For nearly a century, the sounds of hand bells ringing on Beacon Hill have heralded the arrival of Christmas in Boston.

This year, the Beacon Hill Bell Ringers will celebrate a 100th anniversary performance, continuing a beloved tradition that began in 1924 with a women’s suffragist, Margaret Shurcliff. The event has become a cherished part of the neighborhood’s holiday season, drawing crowds from across Boston and beyond.

Over the years, the tradition has evolved, but the core of the event remains the same. On Christmas Eve, a small group of dedicated bell ringers gathers outside 12 Louisburg Square at 8pm to perform with the help of a crowd of gathered carolers.

One of the highlights of the evening is the performance of “Saint Paul’s Steeple,” a piece originally used in change ringing, a type of church bell ringing that involves complex mathematical patterns to time the rope pulls of much larger bells. The piece has become the signature of the Beacon Hill Bell Ringers, as well as a nod to Shurcliff’s history as a a noted female change ringer in a male dominated profession and is performed at the start of every concert. According to long-time ringer, Victoria Madigan, it is the “trademark thing” that defines the group. She even had friends volunteer to play the piece recently at her daughter’s wedding, who will also be playing with the Beacon Hill Bell Ringers this year.

Madigan's own mother, Mary Jane Sawyer, became involved with the group in the 1960s, and Victoria has since taken over her responsibility of organizing the ringers. She, along with other long-time members, have made this performance a central part of their Christmas celebrations. They even manage the recital with a single rehearsal.

“You can't play like a regular church bell choir, because we have no table and we have no music, and you're playing in the dark,” Madigan said. “But we’ve done it for years, so we know the pieces. We can do it blindfolded.”

While the tradition is filled with joy, it is not without its challenges. Finding enough ringers each year can be difficult. Yet, the group has always managed to carry on.

“A lot of people are off to see family, so it's a challenge to find the ringers every year. I feel blessed to have these people who are devoted to this tradition in Boston.” Madigan said. “Like my mother, I just think it's probably the most spiritual experience of the year.”

To celebrate the 100 year milestone, a short speech will be given before the performance, briefly recounting the history of the tradition.

“Come in peace and leave in hope of a better world in the future,” Madigan said. “I think it really gives a lot of hope to people the community that show up. It shows people care. I think it gives you new hope, new hope in the world.”