A Christmas tree at the Washington, D.C. photo by Agnostic preacher kid Wikimedia

The best Christmas markets in Washington, D.C.


 

 The Christmas Markets in DC do  load up on local art and edibles. These are favorite Christmas Market DC experiences in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia, but always be on the lookout for new ones. The pop-up market (and bar) is quite popular in the Nation’s capitol.

Christmas season in Washington, D.C. wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a holiday market next to the National Portrait Gallery. The market takes over two entire blocks of F Street NW between 7th to 9th Streets NW. With over 70 vendors selling various crafts and handmade art on the festive days from the end of November till Christmas, this fair is a good place for holiday shopping.

1.Downtown Holiday Market

It is Located in Penn Quarter between 7th and 9th streets. The market is  right in front of the National Portrait Gallery, D.C.’s. Downtown Holiday Market is a bustling and festive shopping forum open from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Hours are noon to 8p.m. daily, so don’t stress about coming on a particular day.

Browse for clothing, art, accessories, jewelry, pottery, and artisanal products .As you enjoy performances ranging from jazz groups to classical duos and even Spanish rock. This market is outdoors, so make sure to bundle up. Enjoy Christmas carols while you grab a hot mulled cider or some German gingerbread and you find that perfect holiday gift.

The marketplace has been running for the past fifteen years. It  is a great way to celebrate the holiday spirit in D.C. Do be aware that vendors change out throughout the season. If you don’t find what you are looking for on your first trip, pop back down. There may be someone new that has just want you need.

2. Alexandria’s Holiday market

Christmas decors photo by Monicore Pixaby

This  is a bright and cheery market. It is just a short drive away from Washington, D.C. Located in Alexandria, VA. This is  annual market runs the first week of December at John Carlyle Square. Kids will love a visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause as you browse through holiday goodies. Admission is free.

3.SWEA D.C.’S Swedish Holiday Market

The Swedish Women’s Educational Association hosts this day-long market. And the  celebration  on the first Saturday of December at the House of Sweden in D.C. 

This event is worth attending for the views alone and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Kennedy Center. Including the Potomac River, Air Force Memorial and the Watergate Complex . That has a stunning event venue that is home to the Swedish Embassy.

Shop for Nordic gifts and art from 10am until 4:30pm, and stick around for the mesmerizing Swedish candlelit Lucia procession at 5pm outside. Kids can visit Santa and stop by the face painting booth, and adults can participate in the annual silent auction.

The holiday fair features all sorts of Swedish culinary delights, including glogg, Swedish coffee, gingersnaps, and mini cinnamon rolls and Swedish sandwiches  with herring, salmon, and meatballs. One coffee  and one cup of glogg is included with each holiday market ticket.

4.Janney Winter Market At Tenley

This yeti-themed holiday fair began ten years ago as a student craft market. Since then, it has grown to more than 30 businesses and community partners. It has nearly 100 vendors of all ages.

Pick up some handmade art, crafts, jewelry and sweet treats made by kids and adults alike. Add some local artisan teas and honey to your stocking stuffers, or support marginalized youth by taking home a book by Shout Mouse Press.

Look out for the adorable Tenley Yeti, who makes an appearance at the holiday festival. The market takes place at Janney Elementary School (4130 Albemarle St.) from noon to 4pm the first Saturday of December.

5.GRUMP Holiday Market At National Zoo

A Christmas tree at the Washington, D.C. photo by Agnostic preacher kid Wikimedia

If you love Zoo Lights and supporting conservation efforts. You don’t want to miss this alternative arts-and-crafts event at the National Zoo. GRUMP takes place evenings during the first weekend in December.

Enter through the Zoo’s main Connecticut Avenue entrance to experience this European-style marketplace that is part of the annual Zoo Lights event.

It’s definitely not your typical Christmas market. When you are Grump holiday market  you can find gifts you won’t see anywhere else . They  are perfect for that hard-to-shop-for someone with an alternative style.

Shop for jewelry, prints, toys, pillows and clothing from vendors such as Lil’ Fishy, I Wear Blue Tights, and The Crafty Fox.

6.Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at Carlyle

Christmas tree ornament photo from Pixaby

John Carlyle Square Park is hosting more than 80 artisans, crafters, and small businesses. The market also offers handmade jewelry, baked goods, cosmetics, and other gifts. Kids can make their own ornaments, and Christmas carolers will perform. Register here for free. It usually open on Saturday  from 11am to 4pm.

7.Unique Markets At Union Market

It is located in 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC. Marketplace appears seasonally in locations such as Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. Unique Markets is geared towards helping local artists and small business owners thrive.

During  Christmastime, it’s a great way to get your holiday shopping done and support local DC, Maryland and Virginia brands. 

The D.C. pop-up happens the first weekend of December, at Union Market’s spacious second-floor event venue. The entrance is at the corner of 6th Street at Union Market. 

8.Dupont Circle Christkindlmarket

Christmas decors photo by Monicore Pixaby

Dupont Circle Christkindl market is located 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC. This is a German-style Christmas market is Dupont Circle’s only holiday market.

It is the perfect place to find local jewelry, baked goods, housewares, and ceramics, among other treasures. The Christkindlmarket is run by the Heurich House Museum. This a mansion-turned-museum that was built in the late 1800s by German brewer Christian Heurich.

The mansion is worth touring for its own sake. Christkindlmarket offers the perfect occasion to get your holiday shopping done and also wander through the festively-decorated house.

Take a break from browsing for Yuletide gifts to explore the home’s impressive technological advancements, such as metal speaking tubes, electric lighting, and even burglar alarms. 

9.Old Town Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show 

It is located in the  John Carlyle Square park. Normally opened from 11 am to 4pm.

The market has more than 80 vendors will join this holiday market in picturesque Old Town Alexandria. Allow plenty of time to comb through unique homemade jewelry, organic bath and body products, holiday ornaments, and more.

There will be entertainment such as caroling, plus an Elves’ Shop for kids to make their own ornament.

10.Maryland Christmas Show

A Christmas tree at the Washington, D.C. photo by Agnostic preacher kid Wikimedia

The Frederick County Fairgrounds hosts this annual holiday fair that happens the last two weekends in November. Hundreds of vendors set up across seven buildings and a large tent. Pick up a special piece of fine art, pottery or furniture, or even some garlands and wreaths to get a head start on your December decorating.