Whether you enjoy slipping into the spirit of the season by lingering at each stall or just want to get all of your presents without having to tramp all over town, holiday markets are the perfect place. And the DC area has several great ones, filled with local crafts, items from small and upcoming businesses — or that even feature gifts and collectibles unique to the Capital!
Here are five of DC’s best holiday markets for 2022:
The Downtown DC Holiday Market is an annual tradition in the heart of the city. Open now through December 23rd with only two days dark, Thanksgiving Day and Monday, December 5th, the Downtown DC Holiday Market boasts over 70 vendors — many local small businesses! — within two blocks on F Street NW (7th – 9th Streets). In addition to shopping and treats, don’t miss the live entertainment on the main stage!
Here’s a video from 2020 to show you what to expect:
National Landing’s holiday market may be one day only — Dec. 3rd, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM– but packs in a lot of present-purchasing power! Other holiday events, starting Dec. 1, can also be enjoyed while you peruse the market, including a light installation by Light Art Collection’s Belgian artists Tom & Lien Dekyvere, a 45-min Synetic Theatre production of “Snow Maiden” and even a Christmas Tree lot so you can take home a mini-tree along with all of the presents to put underneath.
The Four Seasons in Georgetown turns its outdoors into an airy shopping destination for a cause on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Dec. 2-18th. Shop items from local craftspeople and artisans while enjoying light and snow displays and other delights of the season, like those popular Chalet outdoor dining areas from Bourbon Steak.
Heurich House is back with its annual kindle market, December 2-4, which supports the museum’s small business development programs. Celebrating its 1oth year, the market is featuring its most diverse group of vendors ever — with most of the businesses featured woman-owned and in their first five years of business.
Not exactly a market, but definitely a major shopping destination of the season, the White House Historical Association’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop (Nov. 14-Feb 28) at the Mayflower Hotel is the perfect place for history buffs and anyone into Presidential keepsakes to find gifts galore. The shop features the Official 2022 White House Christmas Ornament, a White House Gingerbread Kit, and more. The hotel’s holiday-inspired windows are yet another reason to stop by and shop.
Happy Holiday shopping! Want more? Check out our other lists of DC holiday happenings, like the area’s best local tree lighting ceremonies and other unique holiday happenings to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
