There’s a big celebration brewing in Boston to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.
All eyes will be on Boston as we kick off the festivities for the many historic 250th anniversaries leading up to 2026 — aka the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the US.
Ahead of December’s celebration, organizers have been collecting tea from all 50 states so folks can participate in a tea party reenactment. Teams have prepped wooden tea crates and costume designers have created outfits fit for a historic party.
Here’s how you can get ready for the big par-tea on Saturday, Dec. 16.
📚 Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum to see the new pop-up exhibit dedicated to Phillis Wheatley with a first-edition of the book “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.” Curious about the connection between Wheatly and the Boston Tea Party? When the Dartmouth first arrived in Boston 250 years ago, there was a crate of newly-published “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” hidden among the chests of tea. The pop-up also features photos of Phillis Wheatley from various stages of her life + a replica of one of her dresses.
🫖 Pay a visit to the graves of Sam Adams and John Hancock at Granary Burying Ground to see the new commemorative Boston Tea Party plaques. These are two plaques out of 140 placed at known Boston Tea Party participants graves in the US.
🍻 Raise an exclusive pint at Sam Adams. The Jamaica Plain brewery has brewed Green Tea Pale Ale to highlight the featured Singhlo Green Tea, which was one of the varieties thrown overboard during the Boston Tea Party. The beer and hot tea will be available on draft at both the brewery and downtown taproom. Bonus: The special brew will be charged tax free.
Stay tuned for part two, which will break down the plans for the reenactment.
Plans for the Reenactment
The big day is almost here. Add one or more of these events to your calendar to commemorate the protest that changed the future of the US.
A Protest in Principle: A Retrospective on Revolution | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Faneuil Hall
Note: This event is sold out, however screens will be showing the event at the plaza outside Faneuil Hall. This 90-minute presentation will highlight the dramatic events of the Boston Tea Party.
Patriots & Loyalists | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Reader’s Park, 11 School St.
This free outdoor event will feature actors dressed as citizens of colonial Boston, who will discuss the news of the tea crisis and what that means for their families and businesses.
Huzzah for Griffin’s Wharf! A Rolling Rally | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7:30-8:00 p.m. | Downtown Crossing, 310 Washington St.
Led by multiple fife and drum corps, the general public is invited to join the march from Old South Meeting House to the Harborwalk.
Boston Harbor, a Tea Pot Tonight! The Destruction of the Tea | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | Atlantic Wharf
Watch a grand-scale reenactment of the destruction of the tea from the Harborwalk. Seating and standing room is available on a first come,first served basis. Bonus: If you can’t make it down to the harbor, a livestream of this event will be available to watch.
National Parks of Boston Special Boston Tea Party 250th Programming | Saturday, Dec. 17| 1-4 p.m. | Faneuil Hall
Join the National Parks of Boston for two all-ages programs. Both will last 30-45 minutes. The first will discuss the response to the destruction of the tea at 1 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. presentation about the 1873 Women’s Tea Party.
