New England Christmas Festival 2024 in Boston

New England Christmas Festival is the region's largest arts and crafts show, supporting American artisans and farmers. The event annually hosts over 350 pop-up boutiques and stalls with arts and crafts, as well as fresh and delicious products. The three-day festival, which was voted the best craft festival in New England, spans 125,000 square feet of indoor space at Earth Expo & Convention Center in Mohegan Reservation (Mohegan Sun) in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Holiday Shopping

Artisans from all over the US come to New England Christmas Festival to showcase their unique products. There is something for everyone and in all price ranges. The array of handmade products includes stunning jewelry, seasonal decorations, photography, holiday lights, contemporary pottery, distinctive home accessories, children's toys and clothes, pet specialties, gifts for the sports-minded, specialty foods, and much more. From Santa figures to wood inlay tables and blown glass penguins – anyone can find his or her treasure.

Food & Beverages

Food stalls also have much to offer to hungry guests: oatcakes, truffles, caramels, maple syrup, fortune cookies, shortbread, whoopie pies, cannolis, gingerbread muffins, elephant cookies, and lava cakes. In addition, there are plenty of scrumptious foods to sample. You can take a break from shopping and relax at the “Reindeer Lounge,” with cocktails or hot chocolate. The lounge is located on the front left side of the hall near the entrance. It operates on Saturday and Sunday. Concession stands are located at the entrance to the Expo Hall Friday through Sunday.

Hours and tickets

The festival runs from 9 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Adult general admission is $19.81. A ticket is good for any single day. Three-day admission is $25.08. Discounts are available for tickets purchased on the festival's website in advance. Children 14 & under get in for free. The festival offers free parking and free valet parking. The closest parking lot to the Earth Expo Center is the Winter Garage and the Winter Surface Lot.

Festival History

The festival has been a New England tradition since the 1980s. The event used to be held every November at Seaport World Trade Center in Boston until 2020, when the festival was transformed into an experimental online market due to the pandemic. The 2021 and 2022 editions took place at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut. The new location is around 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Boston.