10 Holiday Craft Fairs You Should Check Out
Get into the holiday spirit by buying art pieces from local vendors at these fairs around Boston.
Photo of La Brasa craft fair by Tim Correira
Gift giving during the holiday season is a time-honored tradition and should be taken seriously—you never want to be that person frantically trying to find something that works at a CVS on Christmas Eve. But if you’re feeling a little under-prepared, don’t worry. Just head out to these markets that are all stocked up on festive arts and crafts for your friends and family.
SoWa Winter Vintage Market
The SoWa Vintage Market is hosting its fourth annual winter festival for two weekends this year. The festival promises more than 100 food vendors and craft makers. Get into the holiday spirit by taking part in a winter wonderland that takes place in a cozy, heated tent nearby. Alice’s Table, a lifestyle business, will be there, offering lessons on how to make your very own flower crown. Musicians will also be performing at various points throughout the weekends.
Weekends of November 30 and December 7, various hours, SoWa Boston, 530 Harrison Ave., Boston, sowaboston.com.
German Christmas Market at Notch
Salem’s Notch Brewing is inviting vendors out for a Christmas market. Because nothing improves browsing seasonal goods from local vendors like sipping a beer.
December 9, 12-5 p.m., 283R Derby St., Salem, notchbrewing.com.
E-Som Holiday Market at La Brasa
You can do so much more than just shop at this holiday market in Somerville. Sip on cocktails and indulge in a hearty brunch with friends at La Brasa while shopping for unique holiday goods including artisanal jams, quirky jewelry, and cool paper crafts. There are only two more E-Som markets left this season!
December 1, December 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 124 Broadway, Somerville, labrasasomerville.com.
Photo by Cassandra Rodriguez
ICA Harbor Market
Even Boston’s cultural landmarks are taking part in the holiday fun. The Institute of Contemporary Art is holding its seasonal artist takeover with local artists displaying their unique creations. Let your inner kid shine by designing your own holiday cookie at one of the market stations. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth by snacking on a donut from Union Square Donuts.
December 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, icaboston.org.
Photo provided by CraftBoston
CraftBoston Holiday Show
CraftBoston is one of Boston’s biggest holiday events, with close to 200 local and national artists. It’s located right at Hynes Convention Center and takes place over the course of one weekend in December. At least one of those 200 artists will have something for that hard-to-please family member, right? Tickets for the general public are $15, and you can buy them here.
December 14-16, 900 Boylston St., Boston, societyofcrafts.org.
Harvard Square Holiday Fair
The Harvard Square Holiday Fair, now in its 33rd year, is held at St. Paul’s Church Hall. In addition to local art vendors, the fair also invites international artists.
December 8-9, 14-16, 20-23, varying hours, 29 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, harvardsquareholidayfair.com.
Photo provided by First Church in Jamaica Plain
JP Crafts Fair
This is another community-based craft fair open to the public. First Church in Jamaica Plains hosts the December Crafts Fair, which marks its second fair of the year. There will be children’s activities, so be sure to bring the whole family, and enjoy listening to live jazz music while you’re there.
December 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., First Church in Jamaica Plains, 6 Eliot St., Boston, jpbestcraftfair.com.
Christmas Craft Fair
Browse the work of many creative artists and listen to music, which will include carolers (it’s Christmas time, after all) and a brass band. This fair takes places at Old South Church, one of Boston’s oldest and most historic churches.
December 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 645 Boylston St., Boston, oldsouth.org.
Row 34
Row 34 will be hosting its annual holiday pop-up shop every Sunday this December. The popular Seaport restaurant will be serving up small samples of food and drinks for guests while they browse through textiles, prints, and jewelry from various Fort Point artists.
Every Sunday in December, 4-6 p.m., Row 34’s Cooler Room, 383 Congress St., Boston, row34.com.
Holiday CR[EAT]OR Market
Boston Public Market will be hosting a holiday market for its second time. Along with dozens of food artisans who will be selling their sumptuous eats, the market also invites creative artists to sell their handcrafted items, ranging from decorated towels to leather goods. You’ll leave here chowing down on all the food you were supposed to gift to your friends.
Starting on November 24, Saturdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St, bostonpublicmarket.org.
Somerville Flea Holiday Market
Shop local at the Somerville Armory, which promises to be selling many holiday treats and goods in its enormous two-floor venue. The Armory is a historic building that resembles a castle and now serves as a cultural space for the community of Somerville. This market, in particular, will be showcasing vintage items and goods made from recyclable materials.
December 2 and 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville, thesomervilleflea.com.
