Check out Snowport Boston this winter for festive events and activities, including the famous Seaport Christmas Market.
Read on for all the details you need to know about visiting in 2024, including confirmed dates and opening times.
Seaport Christmas Market 2024
Dates and Location
Seaport Christmas Market dates: 8th November to 29th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Boston Seaport, 100 Seaport Boulevard.
Opening times:
8th November to 8th December:
Monday to Thursday: 3pm to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9pm.
Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
9th December to 31st December:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9pm.
Thanksgiving Day: Closed.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes. Dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The inclusive stalls and respectful community atmosphere.
Recommended tour: Take the family-friendly Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise.
Specialities: Festive cocktails, pierogies, soul food, spiked hot chocolate.
Where to stay: The Langham is a 12-minute walk or a short drive.
Nearby Hotels
Boston has a ton of cool neighbourhoods to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm. Some popular places include Back Bay, Beacon Hill and South End.
But if you want to stay near Boston Seaport, I suggest The Langham. It’s a short walk from the event and close to many of Boston’s historic sights.
The Lenox is another great choice. It’s in Back Bay, an area known for its designer boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.
Read our Boston Christmas Market Guide to discover where else to go this year.
Event Location
What to Expect
Also known as the Seaport Holiday Market, the event is again in its new location for its fourth season.
The event features:
- over 120 makers
- tree market
- traditional and contemporary food
- custom cocktail bar from Tuscan Kitchen
- festive decorations like a mistletoe arch
- winter wish wall
Show your support for small businesses and the local community by celebrating the holidays here.
Regional Food
- New England Clam Chowder: Traditional to Boston, this hearty soup made from clams, potatoes, onions, and cream will warm you up on a cold winter day.
- Lobster Rolls: Another local favourite, these sandwiches, typically served on a hot dog bun with butter or mayonnaise, are a must-try when you’re in Boston.
- Hot Mulled Cider: A popular alternative to the classic mulled wine, this sweet, spiced apple drink is a local favourite.
- Zaz Food Truck’s Caribbean Cuisine: This popular food truck is known for its authentic Caribbean dishes, including jerk chicken, fried plantain, and a selection of tangy tropical salsas.
- Chequessett Chocolate’s Artisan Treats: Handmade in Truro, Massachusetts, Chequessett produces a range of exquisite chocolates that make for a delicious indulgence or a perfect gift.
- The Fat Cactus’s Hot Chocolate and Truffles: Enjoy a cup of rich hot chocolate from The Fat Cactus, made even more decadent with homemade chocolate truffles.
What to Buy
- New England Crafts: Discover beautifully crafted items representing New England’s distinct culture and traditions. From handmade knitted scarves to uniquely patterned ceramic dishes.
- Local Art: Support Boston’s artistic community by purchasing original artwork from local artists. The stalls are a trove of unique prints, paintings and sculptures.
- Handmade Jewelry: For a more personal gift, look for handmade jewelry stalls. With unique designs and a wide variety of materials.
- Gourmet Food: Local food producers have various tasty products, from artisan cheeses and handmade chocolates to specialist jams and chutneys.
- Hand-poured Candles: Many of these are made with natural, eco-friendly materials, ensuring a cleaner burn.
- Organic Beauty Products: Handcrafted soaps, natural skincare creams, and fragrant bath salts are among the items available, all created with care and a commitment to sustainability.
Vendors
- The Drift Collective: Known for its curated selections of vintage apparel, they provide unique pieces that speak to current trends and classic styles.
- Homebody DIY: For the craft enthusiast, Homebody DIY offers punch needle kits that allow you to create your own beautiful textile artwork at home. Completed pieces of punch needle art are also available.
- The Irish Spirit: Celebrate Ireland with charming trinkets from The Irish Spirit.
- WearsWoody: Known for its high-quality winter designs.
Events and Activities
- Tree Lighting at Seaport Common: Held on the 1st of December (unconfirmed), this event marks the official start of the festive season at Seaport. A towering Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights and ornaments will illuminate Seaport Common.
- Menorah Lighting: Scheduled for the 21st of December (unconfirmed), this event adds another layer of cultural diversity to the Holiday Market. This evening of celebration and reflection, highlighting the Jewish Festival of Lights, invites everyone to join in and learn about Hanukkah traditions.
- The Tree Market: Available daily in the lead-up to Christmas Day, the Tree Market has beautiful, fragrant Christmas trees for sale.
- Curling: An unusual but highly engaging game to participate in, the curling setup is a novel experience to enjoy with friends and family. Note, however, that the game isn’t played on real ice, ensuring it’s suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
- Rooftop Igloo Bar: Nearby at the Envoy Hotel, this unique pop-up bar on the rooftop promises fantastic festive cocktails and breathtaking views of Boston’s city skyline. Encased in a cozy, translucent igloo, you can sip your drink while watching the city below.
Sustainability Tips
- Public Transport: Boston’s efficient MBTA system, affectionately known as the “T”, is a green way to explore the city. Swap your car ride for a journey on one of the subway lines, buses, or ferries.
- Ethical Businesses: Consider purchasing from vendors who adhere to ethical practices. For instance, Oceanum Vela creates bags and accessories from recycled sails, contributing to a circular economy.
- Eat Sustainably: A visit would be incomplete without tasting local specialties. Look for stalls like Zaz Food Truck that prioritise locally sourced ingredients and choose plant-based meals when possible.
- Minimise Food Waste: Don’t let your eyes be larger than your stomach! Only order what you can comfortably eat to avoid unnecessary waste.
- Shop Mindfully: Buy only what you need and opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging. For example, the candles by Mo&Co Home would make for an eco-conscious choice.
If you would like to leave a review, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
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