Thanksgiving is over, which means the clock is ticking on those gifts. These local holiday markets are a great way to buy local, find heartfelt presents, and actually enjoy holiday shopping (jam-packed Macy’s are so 2006).
Downtown Holiday Market (Penn Quarter):
Nov. 17 - Dec. 23
D.C.’s most iconic holiday market, this huge downtown fair has dozens of vendors selling housewares, art, food, hand-blown glass, and local trinkets. We are particularly huge fans of Migues Mini Donuts.
Salt & Sundry Holiday Pop-Up (14th Street):
Nov. 25 - early January
D.C.’s beloved lifestyle boutique is opening up its first holiday shop in the former Little Leaf space. Adorable drinkware sets, seafood-themed tin ornaments, lux wrapping paper, and festive candles sure to impress.
Metro's First Stop Pop-Up Market (Downtown):
Nov. 25 to Dec. 17
Find all the holiday-themed Metro merch you could possibly want, like ugly Christmas sweaters with the words “fa la la la la L’Enfant Plaza” or ornaments saying "Ho Ho Go." In the lobby of the MLK Library downtown.
German Christmas Village (Baltimore, Inner Harbor):
Nov. 28 - Dec. 24
Grab hot mulled wine and bratwurst while browsing traditionally-styled German market stalls with all kinds of artwork, candles, jewelry, and games. (Costs $25 to enter.)
Salt & Sundry holiday pop-up. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Heurich House Christmas Markt (Dupont):
Dec. 1 - 3
50+ local, small-scale makers gather in Heurich House’s back garden alongside food and drinks. Plus, check out their exhibit about the revival of the Christian Heurich Brewing Co.’s Senate Beer. (Costs $12 to enter.)
- P.S. Stop by on Friday to say hello to me and the rest of the team!
Del Ray Artisan’s Holiday Market (Alexandria):
Dec. 1 - 23
This weekend-only market features different local artists all month, with everything from ceramics and sculpture to watercolor and wood turning.
Nov. 24 - Dec. 31
While the main attraction here is the holiday light maze, they also have a shopping village with dozens of tiny storefronts that sell food and locally-made goods. (Costs $36 to enter)
🎧 That’s not all! We’ve got a full holiday shopping guide for you, from the best markets to limited holiday pop-ups.
