Your Guide to the Best Holiday Markets Around Boston
Ring in the holidays and support local artists
The Holiday Market at Snowport features over 125 vendors selling apparel, home decor, jewelry, art, and more. Photo via iStock/APCortizasJr
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 deals and offers 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 yearly as the neighborhood is transformed for the seventh annual Snowport. This year’s festivities range from holiday shops to outdoor games and feature over 125 vendors selling apparel, home decor, jewelry, art, and more.
Once you’ve finished your shopping, check out one of the 20 booths offering food and beverages. Head to the Bar at Snowport, where you can take advantage of JetBlue’s Warming Tent, with beer garden-style seating. Sip on a cocktail from one of the many themed bars, like the Dizzy Dreidel and the Blizzard Bar, or snap 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 Stage, where local musicians will set the holiday mood with live music every Monday. This year Betty the Yeti, a life-size pink Yeti, will be joining the holiday fun. Snowport will also host holiday events like Light Up Seaport—Seaport’s annual tree lighting—Friday, December 5, and a menorah-lighting ceremony December 21.
The Holiday Market at Snowport, 100 Seaport Blvd., Boston, is open daily through December 28. Hours 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 8 to 28, 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 10th year in a row.
This entirely indoor space—so weather isn’t an issue—offers over 100 local art, makeup, and specialty food vendors, as well as entertainment and specialty cocktails. Admission is $10.
The SoWa Winter Festival, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, is open every Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 8 pm, Friday from 4 to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.
Jamaica Plain Crafts Fair
The Jamaica Plain Crafts Fair has enjoyed 15 years of success and draws residents from all parts of the city. Local vendors sell creative handmade crafts, and there is music, children’s activities, and food too.
Jamaica Plain Crafts Fair, 6 Eliot St., Jamaica Plain, is December 6, 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 Arts at the Armory, just outside Davis Square, to sell crafts and repurposed wares in a unique holiday shopping experience. Vendors offer a variety of vintage finds, including thrifted clothes, vinyl records, art, and accessories.
Somerville Flea Holiday Market, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville, is open December 7 and 21, from 10 am to 4 pm.
39th Annual Harvard Square Holiday Fair
Of all the Boston area holiday markets, the Harvard Square Holiday Fair is undoubtedly the most popular. The bustling two-weekend fair has drawn the Cambridge and nearby communities 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, is open December 12 to 14 and December 19 to 21. The Friday hours 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 25 women-founded local brands a platform to promote and sell their work. There are three locations: the Huntington Theatre on December 6, View Boston on December 7, , and Night Shift Brewing on December 13. 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. You can also shop online here.
Boston Women’s Holiday Market is open December 6, 7, and 13. Find times and locations here.
Downtown Boston Holiday Market
A curated lineup of artisan vendors is selling handcrafted holiday gems outside Summer Street this holiday season. What’s more, the Downtown Crossing area has transformed into a festive wonderland with sparkling lights, decorated trees, and 12 giant illuminated Nutcrackers. There’s also a scavenger hunt-esque game you can play for a chance to win prizes. Be sure to note that this market is weather-dependent.
The Downtown Crossing Holiday Market, Summer Street Plaza, 10 Summer St., Boston, will run Thursday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm, through December 21.