The best holiday and Christmas markets in Boston to enjoy this winter

The Snowport is in its fifth year, shaking Boston’s Seaport neighborhood and turning it into a magical snow globe. This magical winter wonderland is a festive outdoor opportunity for gifts, play games, view festive art and encounter plenty of surprises. The market will feature more than 100 small merchants selling unique art, jewelry, home goods, apparel and other gifts and crafts. Indulge in hot chocolate, freshly-made waffles and craft beer, as you stroll for gift giving inspiration, enjoy outdoor iceless curling, shop for you evergreen trimmings and trees at The Tree Market, and light up the night with annual holiday tree lighting, Light Up Seaport (December 1st) and the annual Menorah Lighting (December 10th). Don’t forget to wave to the Yeti.

Nov. 10-Dec. 31, seven days a week

Make a day of shopping in the city. After you hit Macy’s and other retailers for big items, check the stalls at Downtown Crossing for local art, artisan jewelry, woodcarving, candles, holiday goods, snack vendors and much more. Keep your eyes peeled for carolers and other celebrations as well!

Nov. 24-Dec. 23, Fridays and Saturdays

This creative and collaborative hub in Somerville offers a year round local artisan shopping experience, along with delicious eats—but for the holiday season, they’ll also be featuring special events such as Black Friday sales, Small Business Saturday, a winter night market, holiday stroll and much more. Check their website for details about its full seasonal schedule.

Tuscan Village is excited to announce their first annual Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village– a collection of 30 small businesses and artists debuting in a festive, open-air marketplace, featuring art, sweet treats, home décor, apparel & much, much, more! After the holiday shopping is complete, guests can get comfy underneath the heated tent to enjoy a festive food and cocktail menu offering a “Mistletoe Margarita” and a “Feliz Navidad” –their take on an adult hot chocolate. 

One of the area's most beloved holiday markets is back on weekends this December at 1 Brattle Square in Cambridge. Shop from the funky eclectic vendors selling prints, clothing, wood carvings, bags, jewelry and more. Head to Harvard Square Friday through Sunday for a high energy market that also promises a great soundtrack.

Dec. 15-17, 21-23

The annual SoWa Winter Festival returns to the historic Power Station. Shop from 100+ of the region’s best makers, artists, designers, and specialty food vendors, all assembled together under one festive roof. Admire the holiday window displays and lights along Thayer Street as you pop into artist studios, showrooms, galleries, and boutiques. On Fridays and Sundays, the outdoor expanse turns into a winter wonderland, with a Trail of Lights, food trucks, a bar and beer garden, and a fire pit.

Nov. 24-Dec. 17, Thursdays through Sundays

Your favorite South End spot for breezy coastal Italian is bringing back their Bazaar Mezzana market for another season. Browse for gifts from local craft-makers and artisans – including home decor, fashion and art pieces – while enjoying brunch filled with brioche French toast, duck confit hash and, of course, cocktails. 

Dec 9 

If you’ve never done the Christmas Stroll out on Nantucket, consider this your invitation. The stroll, which originated in 1973, features a visit from Santa Claus, Santa’s Village Marketplace, live entertainment, craft shows, tours, and local specials. Start at the 20-foot tree at the top of Main Street and enjoy the festivities. 

Dec 1-3

This massive food and drink complex—which takes up a grand, multi-floor space in the Prudential Center—comes about as close to a European style holiday market as you'll find this year. Enjoy a stroll through the retail maze, stopping to look at surprisingly affordable luxuries from near (local cheesemakers) and far (every Italian product imaginable).

On December 2 between 9:30am and 3:30pm, the historical Old South Church becomes scented with hot mulled cider and cheered with sparkling twinkle lights.   its annual Christmas Craft Fair in beautiful Gordon Chapel, opposite the main sanctuary of the church in Copley Square. For this one day, one of Boston's oldest and most iconic churches becomes a Christmassy marketplace of 30 stalls, selling creations by New England artists whose media range from textiles, pottery, stained glass and precious metals to candles, soaps, graphic art and leather goods. Additionally, there is live music throughout the day with two seasonal, uplifting sets by the  Boston Conservatory Brass, a noontime holiday organ concert offered by George Sargeant, and caroling led by Music Minister Mitchell Crawford. There will also be a fabulous Cookie Walk with many varieties of baked goods for sale. Docents will be available for tours of the historic sanctuary.