Winter is coming, and the Seaport plans to get into the holiday spirit with the return of Snowport.
The annual holiday attraction is back for its sixth season, with its ever-popular holiday market set to open Nov. 8. This year, the Light Up Seaport tree lighting festivities will take place Dec. 6, with the Menorah lighting ceremony scheduled for Dec. 29.
New for 2024 is the Mohegan Sun Music Stage, which will host performances by local musicians at the Snowport’s Jingle Bar every Monday throughout the market’s stay in the Seaport, which ends Dec. 29.
“Snowport has had a tremendous impact in our business space during the holiday season by bringing small businesses, residents from across the city, and tourists alike together for their annual festivities,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a press release statement. “I’m grateful for their work in making the Seaport a vibrant destination during the holiday season.”
The holiday market, which is in its fourth season, will feature over 120 businesses, 22 percent of which are new to the market, while 65 percent of the vendors featured have ties to New England. Meanwhile, 83 percent of the businesses at Snowport this year identify “as either Black, Indigenous, or people of color owned and/or female-owned,” according to a press release.
In addition, Waltham-based marketing company Constant Contact, which has partnered with the Snowport over the past three years, will sponsor a new Snowport Scholarship Program. Through the initiative, 12 businesses will receive discounted booth fees at the holiday market, as well as one-on-one coaching from Constant Contact marketers, among other benefits. Two of the businesses receiving scholarships are also new to Snowport.
“This initiative not only provides underrepresented entrepreneurs with access to one of Boston’s fastest-growing holiday traditions, it also ensures they are equipped with all the marketing tools and guidance they need to reach new customers,” Frank Vella, CEO of Constant Contact, said in the release.
To get in the Holiday spirit, plenty of Snowport favorites will be returning as well, including the the Winter Wish Wall by Mass General Brigham Health Plan, an interactive chalkboard where visitors share their holiday wishes. The food and beverage area will feature 17 vendors, five of which are new, while a crafting area and photo-worthy mistletoe arch are also set to return.
Emily Wyrwa can be reached at emily.wyrwa@globe.com. Follow her @emilywyrwa.