More than 130 independent businesses, festive food and drinks, holiday lights, live music, and waterfront fun are coming to Boston's Seaport. Here's everything you need to know about Snowport 2026, including dates, hours, admission, shopping, and how to make a day of it.
Snowport Holiday Market 2026, Boston, Massachusetts
Boston's Christmas season is getting an early start, and one of the city's most popular holiday destinations is about to return.
The Holiday Market at Snowport opens Friday, November 6, 2026, transforming part of Boston's Seaport District into a festive outdoor shopping village filled with independent businesses, seasonal food, music, and holiday entertainment.
Now entering its sixth season, Snowport has become a holiday destination for Bostonians and visitors who want something beyond the usual shopping mall experience. It's a place to browse handcrafted gifts, discover local makers, enjoy a bite to eat, meet friends, and celebrate the season against the backdrop of Boston's modern waterfront.
And this year, there's plenty to discover.
More than 130 independent businesses will participate, including 17 food and beverage vendors. Organizers report that 61% of the businesses are based in New England, while 82% are owned by women and/or people identifying as Black, Indigenous, or people of color.
That's one of the things we especially appreciate about Snowport. Holiday shopping can be more than another trip to a big retailer. It can also be an opportunity to support the independent makers, artists, food entrepreneurs, and small businesses that give a city its personality.
Whether you're planning a Christmas getaway, looking for unusual gifts, or simply want a festive afternoon in Boston, here's what to know before you go.
Snowport 2026: Dates, Location, and Admission
The Holiday Market at Snowport runs November 6 through December 27, 2026, at Seaport Common, 100 Seaport Boulevard, Boston.
General admission is free. You can enter the market, browse the stalls, enjoy the atmosphere, and explore without purchasing an admission ticket.
For visitors who want to avoid some of the waiting during busy periods, organizers are offering an optional weekend fast pass through the Seaport Insider app.
Announced fast-pass prices are $15 for adults and $7 for veterans and children ages 6–17. Children ages 5 and younger are free. The pass offers a reserved arrival time; it isn't required for general admission.
A portion of fast-pass proceeds will support Boston Xchange, the initiative founded by Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown to expand opportunities for underrepresented creators and entrepreneurs.
For official event information and updates, visit Snowport at Boston Seaport.
Snowport 2026 Opening Hours
The market has two operating schedules this season.
November 6–December 6
Monday–Thursday: 3–8 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
December 7–27
Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Snowport will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, and Christmas Day, December 25. The market is scheduled to close early at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24.
As with any outdoor seasonal event, it's smart to check the official website for last-minute schedule changes before heading into Boston.
What's New at Snowport for Christmas 2026?
Snowport continues to grow, but its appeal remains rooted in the experience of exploring a holiday market full of independent businesses.
This year's market includes more than 130 participating businesses, 17 food and beverage vendors, four themed bars, and a program of live entertainment.
Among the highlights are festive photo locations, a giant Winter Wish Wall, holiday music, and opportunities to meet the small business owners behind the merchandise.
For shoppers who enjoy finding something unexpected, that variety is part of the pleasure. You might come looking for a Christmas ornament and leave with a handmade piece of jewelry, a locally created work of art, or a delicious gift you hadn't considered.
Unlike shopping online, a market gives you the chance to ask questions, learn about the products, and discover the people who made them.
And in a city with Boston's history of craftsmanship, commerce, and entrepreneurship, that feels particularly appropriate.
Shop Small: Discover New England Makers and Independent Businesses
The heart of Snowport is its holiday market.
Visitors can expect to find apparel, jewelry, home décor, original artwork, toys, specialty foods, and a wide variety of gifts from independent businesses.
One of the best approaches is to arrive without a rigid shopping list. Walk through the market once, see what catches your attention, and then return to the vendors you want to explore more carefully.
If you're visiting Boston from out of town, look for gifts that reflect New England rather than merchandise you could purchase anywhere. Original artwork, locally inspired designs, small-batch foods, and handcrafted items can make wonderful reminders of your trip.
Buying directly from a maker also offers something that ordinary retail shopping often doesn't: the story behind the gift.
And if you're hoping to finish your Christmas shopping early, visiting in November may give you a more relaxed experience than waiting until the final weeks of December.
Browse the official Snowport website for the latest vendor information.
Come Hungry: Snowport's Holiday Food and Drinks
Shopping is only part of the experience.
Snowport 2026 will feature 17 food and beverage vendors, offering visitors opportunities to stop for something delicious between browsing the holiday stalls.
The market also has four themed bars: The Jingle Bar, The Dizzy Dreidel, Betty's Bar, and The Blizzard Bar.
Each is designed to bring a little seasonal personality to the event, with its own holiday atmosphere and drink offerings.
For families and visitors who prefer nonalcoholic refreshments, check individual vendors for available options.
The food is another reason not to rush through Snowport. Make a little time to explore the choices, enjoy a snack, and appreciate the atmosphere.
If you want a full restaurant meal before or afterward, the surrounding Seaport District offers numerous dining options within walking distance.
Live Music Adds to the Holiday Atmosphere
Snowport isn't simply a collection of shopping stalls. Entertainment is part of the experience.
Mohegan Music Mondays will feature emerging Boston-area performers from Berklee College of Music, beginning at 5 p.m. on Mondays. Additional live music is planned Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Boston has an extraordinary musical community, and it's nice to see local performers included in a major holiday attraction.
A little music can turn an ordinary shopping trip into an evening worth remembering.
If live entertainment is important to your visit, check the Boston Seaport event information before choosing your date.
Don't Miss the Snowport Holiday Lights and Photo Spots
Even if you're not looking for Christmas gifts, Snowport offers plenty of reasons to visit.
The holiday market's festive decorations, illuminated displays, and seasonal installations make it a lively place to explore after sunset.
This year's announced attractions include a 10-foot Mistletoe Arch, oversized presents at Presents Place, and a 25-foot Winter Wish Wall where visitors can write their hopes for the season.
These are the kinds of details that make Snowport especially appealing for families, couples, and groups of friends.
And because Boston gets dark relatively early in November and December, you don't have to stay out until late in the evening to enjoy the holiday lights.
Bring your camera or phone, but remember that some of the best holiday memories happen when you put it away for a while and enjoy the experience.
Light Up Seaport: December 4, 2026
Snowport's holiday market isn't the only seasonal attraction coming to the neighborhood.
Light Up Seaport is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026, with the lighting of the Seaport's 52-foot holiday tree at 85 Northern Avenue.
Organizers have announced 10,000 lights for the tree, which will become one of the neighborhood's most recognizable holiday landmarks.
For visitors spending a December weekend in Boston, this is a particularly appealing evening to explore the Seaport.
You can browse the market, enjoy dinner nearby, and make time for the tree lighting as the waterfront neighborhood welcomes Christmas.
Check Boston Seaport's official events information for the final ceremony schedule and activities.
Snowport Menorah Lighting: December 10
The Seaport's holiday celebrations also include a menorah lighting scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 60 Seaport Boulevard, in partnership with Chabad of Downtown Boston.
The ceremony offers another opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate the season together.
Additional event details and the precise time are expected to be announced closer to the celebration.
Try Iceless Curling at Snowport
If you're looking for something more active than shopping, Snowport also offers iceless curling.
Located along Harbor Way between 101 and 121 Seaport Boulevard, the attraction lets visitors try their hand at a version of curling without needing an ice rink.
It's an entertaining option for friends, families, or groups who want to add a little friendly competition to their holiday outing.
Advance lane reservations are available through the Seaport Insider app, with groups of up to eight people accommodated.
The curling attraction is expected to continue beyond the Christmas season, with reservations available through February 28, 2027.
Check the reservation system for current pricing, availability, and operating details.
How to Get to Snowport Without a Car
Boston's Seaport District is easy to reach from downtown, and taking public transportation can save you the expense and frustration of finding parking during the busy holiday season.
By MBTA: The Silver Line connects South Station with the Seaport. Courthouse Station is a convenient stop for the Snowport area. From there, it's a short walk to Seaport Boulevard.
From South Station: Allow approximately 15–20 minutes to walk to the market, depending on your route and pace.
From downtown Boston: You can walk across the Fort Point Channel using the Summer Street bridge or reach the Seaport using the Silver Line.
By car: Paid parking garages are available in the neighborhood, but rates can be substantial, particularly during popular events and holiday weekends.
For transit routes, fares, accessibility information, and service updates, use the MBTA website.
Snowport is an outdoor market, so dress for Boston's late-autumn and winter weather. Comfortable shoes, a warm coat, gloves, and a little patience on busy weekends will make the visit more enjoyable.
Make a Day of It: What Else Is Near Snowport?
One of Snowport's advantages is its location.
Boston's Seaport has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past several decades. What was once dominated by industrial properties, warehouses, parking lots, and working waterfront activity has become a modern neighborhood filled with restaurants, hotels, public spaces, and cultural attractions.
But the Seaport is also a place where you can still discover important pieces of Boston's maritime history.
Instead of arriving only to shop, consider spending a few hours exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
Explore Fort Point and Its Historic Warehouses
Just across the Fort Point Channel, you'll find one of Boston's most interesting architectural districts.
Fort Point's former industrial and warehouse buildings offer a striking contrast to the newer glass towers of the Seaport. It's a neighborhood worth exploring for its streetscapes, creative history, and reminders of Boston's industrial past.
Visit the Boston Children's Museum
Families visiting Snowport can combine the holiday market with an indoor attraction.
The Boston Children's Museum is located on Congress Street along the Fort Point Channel and offers a wonderful alternative when children need a break from the cold.
Check the museum's admission information and opening hours before making plans.
Explore the Institute of Contemporary Art
For adults and older children interested in art, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston is another excellent Seaport destination.
Its striking waterfront building is an attraction in its own right, and the museum offers an opportunity to combine an afternoon of contemporary art with a holiday market visit.
Take a Walk Along Boston Harbor
The Seaport's waterfront is one of the most interesting places to experience the contrast between old and new Boston.
If the weather is pleasant, take a walk along the Harborwalk and enjoy the views across Boston Harbor.
Even in December, the harbor is part of the city's character. Just be prepared for colder temperatures and stronger winds near the water.
And if you're interested in seeing Boston from a different perspective, explore our guide, Which Boston Harbor Cruise Should You Take? It Depends on Why You're Getting on the Boat.
Winter sightseeing cruise schedules are limited, so always check departures for your travel dates.
Make It a Christmas Weekend in Boston
If you're visiting from outside the city, Snowport can be just one part of a wonderful holiday weekend.
Spend the afternoon shopping in the Seaport, enjoy dinner along the waterfront, and save another day for the Christmas lights on Boston Common, Beacon Hill, and Commonwealth Avenue.
Boston Ballet's Nutcracker begins November 27, and the Boston Pops Holiday Pops performances begin December 3, giving December visitors even more reasons to turn a shopping trip into a holiday getaway.
Our Christmas in Boston 2026: The Complete Holiday Guide covers seasonal events, historic neighborhoods, performances, attractions, and practical travel tips to help you plan your visit.
If you're considering staying overnight, compare Boston hotels and accommodations for your travel dates. Seaport hotels are convenient for Snowport, while downtown and Back Bay hotels can provide easier access to the city's historic attractions and major holiday performances.
You might also consider a memorable Christmas experience on the harbor. The Boston Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise offers a festive way to experience Boston from the water. Check its current December availability and departure information before planning your weekend.
Is Snowport Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy Christmas markets, independent businesses, festive decorations, and discovering another side of Boston, Snowport deserves a place on your holiday calendar.
It's especially appealing for visitors who want to combine shopping with restaurants, waterfront sightseeing, or a larger Christmas getaway.
The best part is that you don't have to spend money simply to enjoy the market. General admission is free, and you can browse, admire the decorations, listen to music, and explore the atmosphere without making a purchase.
But if you do find something special, consider buying from one of the independent makers. Supporting a local artist or small business is a wonderful way to make your holiday shopping more meaningful.
Snowport opens November 6 and continues through December 27, 2026.
So bundle up, head to the Seaport, and enjoy one of Boston's newest holiday traditions.
Explore More Boston with GoBoston
Snowport is only one piece of Boston's holiday celebration.
For more ideas about Christmas lights, holiday performances, historic neighborhoods, hotels, and seasonal attractions, explore our complete Christmas in Boston 2026 guide.
You can also discover upcoming events, neighborhood stories, and local attractions in What's Happening in Boston.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or have called Boston home for decades, there's always something new worth discovering.
Join Our GoBoston Substack Community
Love Boston? So do we. And we'd love to hear your stories.
Join the GoBoston Substack Community, where locals, former Bostonians, travelers, and people who simply love this city can connect.
Share your favorite Boston photographs, memories, neighborhood discoveries, restaurant recommendations, and holiday traditions. Have you visited Snowport in previous years? Do you have a favorite Boston Christmas market or a special family holiday memory? We'd love to hear about it.
Whether Boston is your hometown, your favorite place to visit, or a city you're just beginning to discover, you're welcome in our community.
Join the GoBoston Substack Community — It's Free!
Let's celebrate Boston together, one story, one photograph, and one discovery at a time.
Some GoBoston articles contain affiliate links. If you book through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our independent Boston travel coverage.
Published October 28, 2026. Snowport event details, operating hours, and participating businesses are subject to change. Consult the official organizer before visiting.