Boston Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Boston is a city with its own distinct character and is a place full of attractions that bring in people from around the globe. It is famous for its food, festivals and landmarks, and it is a beautiful city all year round. This vibrant city gets even more bright in the wintertime when it is decorated with Christmas lights and festive ornaments.
One sure sign of the holiday season is when you start to see Christmas markets pop up in some of the squares and main streets, and they are a favorite thing for many people to do in the winter. If you want to visit some of the best holiday markets in Boston you should start with the ones that we've listed below! Remember that you can store your bags safely in Boston while you shop and enjoy the festivities.
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Holiday Market at Snowport
This is the Seaport's Christmas market and it is a great place to go for some good quality holiday spirit and festive fun. It is usually open between mid to late November all the way until early January, so you should have more than enough time to check it out. It is one of the longest running markets in Boston! There is also a Tree Market and ice skating rink nearby.
Get ready to do some intense Christmas shopping since there are over 100 different market stalls to meander through. Lots of small businesses gather in the market to sell you jewelry, clothing, art, crafts and home decor. If you start to get hungry you won't even have to leave the market, since many of the stalls also sell hot chocolate, craft beer, and yummy treats like freshly made waffles.
What to do near Holiday Market at Snowport
Want to do some more fun winter activities? While you are in the area you should stop by the Boston Common to do some curling! If you are ready to head back to your hotel after this, South Station is less than 10 minutes away.
SoWa Winter Festival
SoWa earns the title of the biggest holiday market in all of Boston and takes over three separate areas around the city. The whole market is only open for 10 days, usually near the first week of December. Head to the SoWa Power Station where you will find a fresh pine forest and more than 100 stalls selling creations from local artists, as well as food and fully decorated Christmas trees. This area is free to visit but only between Monday and Thursday, you can also stop by on the weekends but there will be a small extra cost.
The next part of the market is called the Outdoor Winter Wonderland and it is where you can find some of the tastiest treats from food trucks and food vendors, so grab something to eat! You can sit by a fire pit or in a heated tent while you devour your delicious food. Purchase something to drink from the wine truck or Jack's Abby Beer Garden as well. Finally, if you head down Thayer Street you will find a selection of artist studios, shops, galleries, showrooms and a fantastic vintage market. Take your time exploring this pedestrian-only street since there is so much to see! A drink from the hot chocolate hut will keep you warm as you explore.
What to do near SoWa Winter Festival
Lots of SoWa art galleries and showrooms open their doors for this event to showcase their work, and you might even find a masterpiece that you want to take home. There are so many to check out, and you won't want to miss seeing the Kingston Gallery, the International Poster Gallery, Jules Place, the Laconia Gallery and the Boston Sculptors Gallery.
Somerville Flea Holiday Market
This Boston winter holiday market is held at the Center for Arts at the Armory just outside of Davis Square and Union Square, and is one of the best Christmas markets in Boston when it comes to thrifting and finding second-and treasures. The market is only happening twice this holiday season on the first and second Sunday of December.
All of the handmade gifts that you can buy here have been repurposed or made by local artisans and it is a great spot for casual shoppers to find something unique. Aside from buying things, you will also get to enjoy live entertainment and seasonal treats. Try to shop local when you are buying Christmas gifts this year!
What to do near Somerville Flea Holiday Market
After you've done some holiday shopping you should take a minute to enjoy the festive atmosphere around the South End of Boston. Consider going for a walk down the Somerville Community Path!
Harvard Square Holiday Fair
The holiday market near Harvard Square is one of Boston's most famous and has been a yearly occurrence since 1986. A selection of talented international and national craft artists gather to show off their handmade creations and other gifts which are both unique and affordable. The market will be around for the three weekends in December, so make time to stop by if you are in Boston for the winter holidays.
Interested in finding out what kinds of things will be sold here? The items can range anywhere from Greek olive oil to West African crafts and everything in between. Some common favorites include LED lit jewelry, pottery, wooden utensils, honey, artisan chocolates, art made from glass and more. Sometimes certain vendors only show up for one day, so we recommend visiting more than once if you can.
What to do near Harvard Square Holiday Fair
While you are near Harvard Square take this opportunity to do some sightseeing at the Bunker Hill Monument or the USS Constitution Museum.
Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church
Happening only once at the beginning of December is a wonderful craft fair located outside one of Boston's oldest churches. There will be 30 stalls selling all kinds of crafts and items for you to consider while doing your holiday shopping. You will definitely be able to find something to gift your loved ones, or maybe something for yourself!
Glassblowers, candle makers, jewelry makers, woodworkers, knitters, artists, photographers, potters and more gather around the area. Your shopping experience will be complemented by live music, tasty snacks and hot cider.
What to do near Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church
If you still have some boxes to check off your list you can always keep shopping around the streets by Old South Church. Still have some extra time? Go appreciate the architecture and character of the Boston Public Library!
Spending the Holidays in Boston
If Christmas spirit is what you're looking for then you will definitely enjoy visiting these holiday markets in Boston. With handmade gifts, live entertainment and delicious food, there is nothing to not like!
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas markets in Boston. For more things to do in Boston, check out these other guides.
Wine Tasting in Boston: 12 Places You Have to Try
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