Seaport’s winter alter ego Snowport cut its opening day ribbon Nov. 7, bringing the holiday spirit into Boston.
For its fifth year in a row next to the Seaport commons, the sprawling market covered in holiday lights and garland opened its gates with over 100 vendors, 65% New England based.
Twenty different food pop-ups shops are available, decked out with holiday themed beverages and treats. Along with shopping and lounging around fireplaces and heated tents, Berklee College of Music students perform every Monday night to highlight local talent and provide entertainment.
With Seaport organizers and Boston residents around to see, a long red ribbon with a crowd piled behind it was cut in front of the market’s main entrance just past 1 p.m., with the market’s mascot right in front. Betty the Yeti is a pink abominable snowman that inspired Yeti crossing signs littered around Seaport, as well as merchandise like hats and stuffed animals for shoppers to purchase.
This year the shops themselves consisted of 18% first-timers, bringing some fresh options to the already diverse scale of pop-up options for customers to choose from.
For Oceanumvela owner, Melissa Kalicin, Snowport brings an opportunity to bring her unique bags and totes made out of recycled material to a storefront-like setting.
“Everything here is made from a famous race sale, so all of the colors and designs that are in each product are from the original branding of the boats,” said Kalicin. “We also have low carbon french chocolate that has been sailed over, literally sailed cargo from France, so low emissions.”
With a high focus on sustainability, Kalicin’s products highlight themes of reuse and handmade goods that can be found throughout the market.
With greens, reds and blues covering nearly every surface, from wreaths to lawn chairs and cabin themed stalls, the season of gift buying is in the air.
For some, this market is a great way or the only way for vendors to get their products on shelves and in front of customers instead of just using online platforms. Avery Tronson, owner of a handmade gift business called Citizens Crochet, emphasized this accessibility for other small businesses
“A lot of people here who work really hard and a storefront isn’t necessarily super feasible for them right now but doing a pop-up like this, in an area with high foot traffic can really give people a huge platform,” said Tronson. “Theres been Boston Globe articles written about people, wholesale deals that have happened, so it just feels like a massive platform where you’re able to share your work with an incredible amount of people that you wouldn’t have been able to do it with otherwise.”
With crowds known to snake around Seaport sidewalks just for free admission into the outdoor shopping center, opportunity is in the air along with the scent of hot chocolate this holiday season.
“I design all the patterns and contract to local crocheters, our base wage for everyone is about $27 an hour so we’re trying to give good jobs to local artists who deserve it,” said Tronson. “The world can be very dark and scary sometimes, a lot of the time and just to create a little center where you can escape and have a little peace and joy, have a little smile and enjoy the simplistic things that are what I am to do and what I like doing.”
Twelve vendors also received funding, mentorship and tools from the market Constant Contact, Snowport’s organizers, to help make this opportunity possible and expand their company.
Free activities inside the market include a Winter Wish Wall presented by Mass General Brigham Health Plan and a crafting corner for kids by The LEGO Group. Presents Place presented by Citizens is also a photo backdrop booth, with holiday themed decor for a holiday card worthy shot.
In addition to the shops, next to the market is a year round retail village with a ski-inspired name called Après at the Current. These shops take over the space next to the Seaport commons year round with different styles and decor as the months change. Across Seaport Boulevard, Snowport curling lanes are also available to play and will be open through February.
Light Up Seaport presented by Citizens will be Dec. 5, bringing Boston’s largest holiday tree standing at 52 feet tall to the commons. The Menorah Lighting will also take place Dec. 21.
Though admission is free, priority time slot passes can be purchased for Saturdays and Sundays at the market until its closure Dec. 29.
