Re-Discovering Quincy
The City of Quincy was in the spotlight all through 2025, celebrating its 400th anniversary with style and verve. With a continuous array of curated events and concerts, history and heritage tours, festivals and parades, culinary fare and food truck fests, Quincy 400 organizers made sure that residents and visitors alike were welcomed, entertained and appreciated.
Mayor Tom Koch, who spearheaded the historical renaissance of Quincy leading up to Quincy 400, was out cutting ribbons, launching hot air balloons, lighting up Christmas trees and leading parades. In October, he threw a party for veterans at Quincy Navy Park at Squantum, Marina Bay on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
“Quincy residents are proud of our heritage, culture, cuisine and natural beauty, and we are happy to share it with the world,” said the mayor. “Having reached the distinctive milestone of 400 years, we are looking forward to the future with equal enthusiasm and resolve.”
“Quincy was definitely in the spotlight in 2025 with national acts such as John Fogerty, Darius Rucker and Dropkick Murphys performing here,” says Discover Quincy Director Dagny Ashley. “We are continuing that momentum though the Christmas season and into the New Year.”
This year’s Christmas season kicks off right after Thanksgiving, with the tree lighting at Hancock/Adams Park on November 28, Santa’s Arrival by helicopter on November 29, the Christmas Parade on November 30, Light It Up Marina Bay also on the 29th, and Generals Bridge Park Tree Lighting on December 7. There are holiday markets at Kilroy Square, a Creche gathering and Menorah service next to old City Hall, ice skating, light displays and plenty of Christmas spirit.
The Welcome Center on Hanock Street, run by Discover Quincy, has high quality Quincy-themed merchandise for Christmas shoppers.
On January 1, 2026, Quincy welcomes the New Year with the annual hike at Blue Hills Reservation in nearby Milton, where visitors can also enjoy downhill and cross- country skiing. In late January, Quincy celebrates Lunar New Year to honor the city’s many Asian communities and to support its vibrant restaurants, businesses and cultural groups, Dagny says.
The City of Presidents goes all out for President’s Day weekend, February 14-16, with the annual Winterfest on Hancock Adams Common, followed by a celebration of Black History Month. Then in March, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and Women’s History Month in Quincy take center stage.
One outcome of Quincy 400 is a new mural created by artist Shane Leonard at the Willard Street underpass. The mural honors distinctive Quincy’s role as The Granite City in 19th century America by depicting Quincy granite masterpieces such as Bunker Hill Monument, Quincy Market, Minot Lighthouse and the splendid Titanic Memorial in Washington DC. The mural underscores what visitors and residents have always known, Quincy is solid as a rock!
Enjoy articles like this?
Join our mailing list and have the latest sent to your inbox.
