Now that December is upon us, it’s time to kick it into high gear for the holidays. And with that comes the ever-daunting gift list. Panic not – Boston’s thriving holiday market scene once again comes to the rescue, as the Boston Women’s Market takes over Quincy Market this weekend in Boston.
What is the Boston Women’s Market?
Founded by Africa Rubio Pastor and Cara Loffredo to support local makers and artists, the holiday market is bringing together more than 40 women-owned businesses (many of them LGBTQ+ and minority-owned as well) with unique products ranging from hand-crafted jewelry and pet accessories to stationery and handmade body care. While the market saw its first shoppers in 2017 with past locations at Harpoon Brewery, Time Out Market, Union Square, and The Speedway, this is the first time it’s been held at iconic Quincy Market.
What can I buy at the holiday market?
Located over the two floors of Quincy Market, wares rotate every week, so each time you shop you’ll find a new business to support. The market offers unique home goods and decor, ceramics, accessories, jewelry, pet goods, gourmet treats, and more. A few of the vendors include illustrations and dog bandanas at Slobber Threads, hand-sewn journals and sketchbooks at Lend a Hand Designs, jewelry inspired by New England’s natural beauty from Just Rosy, French macarons from Mariela’s Sweets, and body care from JB Artisans Soaps.
What about food and drink at the Boston Women’s Market?
Whether you eat your way through Quincy Market’s famous food colonnade (it’s America’s largest and oldest food hall, with more than 30 food stalls) or you take a load off for a sit-down at a nearby restaurant, there are plenty of places to fuel up for more shopping.
What else is there to do near the market?
Quincy Market is smack in the middle of Boston’s busiest area, so the world is your oyster as you explore Boston in any direction. If you want to stay close to the market and in the spirit of Christmas fun, get your face painted by FaceArt Face Painting, a non-profit donation-based business to help dogs in need. Bring the little ones to visit the Faneuil Hall Santa on the second floor of the market, and enjoy live music on select market days from local artists like Peryle, Becca Packer and Jen Aldana. You can also check something else off your to-do list by taking your new purchases to the gift-wrapping station.
When is Boston Women’s Market open?
The market is open December 1 through 3, December 8 through 10, and December 15 through 17 from noon to 6pm on Fridays, 11am to 5pm on Saturdays, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays; and December 21 through 23 from noon to 6pm on Thursday and Friday and 11am to 5pm on Saturday.
Is this the only Boston Women’s Market?
Faneuil Hall is not the only location that the Boston Women’s Market is hosting holiday markets this year. This year the Boston Women’s Market is hosting pop-up markets throughout the Boston area including Night Shift Brewing, Harpoon Brewery, and more. They also have many other activations year-round in support of the community, including educational workshops and opened their first retail shop this summer called the Boston Women’s Market Incubator Shop.
The Market is located inside Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Faneuil Hall, 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109. It’s easily accessible by both T and Commuter Rail.