As the holiday season sweeps across Boston, everywhere from our vibrant South End neighbourhood to the Seaport District—transforms into a winter-wonderland of sophisticated festivity. For guests of the Clarendon Square Inn, one of the season’s unmissable experiences is Snowport: the Seaport’s immersive holiday market, dining-and-activity hub, and seasonal spectacle. It’s a perfect complement to your stay with us, tuck yourself away in the South End and seek out spurts of spirited festivity in manageable doses.
Here’s our detailed guide to Snowport: what to expect, when to go, how to make the most of it—and some pro tips to experience without burning out.
What is Snowport?
Snowport is the Seaport’s annual transformation into one of Boston’s most enchanting winter experiences. Beginning in early November and running through late December (with some activities extending into January/February), this event fuses an open-air holiday market, dining and beverage destinations, outdoor games, curated lighting ceremonies along with familar seasonal activations.
The holiday market itself features 120+ makers and small businesses, many local to New England. The setting is the Seaport’s 100 Seaport Blvd. (and surrounding Harbor Way) area, where you’ll find chalet-style vendor kiosks, decorative features (such as a mistletoe arch and wish wall), and warm-up zones for dining and gathering. F
In addition to shopping and dining, Snowport offers activities like iceless curling, the Tree Market, lighting ceremonies for the holiday tree and menorah, and other pop-up surprises such as appearances by “Betty the Yeti.”
Key Dates, Times & Cost
Here are the details you’ll want to mark on your calendar.
Opening & season span: Snowport 2025 opens Friday, November 7 and runs through Sunday, December 28, 2025.
General admission: Free. You may simply walk in via the general-admission line.
Timed-entry option (weekends): For those who prefer to skip the queue, there is a timed-entry ticket Friday–Sunday:
Adults: $14
Veterans: $6
Children ages 6-17: $6
Children 5 & under: Free
*Note: $1 from each ticket benefits the non-profit Boston Xchange.
Typical market hours (initial period):
Monday–Thursday: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Peak-season hours (approx. Dec 8–Dec 28):
Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Notable lighting events:
Holiday Tree Lighting: Friday, December 5, 2025 at approx. 6 p.m. at Seaport Common (85 Northern Ave.). The 52-foot tree with 10,000+ lights is one of the largest in
Menorah Lighting: Sunday, December 21, 2025, location 60 Seaport Blvd., more details to be announced.
Iceless Curling Lanes: Located on Harbor Way (between 101–121 Seaport Blvd.). Hours: Monday–Thursday 3 p.m.-8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Reservations recommended. Free to play.
Tree Market & other add-ons: The Tree Market runs concurrently within the Seaport area offering fresh trees, wreaths, delivery options.
What to Do There: Features & Experiences
Vendor Market & Shopping – The core of Snowport is the chalet-style holiday market featuring artisans, craft goods, home décor, apparel, jewelry, gourmet food items—many of them locally made. It provides a perfect opportunity to shop thoughtful gifts with character.
Dining & Beverage – With an expansive dining area (e.g. a 10,000 sq ft outdoor-tent zone), you’ll find festive bars (e.g. “Jingle Bar”), warm-up fire-pit zones, and food vendors serving grilled cheeses, dumplings, pasta in cheese wheels, sweet treats, and a range of beverages including mulled cider and cocktails.
Iceless Curling – A wonderfully playful activity: you don’t need skates. You can book or walk in and play on a synthetic curling lane, often lit with string-lights, making
Lighting Ceremonies & Seasonal Activations – The tree lighting and menorah lighting are signature moments. The promotions, live music (Mohegan Music Mondays), craft corners for children (Lego snow-globes, ornament-making), photo-backdrops such as the mistletoe arch and Winter Wish Wall—all add layers of experience.
Tree Market – If you’re looking to bring home a fresh fir or wreath (great if you’re hosting guests or having a holiday stay-cation in Boston), the Tree Market offers onsite purchase and delivery.
Photo & Atmosphere – The aesthetic is refined yet playful: fairy lights draped overhead, warm seating zones, elevated artisan stalls. For a guest staying at Clarendon Square Inn, this makes for an evenings-out pairing: stroll the South End, dine nearby, then walk into the Seaport for a festive hour of market browsing under city lights.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
Go early (weekday afternoons) – To beat the crowds, aim for Monday–Thursday before 4 p.m. The lines tend to be shorter, fewer families, and easier parking.
Timed-entry tickets on weekends – If you visit Friday–Sunday and prefer a smoother entry, reserve the timed-ticket via the Seaport Insider app and skip the general line.
Dress for the waterfront breeze – The Seaport is exposed. Bring warm layers, gloves (especially for night activities), and comfortable shoes.
Make dining part of the experience – Book a dinner or drink either before or after the market. The Seaport is home to numerous chic restaurants—pair your market visit with a nearby reservation for a full evening.
Shopping-friendly bag/coat combo – Many vendors offer carry-bags, but if you shop early, you may want to drop purchases back at your hotel so you can continue browsing unencumbered.
Parking tip – There are nearby garages and Seaport parking options; arrive early if by car. The Seaport website maintains updated parking info.
Evening ambiance – After dark, the market lighting and Seaport waterfront combine beautifully. Consider visiting around sunset and staying into the evening to enjoy the market’s full glow.
Gift-shopping advantage – Many vendors are independent artisans. For guests who enjoy curating unique finds, this is ideal compared with generic retail.
Why It Matters for Guests Staying at Clarendon Square Inn
Snowport exemplifies that philosophy: it offers approachable luxury (artisan shopping, curated cocktails, festive ambiance) in a lively, seasonal setting. For our guests, the Seaport is a short ride or pleasant stroll away, letting you pair the historic charm and boutique luxury of our South End hotel with the modern, vibrancy and holiday chaos of Snowport.
Planning your day: after your morning coffee, spend some time exploring the South End neighborhood as many of our shops will be featuring holiday offerings not to be missed. In the afternoon head to Seaport for Snowport browsing and a light lunch or a warming drink at one of the bars. Return to your room at Clarendon Square Inn to unwind before taking a short stroll to dinner in the South End. A more quaint atmosphere that provides a nice balance from the chaos and chills of snowport. It’s an elegant, many-faceted outing that resonates with the spirit of the season.
We look forward to helping you plan your visit—whether you’d like restaurant recommendations nearby, parking suggestions for Seaport, or simply a warm spot to return to after your Snowport adventure. Let us make your holiday stay in Boston truly memorable.