Snowport: A Winter Wonderland of Festivities and Community

As the crisp winter air blows in from the seaside and the final fall foliage flutters away, the dormant holiday spirit awakens in Boston’s Seaport. Under glistening lights and ornate mistletoe archways, exuberant visitors bundled in their cozy winter jackets traverse the winter wonderland of Seaport’s annual holiday transformation. The delectable smells of rich hot chocolate and comforting apple cider saturate the air with their sweet perfumes, along with the diverse variety of delicious dishes from vendors that surround the bustling gathering space. Beyond the decadent treats, a multitude of unique, welcoming shops greet the visitors as festive tunes resonate through the entire Holiday Market at Snowport.

Now in its fourth rendition since its inauguration in the winter of 2021, Snowport returns as a joyous epicenter of holiday cheer and community celebration. With over 120 business, 17 dining options, and many holiday-themed events, Snowport offers a dazzling array of seasonal festivities and animates the city.

As one steps through the glimmering gates, the urban scenery transforms into a fantastical wonderland of vibrant decorations and a cheerful atmosphere. Any dreariness from life’s frigid monotony dissipates among the majestic lights and eager chatter. Along the market’s perimeter, bustling food stalls serve a great variety of heartwarming meals that vanquish the cold air. Visitors and pets alike wait eagerly in line for sweet waffles, sugary festive drinks, and satisfying soups, to name a few specialties. Huddled around their delicious meals and glancing around at the cheery scene, visitors fill the open-air lounge and the heated tent with satisfied smiles.

Promenading further into the marketplace, visitors peruse brightly lit stalls and shops, eagerly searching for unique holiday presents and trinkets. From boutique clothing to handmade décor and gourmet dessert vendors, there is an endless sea of charming storefronts to wander through. Such a wide, diverse range of unique small businesses adds yet another dimension of novelty and excitement to Snowport.

For Michaela McGee, who currently works at participating business Love and Flour but has visited Snowport as a guest in years past, one of her personal favorite aspects of the Winter Market is finding unique Christmas presents.

“Being able to shop in a place that’s authentic and creative is definitely up my alley,” McGee said.

Snowport’s curated marketplace particularly uplifts local small businesses. With 65 percent of the vendors being local to New England and 22 percent being new to the market, Snowport offers an invaluable opportunity for visitors to grow acquainted with these businesses and for the companies to gain traction and exposure.

“It’s the busiest thing and the most exposure we can get as a small business in the area,” Rosaline Hansen, the owner of Pet Wants Newton, said.

The market also presents a multitude of engaging free activities, such as a photo set with a festive decorated background and a chalkboard Winter Wish Wall on which visitors are encouraged to doodle or add holiday well-wishes. Snowport also offers activities such as Curling Lanes, the Betty the Yeti Bar Crawls, and a Crafting Corner that captivates the visitors’ attention and brings the community together despite the winter chills.

The principal aspiration of Snowport’s organizers is to uplift the city and be an enlivening source of “fun and cheer,” according to on-site general manager Olivier Miller.

“The thing I try to strive to provide is to create a very polished and whimsical atmosphere where the seams aren’t showing too much,” Miller said.

The effort to foster community connections permeates throughout the festival. The holiday cheer animates the entire market, and at every turn, there is lively chatter and laughter. Alyssa Lannan at Melsy’s Illustration cited the people as her favorite part of Snowport thus far, and that the event is truly “about the community more than anything.”

“People are wonderful. They’re in a festive, happy, holiday mood. They’re having a good time. So it’s a really positive environment to be in,” Hansen said.

Bringing Boston together in a cheerful, festive wonderland, Snowport vividly ushers in the holiday spirit and intimately connects the local community.

Snowport is open daily through Dec. 29 in the Boston Seaport Neighborhood.

—Staff writer Leshui (Jade) Xiao can be reached at jade.xiao@thecrimson.com.