Your Guide to the Best Holiday Markets around Boston
Your Guide to the Best Holiday Markets around Boston
Ring in the holidays and support local artists
The holiday season is sweeping the city and Bostonians are beginning to celebrate. With the deluge of Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, there’s no better time to shop local. We’ve put together a list of the best holiday markets in and around the city to shop, eat, and get into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Market at Snowport
A winter wonderland comes to Boston Seaport as the neighborhood is transformed for the fifth annual Snowport. This year’s festivities range from holiday shops to outdoor games and feature over 120 vendors selling apparel, home decor, jewelry, art, and more. Once you’ve finished your shopping, check out one of the 17 booths offering food and beverages. Head to the Bar at Snowport, where you can take advantage of Tuscan Kitchen’s heated tent. Sip on a themed cocktail, like the mistletoe margarita, or take some photos in front of the winter wish wall—a 25-foot interactive chalkboard where guests can share their holiday wishes—or the 10-foot-tall mistletoe arch. Take your shot at the sport of curling, a free activity open to the public through February, or stop by the rooftop igloo bar at The Envoy, where you can enjoy views of the Boston skyline. Snowport will also host holiday events like Light Up Seaport—Seaport’s annual tree lighting—on December 1 and a menorah-lighting ceremony on December 10.
The Holiday Market at Snowport, 100 Seaport Blvd., Boston, is open daily through December 31. Hours through December 10 are Monday through Thursday, 3 to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm. From December 11 to 31, hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 8 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm.
SoWa Winter Festival
SoWa Winter Festival, voted best winter festival in the city by Boston magazine, is opening its doors for the eighth year in a row. The festival has three locations:
1. SoWa Power Station
550 Harrison Ave.
Here you will find over 100 local art, makeup, designer, and specialty food vendors. Check out the first floor for some food and drinks before making your way upstairs to floor two for live music, various festivities, and cocktails. Tickets are $10 at the door, and payment must be made by credit card.
2. Food Truck Bazaar
Fridays through Sundays, exit the Power Station, head to Harrison Avenue, and take a right after Randolph Street. There you can grab a bite from some of Boston’s best food trucks, including student favorite Bon Me, under the heated lamps and patio tables. You can also warm up around a fire pit, making for a snug dining experience. The bar and beer garden will also be open for some holiday refreshments.
3. Thayer Street Studios
Take a stroll down nearby Thayer Street and explore the open artist studios, showrooms, galleries, and shops that line both sides of the street. Browse high-quality creations by local vendors or buy a masterpiece to adorn your living room wall.
The SoWa Vintage Market, at 450 Harrison Ave., is open every Sunday year-round. Find the SoWa Winter Festival hours here.
Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church
Just outside one of Boston’s oldest churches is a delightful yearly craft fair, being held on December 2. It features more than 25 local vendors, including glassblowers, candlemakers, jewelers, knitters, leather and textile artists, and woodworkers. All items are hand-made and several are from women-run artist collectives from around the world. While you shop, enjoy the Boston Conservatory Brass at noon and a singalong at 2 pm.
Christmas Craft Fair, 645 Boylston St., Boston, is December 2, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Admission is free.
Jamaica Plain Crafts Fair
The Jamaica Plain Crafts Fair has enjoyed 13 years of success and draws residents from all parts of the city. Local vendors sell creative handmade crafts—including crocheted hats, stone jewelry, digital art, and wood kitchen wares—and they keep 100 percent of their sales. There will be live jazz, children’s activities, and food too.
Jamaica Plain Crafts Fair, 6 Eliot St., Jamaica Plain, is December 2, from 11 am to 5 pm.
Somerville Flea Holiday Market
For fans of thrift shops and vintage goods, the Somerville Flea Holiday Market is a dream come true. Local artisans come together at the Center for the Arts at the Armory, just outside Davis Square, to sell crafts and repurposed wares in a unique holiday shopping experience. Vendors will offer a variety of vintage finds, including thrifted clothes, vinyl records, art, and accessories. Live music and tasty snacks make the experience even more enjoyable.
Somerville Flea Holiday Market, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville, will be open December 3 and 17 from 10 am to 4 pm.
38th Annual Harvard Square Holiday Fair
Of all Boston’s holiday markets, the Harvard Square Holiday Fair is undoubtedly the most popular. The bustling two-weekend fair has served the Cambridge community since 1986. A mix of local artisans and vendors from across the globe bring original and affordable handmade gifts. Check out booths from New England craftspeople and world-traveling importers selling screen-printed clothing, art, pottery, jewelry, and more. The market’s sterling reputation draws large crowds every year, so be sure to visit. Admission is free.
Harvard Square Holiday Fair, One Brattle Square, Cambridge, will be open December 15 to 17 and December 21 to 23. The hours on Thursdays and Fridays are noon to 7 pm, Saturdays, 11 am to 7 pm, and Sundays, noon to 6 pm.
Boston Women’s Holiday Market
Boston Women’s Market gives over 40 women-founded businesses and artists a platform to promote and sell their work. Vendors vary from market to market, but often sell items like candles, jewelry, soaps, and more. Stop by the holiday market and browse through an array of locally made items that are sure to fill all your gift-giving needs this holiday season. And if you’re feeling like a photo opp, Santa can be found on the second floor. You can also shop online here.
Boston Women’s Holiday Market is open weekends, December 1 to 3, 8 to 10, 15 to 17, and 21 to 23 inside Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Find times and locations here.
Downtown Crossing Holiday Market
A curated lineup of artisan vendors are selling handcrafted holiday gems outside Summer Street this holiday season. Expect diverse vendors showcasing unique jewelry, woodcarvings, metal sculptures, food, candles, clothing, and holiday-themed goods. Keep an eye out for carollers too. Find the list of vendors here.
The Downtown Crossing Holiday Market will run through January 6, Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.
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