It’s the holiday season, and we love to get into the spirit by attending the many festive holiday markets and fairs in the Boston area. These winter markets offer a mix of local crafts, delicious food, warm drinks, family-friendly activities, and so much more. Here’s a list of some of the best holiday markets in the Boston area!
Snowport
November 8-December 29
Seaport District
Snowport transforms Boston’s Seaport into a winter wonderland filled with outdoor shopping, tasty treats, warm drinks, and more. The outdoor market features more than 120 small businesses, and shoppers can find a range of holiday gifts, including art, clothing, jewelry, home décor, gourmet treats, and handmade goods. After shopping, you can check out the outdoor dining area brimming with comfort food.
Sowa Winter Festival & Holiday Market
November 29-December 22
South End
The SoWa Winter Festival — New England’s largest indoor holiday marketplace — is the perfect spot to get all your holiday shopping done in one place. You can grab a mulled wine or hot cocoa and listen to live music while you visit more than 100 of the region’s best makers, artists, and designers. There are also specialty food and beverage vendors, craft workshops, a holiday lounge, photo opportunities, a food truck village, and on-site parking.
Kilroy Square Holiday Market
November 29-December 1 and December 6-8
Quincy
Stop by the Kilroy Square Holiday Market for some holiday cheer under a big tent. This festive holiday shopping experience in downtown Quincy, spanning two weekends, features 90+ local vendors, delicious hot and cold cocktails, a beer garden, and more. Outside the tent, you’ll find a rotation of food trucks under outdoor heaters, along with Christmas trees and wreaths for sale. Santa will even be making a visit on Sunday!
Hood Park Winter Village
December 1
Charlestown
Visit Hood Park in Charlestown to enjoy a magical winter village. Listen to live music while you stroll through the holiday artisan market where you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious food, and seasonal beverages. Don’t miss the curling lanes, igloos, activities, crafts, and a special appearance by Santa. Even dogs are welcome at this festive winter experience.
Norwood Holiday Market
December 7
Norwood
Enjoy a fun day for the whole family at the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood. Shop more than 30 local artisanal vendors, enjoy holiday refreshments, and listen to live music. Purchase an activity pass to join in on public skating and cookie decorating, and even get your picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Boston Women’s Holiday Market
December 8
The Speedway Holiday Stoll, Brighton
December 14-15
AC Hotel, South End
Make your gifts meaningful this holiday season by shopping at Boston Women’s Market, which is popping up throughout the Boston area. Shop high-quality goods from woman-founded small businesses and support women entrepreneurs driving positive change in their communities. Other market highlights include delicious food, spiked hot chocolate, face painting, ornament decorating, and a gift-wrapping station. This is a family-friendly indoor market with no fee for entry.
Harvard Square Holiday Fair
December 13-15 and 20-22
Cambridge
The Harvard Square Holiday Fair spans two weekends and is one of the oldest and most popular holiday markets in the Boston area. You can shop for beautifully handcrafted gifts from local craftspeople and world-traveling importers. This is not your average craft fair — it’s more like a party where you can buy things! You may want to visit this this high-energy alternative marketplace more than once — the vendors rotate, and each one won’t be there daily. Admission is free.
If you want to continue the holiday fun, check out one of these holiday train rides or holiday shows!
