SoWa Winter Festival 2025: Boston’s Magical Holiday Market
If you love holiday markets, cozy winter cocktails, and discovering handmade gifts from Boston makers, the SoWa Winter Festival 2025 is the South End event you cannot miss this season. Open November 28 through December 28, this month-long celebration brings together 125 plus local vendors, specialty foods, festive drinks, and a warm indoor atmosphere that makes winter shopping feel fun again.
Located at the SoWa Power Station at 550 Harrison Ave, the festival transforms this iconic space into a bustling holiday village filled with art, baked goods, accessories, home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts. It is one of the most visited December experiences in the city and an easy addition to any South End itinerary.
You can find even more winter ideas in our guide to the 10 Best Free and Cheap Things to Do in Boston in 2025, which pairs perfectly with a SoWa day trip.
Festival Dates and Hours
Festival Dates
November 28 to December 28, 2025
Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Opening Day
Friday, November 28: 10 AM to 8 PM
Weekly Hours
Tuesday to Thursday: 4 PM to 8 PM
Friday: 4 PM to 9 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM
The entire event is held indoors. It is heated, festive, and fully protected from Boston’s unpredictable winter weather, which means you can shop comfortably no matter what the forecast looks like.
Admission and What It Includes
Admission is $10 and covers entry to the full SoWa Winter Festival experience. Kids 12 and under are free.
Your entry helps support an event that is entirely powered by local artists and small businesses. Festival fees go toward staffing, décor, live entertainment, cleaning, heating, electricity, and other operational needs that keep the market running at a high level. Any leftover funds support free community events such as the weekly SoWa Open Market and SoWa First Friday.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is available for $10 (cash only) at multiple nearby lots:
• 540 Harrison Ave.
• 500 Harrison Ave.
• 365 Albany St.
• 324 Albany St.
• 274 Albany St.
The 540 Harrison Ave. lot is both wheelchair and stroller friendly.
If you plan to pair your visit with dining or nightlife in the neighborhood, you can also explore our guide to 8 Best Brunch Spots in Boston for 2025 or grab dinner steps away from the festival.
What You’ll Find Inside
The SoWa Winter Festival is known for spotlighting Boston’s best makers and creators. Expect:
• Handmade art
• Jewelry
• Holiday décor
• Photography
• Accessories
• Candles
• Specialty foods
• Seasonal cocktails
• Local goods perfect for gifting
The entire Power Station is transformed into a holiday playground with warm lighting, music, and plenty of food and drink options to enjoy while you explore.
Family Friendly Details
The event is kid friendly and perfect for families looking to spend a festive afternoon indoors. Strollers are welcome. Only service animals are allowed due to City of Boston regulations. Re-entry is not permitted because of Fire Department capacity rules.
If you love discovering hidden corners of the city, add a South End stroll to your day and check out our guide to Boston Hidden Gems for Book Lovers for an extra local adventure nearby.
Where to Eat Near SoWa
The South End is one of Boston’s best dining neighborhoods, which makes the festival an ideal starting point for a full day out. Top nearby restaurants include:
• Bar Mezzana
• Burro Bar
• Kaia
• The Beehive
• Baleia
• Toro
• Boston Chops
• Picco
• Barcelona Wine Bar
• Yellow Door Taqueria
• Coppa
• Louis’ Corner
• Myers + Chang
For coffee stops, visit The Buttery, Tatte, The Cafe, or Cuppa Coffee.
Payment Info
Most vendors take cash, credit cards, and Apple Pay. Some food and drink stations may operate faster with cash, so bringing a little is helpful.
Why Boston Loves the SoWa Winter Festival
This event has become a holiday tradition for thousands of local shoppers because it blends everything people love about the season. It is festive, creative, warm, and filled with local character. Whether you’re picking up gifts, grabbing a holiday drink, or just exploring the South End, SoWa is a perfect December outing.
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