Boston's festive winter holiday markets pop up across the city during late November and December, bringing lots of holiday sparkle and cheer.
Drawing on traditions from European Christmas Markets and New England crafts fairs, Boston's winter markets offer you an appealing mix of comfort drinks such as hot chocolate, mulled wine, winter cocktails, seasonal craft beers, delicious food to munch on including seasonal treats such as cider doughnuts, entertainment, and kids activities.
Best of all, look for plenty of handmade gifts and specialty food products, art, and clothing from local and New England artisans and artists.
If you want to support our local artisans and makers while having fun, soaking the holiday spirit, and delighting everyone on your holiday shopping list with unique gifts, spend some quality time at one or more of these pop-up markets.
You can even fortify yourself with a steaming cup of mulled wine, cider, or hot chocolate as you stroll around the festive vendor stalls. Based on what we're seeing already, Boston's holiday markets this winter are going to be the biggest and best ever.
What else can you expect?
That depends on the market, but look for food trucks, ice sculptures, holiday workshops, performers, and carolers singing traditional holiday tunes.
Here's a roundup of the 12 best holiday and Christmas markets for you to visit in Boston in 2024.
Find more suggestions about what to do in Boston in December
Find the dates for Boston's festive Christmas tree lighting ceremonies
Top photo: Christmas decorations in one of Boston's winter holiday markets, (c) Boston Discovery Guide
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Snowport: Winter Holiday Market in Boston's Seaport - 2024
Seaport's popular European-style Winter Holiday Market at Snowport returns from November 8 through December 29 to light up the holiday season with shopping, fun activities, food, and beverages.
The market will be open every day this year (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).
Festival hours are:
- Monday - Thursday 3:00pm - 8:00pm (open from 11am from December 9 - 29)
- Friday & Saturday 11:00am - 9:00pm
- Sunday 11:00am - 8:00pm
The market showcases 120+ small, mostly local makers and businesses, making it one of Boston's biggest winter markets with festive holiday decorations, live music, and 20,000 sparkling lights.
What will you find here? Look for unique art, jewelry, home goods, apparel, and other gifts and crafts, plus seasonal treats such as hot chocolate, freshly-made waffles and crepes, craft beer, and more from 15+ different food and beverage spots.
Special attractions that you should not miss:
- The Snowport Tree Market (November 22 - December 23)
- The Stage where you can hear local musicians performing live every Monday
- The Blizzard Bar plus three other holiday-themed bars in a heated tent where you can get craft cocktails, mocktails, & warm drinks
- The Winter Wish Well where you can share your holiday wishes
- A 10-foot Mistletoe Arch
- Iceless curling
- A Crafting Corner offering daily drop-in sessions for all ages where you can create snow globes and decorate wreaths
- And other fun Seaport spots such as Puttshack, Kings Entertainment, & lots more
Snowport Artisans & Vendors
As you walk around, you'll have the opportunities to chat with the makers about their creations.
Many are from the Boston area, as well as other New England states, and offer items special to this area. Don't miss the lobster nativity scenes in multiple sizes at the Lobster Nativity Booth.
Don't forget, Seaport also hosts its annual "Light Up Seaport" holiday tree lighting celebration from 5pm - 9pm on December 6 this year with live music, treats, and of course, the tree-lighting ceremony at 85 Northern Ave when lights turn on at 7:30pm.
Seaport's Snowport this year gets bigger and better each year, and is tons of fun - so don't miss it!
Here's just a small sample of the specialty treats to look forward to this year:
- Steamed corn with chipotle mayo and Nutella churros at Eloti
- Tasty mac and cheese at Pennypackers
- Steaming hot tomato soup and cups of chili at The Soup Station
- Swiss-style melted cheese and ham raclette (huge hit last year) from Baked Cheese Haus.
Location: 100 Seaport Boulevard in Boston's Seaport neighborhood
Closest T station: Silver Line SL1 / Courthouse
More info: Snowport website
Weather-related closures: Only in extremely bad conditions!
SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market 2024
Enjoy hot mulled wine from a wine truck, hot cocoa from the hot chocolate hut, or brew, plus plenty of tasty food and live music while you explore SoWa's Winter Festival.
Dates this year are November 29 - December 22.
Festival hours:
- Opening Day – Friday, November 29th: 10am – 8pm
- Monday – Thursday: 4pm – 8pm
- Friday: 4pm – 9pm
- Saturday: 10am – 9pm
- Sunday: 10am – 7pm
SoWa's Holiday Market is one of the biggest holiday markets in Boston again this year with over 100 local artisans, designers, and food vendors.
The SoWa Holiday Market gives you the perfect family-friendly venue to get all your holiday shopping done in one place while soaking up the holiday festivities.
You can wander through a fresh pine forest while browsing all the tempting items on offer at the Festival, admire the holiday window displays and lights along Thayer Street as you visit artist studios, showrooms, galleries, and boutiques, visit SoWa's adjacent Vintage Market, and enjoy tasty treats.
On Fridays-Sundays, explore an outdoor winter wonderland where a Trail of Lights leads you past a food truck bazaar, a bar and beer garden, and a fire pit, with plenty of heated lamps and patio tables where you can sit while you eat and drink.
And don't forget: SoWa First Fridays take place from 5pm-9pm on the first Friday of every month - so come back in January for another First Friday evening of art, culture, and inspiration as the SoWa Art + Design District neighborhood's artists, galleries, shops, and showrooms open their doors and welcome you to come in.
In case you're visiting Boston and not 100% familiar with city, SoWa is the area south of Washington Street in the South End which many Boston artists, galleries, showrooms, crafts people, and design studios call "home."
You'll also find lots of awesome restaurants, bistros, bars, and coffee shops in this area as well, such as Marseille, Burro Bar, Bar Mezzana, Shore Leave, Yellow Door, Black Lamb, PRB Boulangerie, Cuppa Coffee, and Tatte.
Address: 550 Harrison Ave, in Boston's South End; closest T stations: Orange Line/Tufts Medical Center or Red Line/Broadway
Admission: $10 at the door, credit cards only
More information: SoWa website
Visiting Boston for Christmas? Fun Things to Do
Harvard Square Holiday Fair - 2024
Harvard Square's Holiday Fair is legendary - not surprising for a holiday event that's been going on for almost four decades, and spans 2 weekends plus a couple of weekdays, and has generations of fans and repeat visitors.
Harvard Square Holiday Fair dates & hours:
- Dates: December 13 - 15 and December 20 - 22
- Thursdays and Fridays: 12 noon – 7pm
- Saturdays: 11am – 7pm
- Sundays: 12 noon – 6pm
This is a juried event, with carefully selected sellers from all over New England and the world, and attracts a large and revolving assortment of vendors.
The emphasis here is on affordable, eclectic, alternative items - things you won't necessarily find elsewhere. This is a huge, sprawling event that at times, turns the square into a large pedestrian-only street party, so plan to spend at least a couple of hours discovering what's on offer.
Look for handmade, beautifully crafted gift items. For example, you might find photography, hand-made clothing, artisan chocolates, olives and olive oil from Greece, LED-lit jewelry plus every other type of jewelry you can imagine, wooden utensils, pottery, West African crafts, glass art, candles, honey, mobiles, and lots, lots more.
Not each vendor will be there each day, so you may definitely want to come more than once.
Admission: Free
Location: 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge; Closest T station: Red line/Harvard (speaking as a Boston Local, getting to the Fair by public transportation is strongly advised!)
More information: website
The Somerville Flea Holiday Markets - 2024
Over 30 local vendors selling vintage and artisan products pack the Armory's second-floor balcony and first floor hall for Somerville Flea's epic Holiday Markets where you can sip wine and beer while you shop. You never know what you will find here!
Although the Armory is large, Somerville Flea's Holiday Markets attract large enthusiastic crowds, so expect the venue to be packed. You should anticipate the possibility of waiting in line for awhile to get in, unless you come close to closing time.
Are the Holiday Markets worth the wait? Yes, if you score that special gift and vintage treasure that you'd never find anywhere else.
The Holiday Markets mark the conclusion each year of Somerville Flea's weekly markets that start in early August and run through the end of October at the corner of Holland Street and Buena Vista Road near Davis Square.
Somerville Flea Holiday Markets dates & hours: December 1 & 15: 10am-4pm
Admission: Free
Location: Somerville Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville; Nearest T station: Green Line B, C, D/Magoun Square
Parking: Extremely limited; take the T if you can
Find out more about Somerville Flea's Christmas and Weekly markets here.
Indigenous Arts Winter Bazaar - 2024
Over 30 artisans and makers from Indigenous groups from around the world will offer a dazzling array of traditional and contemporary crafts, artwork, clothing, jewelry, home goods, and accessories at the Indigenous Arts Bazaar at Prudential Center from December 5 - 7.
All of the unique items you'll see reflect high levels of artistry and craftsmanship, special materials from the artisans' local traditions and cultures, and exclusive designs. Look for bead paintings, handmade leather slippers, intricate feather art, handwoven rugs, wooden flutes created with handtools and fire, and turquoise and sterling silver jewelry.
Several local and New England residents are among the participating artists, including Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and owner of Ockway Bay Wampum, Elizabeth James-Perry of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, Amalia FourHawks (Apache) and Leonard Four Hawks (Mohawk and Cheyenne) from the Fire Hawk Studio in Florence, Massachusetts, and Sierra Henries (Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuc) from Maine.
While you're at the bazaar, you can also enjoy live music, performances, story telling, and craftmaking demos as well as the opportunity to chat directly with the makers and learn about their communities and art.
The event is sponsored by Cultural Survival, an Indigenous-led NGO and US registered non-profit which advocates for Indigenous People's rights, self-determination, cultures, and political resilience.
Dates: December 5 - 7: 11am - 9pm; December 8: 11am - 7pm
Admission: Free
Location: Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Back Bay
Closest T stations: Green Line E/Prudential; Green Line All Branches/Copley
More information: website
Cape Ann Makers Holiday Market - 2024
To find the perfect one-of-a-kind holiday gift, stop by the Cape Ann Makers Holiday Sip & Shop Market at Cruiseport Gloucester on the beautiful Rockport and Gloucester coast.
This year, the Cape Ann Makers organization will host two holiday markets:
- Holiday Sip & Shop at Cruiseport (6 Rowe Square, Gloucester) on Sunday, December 1 (hours are still to be determined, but the event's duration is expected to be 5-6 hours), with about 60+ local makers, crafters, and artisans
- Holiday Sip & Shop at The Cut (177 Main Street, Gloucester) on Sunday, December 15, 11am - 4pm - This will be an indoor event with a cash bar and food services, with about 30+ makers, crafters, and artisans
Cape Ann Makers welcome you to view and perhaps purchase their coastal-inspired and holiday-themed handmade jewelry, metal smithing, art, photography, fiber art, locally-harvested artisanal sea salts, nature body care, and other wonderful creations and holiday gifts.
Drive up from Boston for the day (or take the Commuter Rail) - or spend the weekend and go for walks along the beach, dine on lobster dinners, and browse in local boutiques, galleries, and antique shops. View Rockport Hotels
More information: Cape Ann Makers website
Admission: Free
Christmas in Boston at Faneuil Marketplace - A Year-Round Local Favorite
No roundup of Boston's winter holiday markets is complete without Christmas in Boston where you can immerse yourself in all things Christmas year-round at its Faneuil Marketplace location.
Christmas in Boston should be your first stop whenever you need anything shiny or glittery for the holiday season - you can't beat it for ornaments of all sorts, including exquisite hand-painted creations from Eastern Europe.
Craving an ornamental reindeer for your fireplace mantle? You'll find plenty of choices. Panda ornaments for your Christmas tree? No problem. Personalized Boston-specific ornaments? Lots of options.
And you'll also find everything else you need to decorate for the holidays, including Santas and lots of cheer, whatever the season.
To soak up even more holiday spirit when you visit Christmas in Boston, check out Faneuil Marketplace's beautifully decorated and lighted 30-foot Christmas tree located between Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
Dates & hours: Open all year, Monday - Saturday: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 11am-7pm
Admission: Free
Location: North Market Building at Faneuil Marketplace on Boston's Freedom Trail
Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church 2024
Lovers of finely crafted beeswax candles, turned wood, and sparkling blown glass know to arrive early at Old South Church's Christmas Fair, where 25 New England artists and artisans will offer some of their finest hand-crafted work for all ages and budgets on one day only.
Other sought-after creations include knits, photography, silk scarves, fine art, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and more. Of course you should shop for gifts - but you may be unable to resist buying something for yourself or your home as well.
You can also enjoy music from Boston Conservatory Brass, a noontime organ concert, a Cookie Walk with baked goods for the holidays, and lots of holiday cheer at Old South's Christmas Fair.
The church will be decorated with seasonal greens, and tours of the historic sanctuary will be available.
After you leave the market, plenty more fantastic shopping opportunities await you along Newbury and Boston Streets.
Dates/Hours: December 7, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Admission: Free
Location: Gordon Chapel in Old South Church, 645 Boylston Street (corner of Dartmouth and Boston) at Copley Square in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood; Closest T station: Green Line/Copley
If you drive, the easiest place to park nearby is in the garage under Boston Common, and then walk (about 5-8 minutes, unless you window shop along the way).
Find out more about the Christmas Crafts Fair as well as Old South's renowned Christmas concerts, pageants, and services.
South Boston Christmas & Holiday Market 2024
The LOT, South Boston's event space, will host its annual Christmas & Holiday Market on December 7 (12 noon - 8pm) and December 8 (12 noon to 6pm).
Come and enjoy warm drinks, a fun vibe, Santa photos, and best of all, a great shopping experience with a local twist.
What can you expect? Lots of local artisans, makers, and vendors offering a wide range of jewelry, art, clothing for all ages, crafts, local souvenirs, and lots more for everyone on your gift list. If you believe in shopping local, this is where to do it!
Vendors include Honey Bare Naturals, Inside Out Creations, Berries & Bouquets, Campbell Wax, Saltie Girl Goods, Verbena Beverage Company, and lots more.
Location: 383 Dorchester Ave, next to Cannonball Cafe, South Boston
Nearest T station: Andrew (about a 2-minute walk from the event)
Hood Park Winter Village in Charlestown 2024
For a wonderful assortment of gifts and other items from local artisans, a Christmas tree lot, and festive games and activities to enjoy such as curling, igloos, and other games, plus food and beverages, visit the Hood Park Winter Village holiday market in Charlestown, Boston's oldest historical neighborhood.
Date: December 1, 11am - 4pm
Admission: Free
Location: 100 Hood Park Drive; 3 hours of free parking available on site
Nearest T station: Sullivan Square (a short walk to the event)
Dog Friendly? Yes
Andover Holiday Market - 2024
To stock up on tasty treats for the holiday season while supporting the Andover Farmers Market, stop by and shop at the Andover Holiday Market to the north of Boston while enjoying live music, other entertainment, and holiday cheer.
About 40 local and New England food specialists and producers such as Crepe du Jour, Blue Fin, Craic Sauce, Farmer Dave's, Tewksbury Honey, Little Big Pies, and others will be offering goodies to enjoy onsite and to give to others.
In addition, look for lots of artisans and makers offering the perfect gifts, such as Green Toad Studio, GGs Studio Designs, Big Red Acres Alpacas (yarn from Alpacas raised in Andover), Magnus Woodsmith, Peel Fiber Arts, Matt Champness Art, and The Merrimack Company.
To add to your holiday spirit, stop by the outdoor beer and wine garden where you'll find Oak & Iron Brewing Company and Marble Ridge Winery offering tasty brews, wine, and hot mulled cider. Food trucks will also be on site where you can get tasty snacks, coffee, and hot chocolate.
You'll also find photo opps, Santa (2:30-4pm), live music, children's activities, and raffles, all to benefit the Andover Farmers Market.
Also, if you have food donations, Bread & Roses will be onsite to gratefully collect them.
Date & Time: December 7, 12-6pm
Location: South Church (inside and outside), 41 Central Street, Andover
Junior League of Boston's Winter Market 2024
The Junior League of Boston will again host its Winter Market to raise funds for its volunteer efforts in the Greater Boston area.
Stop by JLB's Newbury Street headquarters for a "VIP Sip & Shop" ticketed event (21+) on Friday evening, or attend its larger sale (also ticketed) on Saturday with 17 highly curated local vendors offering jewelry, clothing, home decor, children's items, ceramics, and more.
Date & Time: December 6 (6pm - 9pm) and December 7, 10am - 4pm
Location: 117 Newbury Street, Back Bay, Boston
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