Holiday Markets in Massachusetts
Massachusetts' holiday market season draws on centuries of New England crafting tradition and a contemporary maker economy that thrives in cities like Boston, Cambridge, and Northampton. The Society of Arts + Crafts, founded in Boston in 1897 as the first nonprofit craft organization in the country, continues to produce CraftBoston holiday events that set a national standard for curated craft markets. From the cobblestone streets of Salem to the snowy Berkshire hillsides, Massachusetts offers holiday shopping with historic New England character.
Stockbridge's Norman Rockwell-esque Main Street hosts one of the most picturesque holiday celebrations in New England, while Cambridge's Harvard Square and Boston's SoWa district produce holiday markets that reflect the metro area's creative density. The state's compact geography means that buyers can reach mountain, city, and coastal holiday markets within a single day, making Massachusetts a rich destination for holiday craft shopping.
Top Holiday Market Events in Massachusetts
- CraftBoston Holiday — Boston (various venues); produced by the Society of Arts + Crafts; juried holiday show featuring ceramics, jewelry, glass, woodwork, and fiber arts from regional and national artists
- SoWa Holiday Market — Boston (SoWa Power Station and surrounding venues); holiday edition of Boston's premier maker market in the South End arts district
- Salem Holiday Market & Faire — Salem (various downtown venues); holiday craft market in the historic seaport town, combining artisan vendors with Salem's unique colonial atmosphere
- Cambridge Holiday Art Market — Cambridge (Harvard Square area); holiday artisan market featuring Boston-area makers in the vibrant university neighborhood
- Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas — Stockbridge; Berkshire holiday celebration inspired by Norman Rockwell's famous painting, with artisan vendors, gallery openings, and carolers along Main Street
What to Expect
Massachusetts holiday markets reflect the state's deep craft heritage. CraftBoston Holiday is a juried event where collectors and everyday buyers shop alongside each other — expect gallery-quality ceramics, hand-forged jewelry, art glass, and fine woodwork. SoWa's holiday market in Boston's South End brings a more contemporary indie-craft feel, with candles, prints, leather goods, and artisan food products. Salem's colonial setting adds historical atmosphere to holiday shopping, with vendors selling in historic buildings and waterfront venues.
Most Massachusetts holiday markets are indoors given New England winters, though Stockbridge's Main Street celebration and some Boston outdoor markets brave the cold with heated tents. Expect handmade pottery, jewelry, textiles, blown glass, wooden toys, and New England specialty foods like cranberry products and maple goods. Admission is free at most markets; CraftBoston charges admission for its juried show. The holiday market season runs from early November through Christmas Eve, with the heaviest concentration of events in late November and the first two weekends of December.
Popular Cities for Holiday Markets in Massachusetts
- Boston — CraftBoston Holiday, SoWa Holiday Market, and neighborhood pop-ups across the city
- Salem — holiday markets in the historic seaport town with colonial New England atmosphere
- Cambridge — Harvard Square holiday art markets and university-area maker events
- Stockbridge — Berkshire holiday celebration on the iconic Main Street with gallery openings
See all craft events in Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do holiday markets start in Massachusetts?
Most Massachusetts holiday markets begin in early to mid-November. CraftBoston Holiday dates vary by year. SoWa Holiday Market runs through December. Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas is typically a single weekend in early December. The heaviest concentration of holiday craft events falls in late November and the first two weekends of December.
Are Massachusetts holiday markets indoors?
Most are indoors given New England winters. CraftBoston, SoWa, and Cambridge markets use indoor venues. Stockbridge's Main Street celebration includes outdoor components with shops open along the street. Some Boston markets use heated outdoor tents. Dress warmly for any market with outdoor elements.
What makes Massachusetts holiday markets special?
Massachusetts combines the oldest craft organization in the country (the Society of Arts + Crafts) with New England's colonial heritage and a world-class art school network. The result is holiday markets where quality is exceptionally high, from CraftBoston's nationally juried show to neighborhood markets where MassArt graduates sell alongside established artisans. New England's holiday traditions add atmosphere that few other regions can match.