Light Up Seaport, presented by Constant Contact, returns Friday, December 4, from 6–7:30 PM on Seaport Common. Ashlee Feldman and Melissa Valdez will lead the evening’s festivities, with live entertainment accompanying the illumination of a 52-foot tree decorated with more than 10,000 lights.
The celebration comes one day after Snowport learns whether voters have named it among the country’s best holiday markets in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
Snowport returns with more than 125 small businesses
Opening November 6 and running through December 27, Snowport Holiday Market returns for its sixth year with more than 125 small businesses. Organizers say 82% are BIPOC- and/or women-owned.
Visitors can browse gifts, apparel, home goods, and gourmet treats, alongside 17 food and beverage concepts and live holiday music. Walk-up admission is free daily.
Produced with The Makers Show and presented by Visa, the market emphasizes shopping locally and supporting entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups. Its scholarship program, supported by Visa & Main, provides 11 small businesses with financial assistance, marketing guidance, and mentorship.
Cast a vote for Snowport through November 30
Snowport’s nomination for Best Holiday Market came from USA TODAY 10BEST editors and a panel of experts, but the public will determine the final rankings.
Voting is open through Monday, November 30, at 11:59 AM EST. Supporters can cast one vote per day, with the top 10 winners announced Thursday, December 3, at noon EST.
Vote for Snowport in the Readers’ Choice Awards.
The tree lighting follows on December 4
Whether or not Snowport takes a top spot, Seaport’s holiday celebrations will continue the following evening.
The tenth annual Light Up Seaport takes place at Seaport Common, 85 Northern Avenue, giving visitors a chance to pair holiday shopping with the neighborhood’s tree-lighting celebration.
Find market details and seasonal updates on the Snowport website.
