of L’sitkuk First Nation in Bear River.
Each year, Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to Boston as thanks for the aid the city provided in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion. In 1917, within 24 hours of the disaster, which killed nearly 2,000 people and injured thousands more, Boston sent a train carrying medical personnel and supplies to assist Halifax.
Claire and Ronald Feener /Province of Nova Scotia
Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland said the annual tree reflects the long-standing friendship between the two regions. “This annual gift celebrates our enduring friendship, shows our gratitude and connects our communities across generations and borders,” she said.
The Feener family, who planted the spruce more than 40 years ago, expressed pride in the tree’s selection. “We have fond memories of our family enjoying it decorated for Christmas, and we often spoke about how it would be a great tree for Boston,” they said. “To have this tree selected this year is a dream come true and an absolute honour to help keep this important tradition alive.”
The 2025 gift marks the 108th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion and the 84th annual Boston Common tree-lighting ceremony, which will take place on December 4 at 7 p.m. (AST).
The first Tree for Boston was donated by Joseph Slaunwhite of Lunenburg County, and since 1971 the Nova Scotia government has maintained the tradition to honour Boston’s generosity while promoting goodwill between the two communities.
