88% of Snowport vendors identify as BIPOC and/or woman owned

Boston is rapidly flipping through seasons, skipping Thanksgiving and going straight to the December holidays. The 50-foot Quincy Market holiday tree arrived last week and Snowport, one of the city’s biggest holiday markets, opened for the season on Friday.

Since its debut in 2021, Snowport, located in the Seaport District, has become well known for its glittery lights, maze of festive vendors and elaborate treats like mile-high hot chocolate piled with fluffy marshmallows and gooey raclette cheese-pulls.

The marketplace hosts over 125 small businesses, 88% of which identify as BIPOC and/or woman owned. An additional 20 food vendors offer up festive bites and holiday cocktails that visitors can enjoy in the apres-ski themed dining area.

“The Snowport Holiday Market keeps growing into something more joyful each year,” said Ariel Foxman, area vice president of brand and experience at Boston Seaport. “Small businesses are at the heart of the Snowport Holiday Market, and we’re proud to showcase this curated and diverse lineup.”

The festival isn’t just about shopping. Visitors can also try their hand at winter sports in the complimentary curling lanes, pick up a holiday tree at the on-site tree market and participate in community events like the Light Up Seaport tree lighting on Dec. 5, the Seaport Boulevard Menorah Lighting on Dec. 21 and the New Year’s Eve Ice Sculpture Stroll on Dec. 31. The Snowport mascot, Betty, an electric pink Yeti, will be available for photo ops December through February.

There are a few new activations this year as well. Island Creek Oysters Raw Bar Seaport, an outdoor spot for playful seafood that debuted over the summer, has reimagined itself as a cozy winter hotspot with blankets, heat lamps and its signature caviar hot dog. Ballers, a new indoor/outdoor sports space in the neighborhood, will host a waterless ice skating rink that provides all the fun without the chill. For non-skaters, the rink will be lined with firepits, private igloos and serve hot chocolate and s’mores.

The market is open seven days a week. General admission is free and on weekends there’s an option to pay for a timed-entry ticket that lets you skip the notorious entry lines. Weekdays are also much quieter.

“Snowport is an excellent opportunity to support our small businesses during the winter season, while bringing together residents and tourists alike for holiday festivities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful for these partnerships that enable the Seaport to transform into a vibrant holiday destination, and I’m excited to participate in the festivities this winter.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more about Snowport Holiday Market at bostonseaport.xyz/holidaymarket