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, these winter markets offer shoppers 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.

So fortify yourself with a steaming cup of mulled wine 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 10 best holiday and Christmas markets for you to visit in Boston in 2024. (Please note:  All details will be updated closer to the events.)

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

Christmas Trees and artisan chalets at the Holiday Market in Boston's Seaport
Christmas Trees and artisan chalets at the Holiday Market in Boston's Seaport  

Seaport's popular European-style Winter Holiday Market at Snowport returns from November 10 through December 31 to light up the holiday season with shopping, fun activities, food, and beverages. 

The market showcases 120+ small businesses selling 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 spots that you should not to miss:  

  • The Christmas tree market filled with evergreens
  • Tuscan Kitchen's custom cocktail bar
  • Jingle Bell Bar plus three other holiday-themed bars
  • Winter Wish Well
  • Mistletoe Arch

Snowport Artisans & Vendors

Unique and the bags, clothing, and accessories at the Holiday Market in Boston's Seaport
Unique and the bags, clothing, and accessories which the owner of Fly Girl Couture designs here in Boston, and then sources the high-quality fabrics in Senegal and works with Senegalese artisans to create them before selling them in the US through her Boston-based company, ILOVEFGC

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.

Marine-themed serving boards and (barely visible on the upper right) wall art made by Meghan (La Marée Art at the Holiday Market in Boston's Seaport
Marine-themed serving boards and (barely visible on the upper right) wall art made by Meghan (La Marée Art), who uses high-quality epoxy-resin and various types of wood to create oceanscapes

Don't forget, Seaport also hosts its annual "Light Up Seaport" holiday tree lighting celebration and Holiday Stroll from 5pm - 9pm on December 1 this year with live music, treats, and of course, the tree-lighting ceremony. 

Street photography meets music at Lost Life on Wax at the Holiday Market in Boston's Seaport
Street photography meets music at Lost Life on Wax, where the artist/owner creates art by combining his photos of everything from skaters and trumpet players in Brooklyn under the BQE to a Japanese dragon shrine with vinyl records to create art - and yes, the reverse side will play

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: cider doughnuts and steaming cups of hot cider from Breezy Hill Orchard, mouth-watering grilled cheese fro Cheese Louise, plant-based treats from Clarke's Cakes & Cookies, the lobster mac 'n cheese from Bluefin, Swiss-style raclette (new this year!) from Baked Cheese Haus, and the tasty empanadas from Nada Cart.

Meet the maker of Snowport's delicious cider donuts at the Hudson Vally Farmhouse stall, where you can also buy a cup of steaming hot cider as well as other good things to eat and drink at the Holiday Market in Boston's Seaport
Meet the maker of Snowport's delicious cider donuts at the Hudson Vally Farmhouse stall, where you can also buy a cup of steaming hot cider as well as other good things to eat and drink 

Location:  100 Seaport Boulevard in Boston's Seaport neighborhood
Closest T station: Silver Line SL1 / Courthouse
Dates/Hours:  November 10 - December 31 (except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & December 26); hours vary so check their website
Weather-related closures: Only in extremely bad conditions! 


SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market

Sowa winter festival and holiday market
Sowa winter festival and holiday market

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.

SoWa's Holiday Market is the biggest Holiday Market in Boston again this year with three adjacent locations along Harrison Ave for you to soak up the festivities.

The SoWa Holiday Market gives you the perfect way to get all your holiday shopping done in one place at this festive family-friendly event. 

SoWa Winter Festival
Pine "forests" at SoWa Winter Festival

You can wander through a fresh pine forest to visit visit over 100 local artisans, designers, and food vendors, admire the holiday window displays and lights along Thayer Street as you visit artist studios, showrooms, galleries, and boutiques.

On Fridays-Sundays, explore an outdoor winter wonderland where a Trail of Lights leads you past food trucks, 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. 

Reindeer at Sowa winter festival and holiday market
Reindeer at Sowa winter festival and holiday market

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.

Dates/Hours:  November 24 - December 17 (open Thursday - Sunday, except for Thanksgiving Day); hours vary, so check the SoWa website for your chosen date 
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

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, and bars in this area as well.


Visiting Boston for Christmas? Fun Things to Do


Harvard Square Holiday Fair

Gingerbread house displayed at Cardullo's in Harvard Square
Gingerbread house displayed at Cardullo's in Harvard Square

Harvard Square's Holiday Fair is legendary - not surprising for a holiday event that's been going on for almost four decades, spans 2 weekends, and attracts a large and revolving assortment of vendors.

This is a juried fair, with carefully selected sellers from all over New England and the world. 

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.

Dates:  Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on Dec 15-17, and Dec 21-23 
Hours:  Fridays 12 noon -7pm, Saturdays 11am-7pm, Sundays 12 noon-6pm 
Admission:  Free
Location: 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge


Cape Ann Makers Holiday Market

To find the perfect one-of-a-kind holiday gift, stop by the Cape Ann Makers Holiday Market at Cruiseport Gloucester on the beautiful Rockport and Gloucester coast. 

Over 40 local makers and artisans welcome you to see 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

Holiday Pop-In:  November 25 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) at 10am - 4pm

Where:  Cruiseport Gloucester, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester

More information:  Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website
Admission:  Free


Christmas in Boston at Faneuil Marketplace - A Year-Round Local Favorite

Christmas in Boston in Faneuil Marketplace
Christmas in Boston in Faneuil Marketplace

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 glittery and Christmas-y - 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.

Combine your visit to Christmas in Boston with Faneuil Marketplace's festive Blink! lights and music show, and soak up the holiday spirit.

Dates:  Open all year  |  Free admission  |  North Market Building at Faneuil Marketplace on Boston's Freedom Trail


Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church

Old South Church in Boston's Copley Square
Old South Church across from Copley Square

Lovers of finely crafted beeswax candles, turned wood, and sparkling blown glass know to arrive early at Old South Church's Christmas Fair, where over 25 New England artists and artisans will offer some of their finest work on one day only. 

Other sought-after creations include knits, photography, fine art, jewelry, pottery, 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, a cookie walk, and lots of holiday cheer at Old South's Christmas Fair.

After you leave the market, plenty more fantastic shopping opportunities await you along Newbury and Boston Streets.

Dates/Hours:  December 2, 10am - 4pm |  Free admission  |  Gordon Chapel in Old South Church, 645 Boston 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.

Find more info about Old South's Christmas concerts, pageants, and services


South Boston Christmas & Holiday Market

The LOT, South Boston's new and exciting event space next to Cannonball Cafe at 383 Dorchester Ave, will host its first Christmas & Holiday Market on December 2 and 3 from 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 Bohdii Boutique, Alien Art Cube, Fanny's Handmade Soaps, Linx x Lou, In Good Co, IK ECO Jewelry, Ashley Eisenman Art, Crafts by SP, and lots more. 

Dates:  December 2 & 3
Nearest T station:  Andrew (about a 2-minute walk from the event)

More Information


Hood Park Winter Village in Charlestown

For a wonderful assortment of gifts and other items from local artisans, a Christmas tree lot, and festive 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 9, 11am - 4pm
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

More Information


Andover Holiday Market

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.

Local and New England food specialists and vendors such as Little Crumby Bakeshop, Craic Sauce, Farmer Dave's, Tewksbury Honey, the Bakers Rack, 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, Lola & Bean Company, Shokum Forge, Peel Fiber Arts, The Salted Thread, and Samantha's Gardens.

To add to your holiday spirit, stop by Oak & Iron Brewing Company's booth for beer on tap and hot mulled cider.

Date & Time:  December 2, 2-8pm
Location:  South Church (inside and outside), 41 Central Street, Andover

More Information


More to Do in Boston in December

Events and things to do in Boston in December

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