The JP Holiday Light Show has debuted and is currently playing on the steeple of First Baptist Church at 633 Centre Street. The show plays every night from December 4 to January 3, and features an animation entitled, “Twas the Night Before Solstice,” with that famous albino squirrel, and a slideshow of drawings by children in the community! We are pleased the present the show in both English and Spanish, with accompanying music and subtitles.
The animation was created by our board member, Kate Raisz of 42 Degrees North Media. It features the famous albino squirrel and local flora and fauna at local landmarks such as the Arnold Arboretum, the Soldiers’ Monument, and Jamaica Pond, while they celebrate the Winter Solstice. Narration of the poem was provided by teens in Jamaica Plain – Brenda Troncoso and Aashrita Joga. The animation repeats every 15 minutes, alternating between the English and Spanish versions.
Between showings, the projection features drawings of the First Baptist steeple by children in Jamaica Plain. We are very grateful to JFK Elementary, New Mission High School, KidsArts, Boing! Toy Shop, and On Centre for helping us to collect drawings for the show.
Debut Party on December 4, Led by JP Honk
Our Debut Party on December 4 was a great success, with cookies, cocoa, and music by JP Honk. Folks gathered on the lawn of First Baptist Church to await the premiere of “Twas the Night Before Solstice,” enjoying cookies from the Blue Frog Bakery. We were joined by JP Honk who provided lively music to keep us warm for the premiere. Later Boston Police Department E-13 Community Liaison team joined us with their Hot Cocoa truck to pass hot chocolate drinks out to attendees. They couldn’t stay long though because JP Honk was leading the crowd down to the South Street Mall for the grand illumination! There they played out their set of lively holiday songs to a background of twinkling lights. We even got a few dancers. Thanks to JP Honk for leading our parade, to E-13 BPD for the hot chocolate, and to all who attended our debut party!
South Street Illumination for the First Time Ever!
This year JP Centre/South Main Streets hosted a light installation at the South Street Mall! There are lights in the trees and along the fence. The lights are animated and feature a variety of colors to make the South Street corridor a little more festive. The lights are on every night from December 3 to January 4, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
The JP Holiday Light Show and South Street Illumination are made possible by a Beautification Grant from the City of Boston, as well as our Annual Sponsors.
Photos by Ginger Brown and April Killingsworth. Thank you also to the Jamaica Plain Gazette for featuring our light show in the December 19, 2025, issue! Gazette photos by Derek Kouyoumjian.