These holiday markets & fests capture spirit of the season

Some of us have raised shopping to an art form, especially during the holiday season.

We relish every bit of what holiday markets and festivals bring to the annual tradition: the quaint decor and warm, personal interactions; the handcrafted wares and friendly energy; the unique gifts you won’t find everywhere else. All the stuff you just can’t get online with a few clicks.

And why not make an excursion out of it? Whether it’s for just an afternoon, maybe a day’s drive with friends; or even a weekend with girlfriends or family, we’re lucky in New England to have some of the most charming holiday markets and festivals right here. Here are just a few to visit:

Snowport Holiday Market Festival in Boston

(www.bostonseaport.xyz)

Once again our city’s Seaport has been transformed into an outdoor European-style holiday market with 125-plus independently owned businesses and more festive cheer than you can stuff down a chimney.

Best gifts: Accessories for Fido from local makers like Preston’s Dog Collars; handmade jewelry at Gratinsta; Madagascar vanilla powder from Curio Spice; plus all kinds of flashy fun from big-name chain stores.

Stay at: Omni Boston At The Seaport (www.omnihotels.com/hotels/boston-seaport), ideally situated next to all of the neighborhood’s holiday action.

Don’t miss: The Seaport Holiday Stroll on Dec. 13 starting at 1 p.m., with giveaways, free treats, live music, and a photo booth in front of Boston’s most humongous Christmas tree.

“Winter Lights” in Shelburne, Vermont

(www.shelburnemuseum.org/visit/winter-lights)

You’ll find lots of Christmas magic in one of the Green Mountain State’s quaintest towns, thanks to thousands of light installations downtown surrounding the Shelburne Museum.

Best gifts: Hand-blown glass bird feeders at The Shelbourne Country Store (www.shelburnecountrystore.com); indie reads at Flying Pig Bookstore (www.flyingpigbooks.com); and feather-soft alpaca mittens at mysa (www.mysavermont.com)

Stay at: The nearby, brand new AC Burlington (www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/btvac-ac-hotel-burlington), with stunning views of Lake Champlain.

Don’t miss: A glimpse of the 220-foot steamboat, Ticonderoga —lit up spectacularly for the holidays.

“Northern Lights”

(www.llbean.com/llb/shop/512152)

Through Dec. 24 with the Annual “Sparkle Celebration (www.visitfreeport.com/sparkle-celebration/?nav=C9tE-512152) in Freeport, Maine

L.L. Bean is the epicenter of it all, but historic Freeport spreads the cheer with a shopping festival throughout town. Expect lights galore, firepits, tons of photo ops, holiday crafts, and (truly) a talking Christmas tree.

Best gifts: Original prints by local artists at Abacus Gallery (www.abacusgallery.com); exquisite handmade ceramic vases at Georgetown Pottery (www.georgetownpottery.com).

Stay at: The Harraseeket Inn (www.harraseeketinn.com) — the historic but tastefully modernized property sits in the thick of it all. Check out the  “Ugly Sweater Holiday Brunch Buffet” on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m.- 3.p.m.

Don’t miss: This year debuts Winter Spectacular — a free holiday film shown at Northern Lights by L.L. Bean daily, every half-hour from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. through Dec. 24.

First Street Market’s Holiday Series in Cambridge

(www.firststreetmkt.com/events/fsm-holiday-market-series)

Sip hot chocolate and holiday cocktails to live music on Dec. 12 and 19 from 5 -10p.m., while shopping from 25+ local vendors.

Best gifts: Lions Mane Tincture from Joyberry Farms (www.joyberryfarms.com).

Stay at: Hotel Marlowe (www.hotelmarlowe.com) — steps away, with over-the-top festive decorations, including a six-foot Santa.

Don’t miss: The Candy Cane Lane, the libation of the season, at Hotel Marlowe’s Miracle Pop-Up Christmas-Themed Cocktail Bar.

“Prelude” festival in Kennebunkport, Maine

(christmasprelude.com)

An overload of merriment, complete with caroling, Santa on a lobster boat, and holiday hat contests.

Best gifts: Mango-habanero margarita mixers at Minka (minkahome.com) and homemade fudge at The Candy Man (www.thecandymanmaine.com).

Stay at: Cape Arundel Inn (www.capearundelinn.com) to look over the crashing ocean waves or The Nonantum (www.nonantumresort.com) to be right on The Kennebunk River.

Don’t miss: The 15th Annual Pooch Parade on Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m., in which dogs get dressed up in their finest holiday attire and march through Dock Square.