Before the Boston Tea Party: Lexington’s Burning of the Tea

In the days leading up to the Boston Tea Party, the people of Lexington, Massachusetts, staged their own protest against the British tea tax. Today, “The Burning of the Tea,” remains a staple of Lexington’s Revolutionary legacy with an annual reenactment.

December 13, 1773: Lexington’s Burning of the Tea

Just three days before the Boston Tea Party, local leaders and townspeople gathered to voice their opposition to taxes imposed by the Crown without colonial representation. In a bold act of defiance, they publicly burned British tea, sending a clear message of resistance.

Lexington’s Burning of the Tea reflected the growing tensions that would soon erupt into the American Revolution. The event demonstrated the town’s strong spirit of independence and civic engagement, and set the stage for its role in the first shots fired at the Battle of Lexington in 1775.

Experience Lexington’s tea-tax protest

This year’s Tea Burning Reenactment takes place on December 13, 2025 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

The reenactment offers a full day steeped in Revolutionary tradition. Throughout the day, Buckman Tavern is open with “pay what you can!” admissions and educational activities are presented by the Lexington History Museums and the Chinese-American Association of Lexington.

At 12:00 PM, local author Sabrina Bhattacharjya will be onsite for a reading and signing of her new children’s book, The Midnight Writer.

From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM, the Lexington Minute Men will greet the crowd and share information on the burning of the tea and Lexington’s role in the protests that preceded the Boston Tea Party.

The burning begins at 1:00 pm with a performance by the William Diamond Jr Fife and Drum Corps. Real tea will be burned during the event thanks to a donation by Mark T. Wendell Tea Company.

After the event, spectators are invited inside Buckman Tavern to cozy up with tea and historical hot chocolate during a performance by the Lexington History Museums Singers.

For the full event schedule for the 2025 reenactment, visit lexingtonhistory.org.

Explore more of Lexington’s revolutionary history

Lexington History Museums manage four historic sites across town: Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House, Munroe Tavern, and The Depot. Hours vary seasonally, with Buckman Tavern and The Depot open on weekends through February 28. Hours for location are available here.

Buckman Tavern served as a hub for town meetings, and as a local gathering place in the 18th century. Here visitors can learn about the tavern itself as well as the events of April 19, 1775. The American Revolution kicked off on this date when Captain Parker’s militia met inside before the Battle of Lexington. Self-guided audio tours and temporary exhibitions are included with admission.

The Lexington Depot originally operated as a train station from 1846-1977. Today, the building features exhibitions about people who have had lasting impacts on Lexington from the Revolutionary era through the present.

The Burning of the Tea Reenactment is just one event highlighted in MA250. This initiative commemorates Massachusetts’ role in leading the country to independence, and the revolutionary firsts. Learn more and find additional events in Lexington and beyond at massachusetts250.org.