Winter Farmer's Markets in Boston and Nearby

There are many reasons to shop at a local farmer's market. Supporting your local economy and business owners, getting food right from the source with all of its vitamins and minerals, and avoiding negative effects on the environment associated with shipping, packaging and storing food over long distances. 

It's a misconception that here in New England, everything shuts down during the winter. There are actually several winter farmer's markets in the city and in neighboring cities and towns worth checking out for your fresh food fix. 

Unfortunately for Fenway residents, the closest market to the neighborhood, the Prudential Center market, is closed for the winter 2013 season. Another nearby winter market, The SOWA Market in the South End, is also closed, and will re-open in May of 2013.

The following are the markets open for the Winter 2013 season in Boston and in nearby cities and towns.

BOSTON

• Dorchester/Codman Square Health Center Winter Farmers Market

On Sundays, you can head to the Dorchester Community Food Co-Op, where 14 different vendors sell everything from meat to dairy to produce.  There's Silverbrook Farm (produce) Lilac Hedge (meat) Hickory Nut Farm (handcrafted goat milk products) The Ancient Baker (plant based bakery products) Red’s Best Local Seafood (fish) and Foxboro Cheese (cheese) to name a few.

Where: The Great Hall at the Codman Square Health Center, 6 Norfolk Street, Boston, MA 02124
When: Sundays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.,  Jan. 6 - March 24, 2013

• Jamaica Plain/Egleston Winter Farmers' Market

New this year to the Winter Farmer's Market lineup is one at Our Lady Of Lourdes Parish (45 Brookside Ave) in Jamaica Plain. This market features baked goods from the Great Cape Baking Company, fresh vegetables from Stillman's Farm, the Buckle Farm and meat from the John Crow Farm, among others

Where: 45 Brookside Avenue-, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
When: Saturdays, 11 a.m. 2 p.m., Jan. and Feb., 2013 

BROOKLINE

• Brookline Winter Farmer's Market

The Brookline market runs on Sundays and Mondays and features organic produce, meat, eggs and a few specialty items like roasted nuts. 

Where: The Arcade, 318 Harvard St, Brookline, MA
When: Sundays, 12 - 5 p.m. and Mondays 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

NEWTON

• Newton Farmers Market

Another market that's new to the area this year, the Newton market features the fresh fruit, vegetables you'd expect, plus fish, Popsicles and maple syrup, among other items. 

Where: Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St, Newton, MA 02461
When: Tuesdays, 1:30 - 6 p.m.

CAMBRIDGE

• Cambridge Winter Farmers’ Market 

In its second season, the Cambridge market offers a wide variety of food and non-food items from local artists and craftsmen, and features an art gallery, live music and demos and activities, too. The market has a selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, fish, chocolate, and baked goods.

Where: Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St., Cambridge, MA
When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Jan. 5 - April 27, 2013

SOMERVILLE

• Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market 

Held in the magnificent castle of Highland Ave, the Somerville market is made possible by Shape Up Somerville and The Center for Arts at the Armory. There's fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, chocolate and wine, and even a gluten-free vendor. In addition to the food, there's music and children's activities, too.

Where: Center for the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 
When: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., December 1, 2012 - April 13, 2013

FENWAY-KENMORE PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates