Every Christmas, Nova Scotia gifts a tree to Massachusetts – and this year it will come from a family in Cumberland County. Henry and Pat Knol of East Amherst will donate their 14-metre white spruce as Nova Scotia’s 2026 Tree for Boston. They say they are proud to be part of long-standing tradition, which services as a “thank you” to the American city for sending medical personnel and supplies following the Halifax Explosion in 1917. “What makes this experience even more special is that some years ago our cousin transported the tree to Boston while working for the Department of Transportation,” the Knols said in a statement. “Although he is no longer with us, it is very special to know that our family has this connection to such a special tradition, and we feel very fortunate to now be a part of it ourselves.” The public can attend the tree-cutting ceremony on Nov. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at 880 Highway 6 in East Amherst. The 85th annual tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 3 on the Boston Common. The city says Mayor Michelle Wu will be joined by Premier Tim Houston for the event. It will mark the 55th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston. The first Tree for Boston was donated by Joseph Slaunwhite of Lunenburg County. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
