While many during the holidays crave the warmth of vacations and tropical getaways, the traditional essence of the holiday spirit and season arises from the chilly weather and snowy climate that Massachusetts, and the rest of New England, provides. Across the greater Boston area, there are a variety of holiday activities for residents to enjoy every year. Returning for its fifth year, the Snowport winter market—a play on Seaport, where the market is located—incorporates various winter-themed festivities, including games, shopping and dining experiences.
Returning for its third season, the entrance of Snowport welcomes all guests with a 10 foot mistletoe archway with wooden letters reading “Kiss Me,” displayed in the 50 strings of mistletoe. The archway is the perfect photo opportunity for many people visiting Snowport. The presents attract many with the incorporation of huge gifts. Furthermore, there is a 25 foot interactive chalkboard near the entrance for everyone to write down their goals and wishes for the upcoming season, a simple yet light-hearted way to get visitors into the holiday spirit.
After crossing the archway, guests are welcomed into a holiday wonderland of markets, shopping and activities. Snowport even has a tree market, with a variety of Christmas trees, wreaths and decor for sale. When someone purchases a tree, the market will even personally deliver it to one’s house so they can continue to walk through all of the markets without having to handle a tree. People can even enjoy iceless curling at Snowport, which is having its first debut in a new location along Harbor Way. People can book daily games with their friends and family or they could book lessons to give them a chance to learn the rules of curling. Everyone has a chance to engage in a friendly competitive game of curling or learn something new while in Boston. Curling is open seven days a week, giving everyone an opportunity to play a fun activity in Snowport. What primarily attracts the majority of tourists and residents, however, is Snowport’s famous ice skating rink. The Snowport ice rink is decorated with warm colored lights hanging above skaters and festive trees outside surrounding the icy rink. Attendees have the chance to rent skates and ice skate for as long as they want, promoting Snowports’ amusing and entertaining environment. Cheerful holiday music also diffuses around the area. All of the markets are additionally topped off with luminous string lights that dangle above all of the buildings, where shoppers are able to roam around and discover different food vendors or items to purchase from shops.
Another large part of Snowport’s attractive nature is directly correlated with its holiday market. The area incorporates various small local vendors for guests to shop and browse from. The pop-ups consist of various handmade, locally sourced and organic items that can serve as unique and thoughtful gifts for loved ones. A few of the many suppliers included leather goods made in Norwood, MA from Greylock, watercolor and ink art pieces by Ashley Eisenman Art. People can even buy maple syrup from Maine by Crystal Rock Maple, organic cotton baby clothing by Simply Chickie, upcycled and vintage apparel from The Drift Collective and all natural and hand poured candles from Sky Candle Co. Snowport even offers The Maker’s Club, where there are a variety of creative workshops for both adults and children to give them a chance to make holiday-themed crafts. The crafts include mason jar snowglobes, holiday wreaths or ornaments. The club gives everyone a chance to bring home a handmade craft that they can display to their family and friends.
On top of that, 17 food and beverage establishments cover the 10,000 square feet of Snowport. Some of these food and beverage sources hosted include North East of the Border tacos, plant-based sweet treats from Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies, Cheese Louise famous grilled cheese and Breezy Hill Orchard donuts and cider.
Betty the Yeti, Snowport’s famous mascot, will be making appearances all throughout Snowport’s 2023 wintertime season. The tale has it that Betty made her return to Snowport after a long, relaxing vacation in the Himalayas over the summer. Many guests are thrilled to take photos and meet with Snowport’s celebrity. Furthermore, merchandise such as a Betty plush, clothing and even cocktails are available for visitors to purchase to express their endearment for the friendly beast. On top of that, Snowport held a writing contest for students between ages six to eight, encouraged to write short stories about their notorious mascot. As a result, over 826 students entered and wrote their own personal narratives, and were even given the chance to have them formally printed. If one wants to read these stories, Snowport has published a book that is available with every Betty-themed item purchased.
Snowport in Boston encaptures the holiday spirit so many are yearning for. Walking around Boston and absorbing the scenery and decorations can spark excitement and anticipation for the winter season. Ultimately, the entire atmosphere of Snowport promotes an inclusive and pleasurable winter experience that provides the perfect place to stroll around with loved ones and to just simply enjoy oneself. The market will be running through December 31.
