Holiday Markets Open Across the D.C. Region This Weekend
Dozens of vendors in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland will sell handmade goods, food, and art starting Nov. 13 through December.
By Samuel Hayes ·
Shoppers in the Washington metropolitan area will have access to a wide variety of holiday goods this weekend as multiple markets open their doors. The events span the District of Columbia, northern Virginia, and southern Maryland, offering visitors opportunities to purchase handmade items from local artisans.
The Downtown Holiday Market is one of the largest gatherings in the region. It occupies the block between 7th and 9th Streets NW in Washington, D.C. More than 120 vendors will sell handcrafted gifts, art, and food. The market opens on Friday, Nov. 13, and runs through Dec. 23. Admission is free. The market is located near the National Portrait Gallery. Hours vary by day, with extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
In Dupont Circle, the DC Holiday Market offers 40 days of shopping. This market features nearly three dozen small businesses. It is located one block from the Metro station. The market is open from Nov. 12 through Dec. 23. Weekday hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. The market will be closed on Nov. 26 and Nov. 30.
Virginia hosts several distinct events during the season. The Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show takes place in Old Town from Dec. 4 through Dec. 20. This outdoor event features carolers, local artists, and a children's ornament-making station. The Del Ray Artisans Gallery holds its holiday market at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center in Alexandria. The event runs on Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. It features rotating artists selling glass, textiles, and paper crafts. Admission is free.
In Fairfax, the Annual Holiday Market runs for two weekends in December at Old Town Square. Live music will accompany the craft vendors. The event is free to attend. The Fairfax market will offer free photos with Santa for children on Dec. 6 and for pets on Dec. 12. Herndon hosts the WinterMarkt on Dec. 12 at the intersection of Lynn and Station streets. This European-style market includes a model train show and Santa's workshop. Admission is free.
Maryland residents will also find holiday options. The National Harbor Christmas Market opens every Saturday until Dec. 19 at 100 American Way. Each Saturday features a different group of artisans and crafters. The market runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. In Germantown, the BlackRock Center for the Arts holds a holiday market on Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will sell jewelry and candles. The center also operates a pay-what-you-can art supply thrift store called ScrapHappy.
Brentwood hosts the Arts Exchange Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than a dozen local artisans will sell handcrafted items. Maryland Meadworks will provide seasonal drinks. The event is located at 3901 Rhode Island Ave. Admission is free.
Two unique events are scheduled for the week of Nov. 14. The Boozy Book Fair: '90s Edition takes place at the Merry Pin in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event includes cocktails, mocktails, and crafting stations. Admission is $18 with hourly timed entry. On Nov. 15, DC Bound hosts a Stuck in the 2000s vintage market at Dock 5 in Union Market. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Early entry is $10, and admission is free after 2 p.m.
These events provide a range of options for gift shopping and seasonal activities. Vendors at the markets sell items such as jewelry, textiles, glass, prints, and food. Some markets include live music, while others focus on traditional holiday activities like caroling and photo opportunities with Santa. All listed markets are free to enter unless otherwise noted.
