Have a Holly Jolly Shopping Experience with DC’s Most Festive Holiday Markets

 

 

2018 was the year you were supposed to get your holiday shopping done early, but now it’s already Thanksgiving and you’re starting to panic– don’t!

While that resolution may have to roll over into next year– along with exercising more, eating healthier, and being on time to work every day– you still have time get the right gifts for everyone on your list. There are plenty of holiday markets coming up in the DMV, and we’ve made you a guide to some of the best.

This year, make holiday shopping more enjoyable by checking out what all of the great holiday markets have to offer while supporting local artisans along the way. You’ll be sure to find the right gift for that difficult family member or new coworker and hey, there’s nothing wrong with buying a gift or two for yourself. So bundle up, grab a friend, and check out these upcoming holiday markets:

 

14th Annual Downtown Holiday Market

Centered at 8th and F Streets NW

Nov 23- Dec 23 // 12PM- 8PM Daily

Downtown DC will transform into a holiday shopping wonderland with 160 plus vendors for an entire month! Whether it’s with sweets from The Capital Candy Jar, winter apparel from The Buffalo Wool Co., or the generous gift of caffeine from Vigilante Coffee, you’re sure to find the perfect presents for everyone on your list this year. And for your eco-friendly comrades, they’ll be pleased to know this festival is going green with bio-diesel powered generators and recycled publicity materials! Vendors and performers vary each day, so check out this guide to make sure you don’t miss out on your favorites.

Christmas Village

Baltimore, MD Inner Harbor

Nov 22- Dec 24  // Sun- Thurs 11AM- 7PM; Fri- Sat 11AM- 8PM (holidays subject to closings)

Inner Harbor brings the spirit of an authentic German Christmas to the DMV area with its market inspired by the Christkindl Market in Nuremberg. With indoor and outdoor vendors, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in traditional European food and drinks and buy international gifts for your family and friends. Don’t miss out on this year’s awesome vendors like The Coaster Factory and The Alpaca Girl, as well as food from the Schnitzel Hut.

SWEA Washington DC Christmas Bazaar (Swedish Women’s Educational Association)

House of Sweden/ Embassy of Sweden

Dec 1 ONLY // 11AM- 6PM

The Swedish Women’s Educational Association is hosting a bazaar filled with Swedish and Nordic goods, but it is open to any and all in the holiday spirit! Experience a variety of Swedish delicacies like fika and glogg and participate in the “silent auktion.” To wrap up the night, you can partake in some classic Christmas caroling. All proceeds benefit SWEA’s cultural events.

Tenley Winter Market 2018

Janney Elementary School 

Dec 1 ONLY  // 12 – 4PM

As parts of Tenley’s Winterfest 2018, an eight-day holiday celebration, it will host a Winter Market on December 1. With local vendors like The Chocolatier’s Palette and District Spice, there are plenty of treats and gifts to choose from– just make sure you buy a few extra to keep for yourself. Check out the full Winterfest schedule here, so you don’t miss out on deals and events starting as early as November 23.

Dacha Holiday Market

Dacha Beer Garden

Dec 6 ONLY // 4 – 9PM

Come to this Shaw beer garden to check out artisans from DC, Maryland, and Virginia at the 5th Annual Dacha Holiday Market. There will be space heaters and blankets available, so you have no excuse to skip out on this spirited event. While you shop you can enjoy Belgian beer (or Port City’s newly released Tidings Ale if you’re feeling extra festive) and bratwurst. What could be better than that?

Miss Pixie’s Holiday Market

Miss Pixie’s

Dec 7 ONLY // 5 – 8PM

This quirky vintage store is already a great place to shop for gifts, and it will only get better with their 6th Annual Holiday Market. There will be live music and all Miss Pixie’s goods will be 20% off! Plus you’ll be giving back to the community by buying a raffle ticket to support Casa Ruby.

Adams Morgan Day Holiday Market

18th Street NW at Columbia Road NW

Dec 8 – 9 // 11AM – 5PM

The same group that has hosted one of the best street festivals for 40 years is getting into the holiday spirit this winter. This market will showcase 50 artists and vendors and you can check out all of the great restaurants and bars in the thriving Adams Morgan neighborhood. This is a family-friendly event featuring live music for all to enjoy.

Unique Markets Holiday Pop Up

Dock 5 at Union Market 

Dec 9 ONLY // 11AM – 6PM

Unlike your traditional holiday markets, Unique Markets hosts a variety of local designers, entrepreneurs, and up-and-coming brands. With the price of admission (only $5!!), you get a slew of perks: free tote bag, access to a relaxation lounge, DIY holiday wreath and gift tag kits, a photo booth, free refreshments, and even FREE gift wrapping! Some vendors already lined up are District of Clothing, Notable Notebooks, Charix Shoes, and many more.

Yelp’s Totally Bazaar

City Winery

Dec 9 ONLY // 10AM – 1PM

Yelp is organizing its 5th annual holiday market to celebrate small businesses. They’ve handpicked local artisans with gifts ranging in price from $5-$500 meaning they’ll be something for everyone on your list. There will also be food and drink specials from City Winery and some craft activities for attendees.

Winterfest at Wunder Garten

1100 First Street NE

Nov 30 – Dec 16, open Fridays through Sundays // Fri 4 – 8PM, Sat 12 – 8PM, Sun 12 – 6PM

Whether you’re already a regular at Wunder Garten or not, you won’t want to miss out on this three-weekend Popup Holiday Market. It’s not like your ordinary shopping extravaganza, but rather its LED light performances, holiday cake tastings (get on your finest Grinch sweater), and plenty of great photo ops during visits from Santa. Be sure to look over their event guide so you don’t miss out on great live performances or delicious food from Cali Burger and Timber Pizza.

Find something cool at one of these holiday markets? Let us know by tagging us using #FrayLife or #DCFray.

 

After you’ve done a little shopping for your loved ones (and maybe even yourself), give the gift of giving back. Check out our article on the many ways to positively impact the DC community this holiday season.

 

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