Boston Seaport Holiday Market

Visit Boston’s Seaport area for this popular market, Snowport, for a fun holiday shopping trip supporting small businesses and take a break with a scenic walk along the waterfront of Boston harbor. The market features over 120 makers with more than half local to New England, with a variety of items such as artwork, jewelry, home accessories, Boston-themed items, clothing, wood craft, and more. We loved the watercolor designs of Ashley Eisenman, purchased 2 prints – 1 for a gift, and couldn’t resist 1 for me!  https://www.instagram.com/p/DDZ7GzgRscd/. (If you like these, her website provides links to framing suggestions) 

It’s a festive atmosphere, with a food court, live music on the Jingle Bar, starting at 5:00, and fun activities scattered throughout the market including drop-in crafting sessions (for adults and kids) at the Crafting Corner, by The Maker’s Club, and a “photo booth” with holiday gifts backdrop at the Lexus booth.

The food court has a wide range of food, drinks, and fun specialty cocktails. It’s all outdoors with plenty of seating at picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, and also there’s a heated tent, beer-garden style, so no worries if you are visiting on a cold day. It was chilly when we were there, so while browsing, we kept warm sipping on  the hot chai from MADHRASI Chai, and later, couldn’t resist the hot cocoa from S’mores N’More – it was decadent! For a fun treat, try their s’mores – the marshmallows are “torched to order” !

The market is free, but weekends are super popular – expect long lines. However – you can book a timed reservation on a weekend on the Seaport app. Note the reservation cost $12 for adults. We were there Friday afternoon, and there were no lines, but word has it, by 5:00 it fills up quick!
 

If you are want to take a break while shopping at the market, or would like another dining option we recommend Tatte Bakery cafe. It’s close to the market, one block down (towards the waterfront), and more casual than a sit-down restaurant. This is one of our favorite cafes in Boston (and we’ve visited their DC location as well). With a relaxing and elegant French vibe, it’s a perfect choice to meet up with friends for lunch, and bonus for us, we met our son who works in the Seaport! The food is creative, delicious, and there’s many healthy options, vegan options as well. From breakfast to soups, salads, hot or cold fare, the choices are extensive; we love the seasonal options, especially the bowls. But be sure to leave room for dessert!

We were there at 1:00, a busy time, but no worries if there is a line, they are super efficient, and it moves quickly! It’s worth any wait, and you get to browse the pastry displays while in line. We were able to get one of the cozy booths along the back wall. We got a chocolate chip cookie and brownie “to go” for later.. but will confess they never made it out of the cafe! Shout out to Francesca, the Manager, she is a welcoming face who keeps this cafe running tip-top, creating a most enjoyable  experience. Say hi to her from her new friends from RI!

Waterfront Walk

Be sure to allow time on your trip to take a walk on the Seaport Waterfront Harborwalk. It’s a few blocks down Pier 4 Blvd. from the Market. The area is filled with historic charm alongside the modern vibrant buildings. There’s beautiful view of the harbor, and contemporary public art installations along the path. There’s much to do in the Seaport District, including the iconic Institute of Contemporary Art to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – truly experiencing both the past and present.