Pop up shops are everywhere this holiday season and it can be difficult to decipher which ones are worth going to. And then there’s also pop up markets and bars and all this other stuff you have to wade through.

Don’t fret though, we’ve got you covered, because we’ve done all the work for you. Now you can enjoy finding the most unique and thoughtful gifts for all your friends and family while also supporting local business in our area.

Here is your guide to pop up shopping in D.C.

Dupont Circle Holiday Pop Up Event

Saturday, December 1st
Rather than running all over town, consolidate the pop ups into one shopping filled day in Dupont Circle (which has plenty of places to find all the gifts on your list). The Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, or HDCMS, organization will provide you with a “passport” to all the pop ups happenings, and you’ll be able to make your way around at your own pace. There will be over 20 vendors participating, with products ranging from art to clothing to décor pieces. And don’t forget to support the actual stores hosting too!

B.A.S.H Pop Up: Holiday Edition

Sunday, December 2nd
Pop up shopping doesn’t just have to be about buying gifts for other people. Sometimes it can be about treating and pampering yourself. B.A.S.H stands for beauty, art, style, and home, and every month local vendors in these industries will show up at the location of the month and throw a fun party with style workshops, makeup counters, and live music. And it’s an extra special time during the holidays with seasonal treats, drinks, products and much more.  If these things interest you, this is such a fun opportunity to spend time with all your best friends, while also relieving the stress that the holiday season can bring.

Unique Markets Holiday Pop Up

Sunday, December 9th
This is another pop up that combines a bunch of smaller businesses into one large, cohesive event. Union Market is already an awesome and eclectic compilation of stores, restaurants, and artisanal food vendors, and the holiday pop up event can only add to the appeal. For only $5 per person, you’ll get access to tons of pop up vendors that are local to the area,  free drinks, food specials, a photo booth, live music, and more. It’s definitely as much a social experience as it is a shopping excursion. And you can rest assured that what you find here, you’ll never find at the mall or a chain.

Pop Ups x West Elm DC

Every weekend in December
You love West Elm for their mid-century inspired, incredibly stylish furniture pieces and accents, and now you can love them even more because they’re partnering with local businesses all December long to provide you with the best pop ups right in their Logan Circle store! Weekend pop ups include everything from quirky greeting cards, to a complementary dog photo shoot with a professional photographer, to candles and jewelry (which make the most perfect stocking stuffers!).

Presentation is also important, and West Elm DC has partnered with Bow Paper Scissors to provide you with beautiful and custom gift wrapping. Every weekend this month, you’ll be able to get all of your gifts professionally wrapped at the store in paper so pretty, you (almost) won’t want to rip it off.

Stay up to date on all events at the store by following the West Elm DC Instagram account.

Shopping local is always a fun adventure, but there’s something even more exciting about a pop up shop! If we didn’t mention a pop up you’re excited about it, let us know, and make sure you tag us at #DCFray and #Fraylife during your excursions!

View More Articles By Masha Bernam