29+ Awesome & Unusual Local DC Christmas Markets 2023

One of our favorite ways to support the local Washington DC community each holiday season is to visit the Christmas Markets in DC to load up on local art, crafts and homemade snacks.

There are just so many in the DC area, how do you even begin to know where to start? From DC shops downtown to pop up shops in the DC neighborhoods, nearby holiday markets in Maryland and Virginia, plus, German, Norwegian and Swedish themed markets, you really can’t go wrong.

We are rounding up our favorite Christmas Market DC experiences in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, but we are always on the lookout for new ones. If you didn’t know already, pop-up markets (and pop-up bars) are quite popular in our Nation’s capitol. They like to keep us on our toes around here and create magical winter wonderlands whenever possible.

Looking for holiday lights? Check out our guide to the best DC Christmas Lights.

Downtown Holiday Market

• Address: F St NW &, 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
• Date: mid-November through December 23, 12pm-8pm daily
• Admission: FREE
• More information

Located in Penn Quarter between 7th and 9th streets, 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, and 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.

Unique Markets at Union Market

• Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
• Date: Third weekend in December (Saturday and Sunday), 10am-4pm
• Admission: FREE
• More information

“Part pop-up, part incubator, all fun” is the slogan of this pop-up marketplace that appears seasonally in locations such as Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and yes—Washington, D.C.!

Unique Markets is geared towards helping local artists and small business owners thrive. Around 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 third weekend of December, at Union Market’s spacious second-floor event venue. The entrance is at the corner of 6th Street (not 5th!) at Union Market. 

The lineup includes 70+ local vendors. In the past, we’ve seen accessories by CommonRaven, Sarep + Rose and Tea Thoughts, art prints and photography by Paper Liberated and Teluna, and baby/kids items by Scout & Indiana and Yinibini Baby.

If you’re shopping for beauty products, check out vendors like Best Life Organics and The Wellness Apothecary. Need clothing or household items? You’ll find products by sellers such as Line + Tow, MADE, and Souk & Soul. 

Whatever purchases you make, a free tote bag is included to help you carry them home!

TERRATORIE Pop-Up

• Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
• Date: every Saturday through December 31
  • 11am-7pm Monday through Friday
  • 10am-6pm Saturdays and Sundays

• Admission: FREE
• More information

If you love maps, especially the gorgeous, brightly colored ones you see being sold at independent shops around D.C., then you have to go to the TERRATORIE Pop-Up in Union Market. I have their DC neighborhoods map and let me tell you, it helps a lot as I write about the different areas of Washington, D.C.

Not only do they have DC maps, but they also have maps of other cities across the U.S., plus maps of DC neighborhoods and even the National Mall.

If you can’t make it to the pop-up market or you want to buy maps anytime of the year, you can check out the TERRATORIE Maps + Goods shops at Brookland Arts Walk (716 Monroe St NE Studio 24, Washington, DC 20017).

Eastern Market

• Address: 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
• Date: weekends
• Admission: FREE
• More information

Every Saturday and Sunday locals and visitors gather at Washington, D.C.’s Eastern Market to load up on produce, baked goods and other edibles. Outside is where you can load up on art, jewelry, pottery, crafts, soaps, lotions, woodcarvings and more, as the market highlights non-perishable artists and businesses, giving them a more economical way to get their goods out to the public.

Don’t miss the Flea Market at Eastern Market every weekend year round as well.

Eastern Market Main Street Holly Days

• Address: 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
• Date: First three weeks of December
• Admission: FREE
• More information

Celebrate Small Business Saturday and take part in weekly holiday markets in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood around Eastern Market to find special gifts for everyone on your list.

Bring your letter to Santa to pop into Santa’s Mailbox, participate in a caroling marathon, or just say hello to the Holiday Yeti at Eastern Market. Either way, this is one Christmas market in Washington DC not to miss.

Van Ness Holiday Pop Up Shop

• Address: Van Ness Main Street, 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009
• Date: First Saturday in December, 11am-4pm
• Admission: FREE
• More information

Just a short walk from the UDC/Van Ness metro exit, you will be transported to one of our favorite pop up DC Christmas markets in the city. For one weekend you can SIP & SHOP with more than 40 local artisans, enjoy a bit of caroling, make Christmas cards and do a few crafts with the kids.

Best of all, many of your favorite local makers have shown up in the past, including Bicycle Trash, Karen Jabo Jewelry, Common Raven and the Nimble Barber.

GRUMP Holiday Market at National Zoo

• Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Date: TBD
• Admission: $6 Zoolights admission price + $30 to park (you can take public transit or walk for free)
• More information

If you love ZooLights 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 ZooLights event.

It’s definitely not your typical Christmas market—here you can find gifts you won’t see anywhere else that 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.

Shop Made in DC

• Address: multiple locations
  • Shop Made in DC – Dupont Circle Colada Shop: 1900 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
  • Shop Made in DC GEORGETOWN: 1304 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
  • Shop Made in DC WHARF: 10 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
  • Shop Made in DC – CONVENTION CENTER: 801 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20002 (during conventions only)
  • Shop Made in DC – ROOST: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20003
  • Shop Made in DC – CANOPY: 1600 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, DC 20003
  • Shop Made in DC – Union Market: 325 Morse Street NE, Retail #4, Washington, DC 20002

• Date: hours vary by location, open year round
• More information

Shop Made in DC runs throughout the year, but the holidays are a great time to put your money back into the community and browse through 200 local vendors. All products are designed, crafted, roasted, stitched, baked, welded, brewed and built by amazing artists and artisans living and working in D.C. Shop online or at the three Shop Made in DC locations.

To say we are currently swooning over the DC sweatshirts, handmade earrings and leather bags at the Georgetown location is an understatement.

Four Seasons Holiday Market

• Address: 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Date: First three wekends in December, Friday-Sunday
  • Fridays: pm – 7pm
  • Saturdays & Sundays: 12pm– 7pm
• More Information

Every Friday through Sunday in December, leading up to Christmas, you will find The Market at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC in Georgetown, benefiting Children’s National Hospital. The GW Terrace and front courtyard are transformed into a Bavarian Christmas wonderland, filled with wooden market stalls and alpine decorations.

Hourly snow flurries will make the kids squeal, along with the pop-up bar featuring hot chocolate. Don’t worry parents, there are Christmas cocktails for you.

Find local businesses like Shea by Lee Monet, DC Is My City, Flowers X Flores, All Very Goods, Yes She May and iconsDC. Get ready to shop your holiday list, check it twice and support local businesses this holiday season.

Collective Design Studio- Pop Up

• Address: 1259 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC
• Date: TBD
• More Information

Join 20 local brands and makers selling everything from plants (my favorite!) to original art, home goods, clothing and decor. This Georgetown pop up shop was curated by Charix, Definition Studio, and Tulusa to give smaller D.C. markers a chance to show off this holiday season. Enjoy the fun all through November and December.

Heurich House Christkindlmarkt in Dupont Circle

• Address: 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Date: First weekend of December
  • Friday: 4pm-6pm
  • Sunday and Sunday: 3pm-6pm
• Admission: $10 adult October early bird/ $12 adults November early bird/ $2 children ages 2-15
• More information

This German-style Christmas market is Dupont Circle’s only holiday market, and the perfect place to find local jewelry, baked goods, housewares, and ceramics, among other treasures. The Christkindlmarkt is run by the Heurich House Museum, 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, and the Christkindlmarkt 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. 

CLICK for the best Christmas Events in DC

FONA’s Winter Festival at the National Arboretum

• Address: U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
• Dates: First Saturday in December, 10am-2pm
• Admission: FREE
• More Information

Pick up your Christmas tree and other holiday decor at the United States National Arboretum this December. There will also be 25+ vendors selling artwork, crafts, and food, plus loads of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Procrastinator’s Holiday Market

• Address: Bryant Street NE | 514 Rhode Island Avenue NE
• Dates: Saturday before Christmas, 12pm-6pm
• Admission: FREE
• More Information

Join the Bryant Street community for free train rides, a children’s toy drive, and loads of makers offering last-minute Christmas gift ideas for all of the procrastinators out there (guilty!) We all have someone on our list we forgot, and this is the perfect way to still show them that they are special too.

There will be festive food, entertainment, and more, so mark your calendar!

DC Holiday Lights

• Address: varies by location
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Admission: FREE
• More information

While you may think this is just a bunch of neighborhood businesses decorated for Christmas, and a nice place to stroll at night, each of these neighborhoods are open for business and a great place to buy unique gifts for everyone on your list.

There are several neighborhoods who participate in DC Holiday Lights, so find the one nearest you and go explore.

• Chevy Chase Holiday Lights
• Cleveland Park Holiday Lights
• Columbia Heights Holiday Lights
• Logan Circle Holiday Lights
• Lower Georgia Avenue Holiday Lights
• Mount Pleasant Holiday Lights
• Petworth Holiday Lights
• U Street Holiday Lights
• The Parks Holiday Lights
• Uptown Holiday Lights
• Woodley Park Holiday Lights
• Barracks Row Winter Lights

Upshur Street Craft Fair

• Address: 800 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011
• Date: Second Saturday in December
• Admission: FREE
• More information

Check out this holiday craft fair the second Saturday in December on the 800 block of Upshur Street NW. The more than 50 local vendors make everything themselves. Ask questions about their process, take home one or five of each item. Shopping local was never easier.

If you need a break from shopping, participate in the gingerbread house contest or duck into the pop-up holiday lounge! There are also children’s crafts to amuse your little ones.

Winterfest at Wunder Garten

• Address: 1101 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002
• Date: Month of December
• Admission:
• More information

This pop-up market takes place at the Wunder Garten bier garten throughout the month of December. All 13,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space is packed with holiday decorations. Enjoy a spiked cider in the main pavilion or explore the “Polar Tunnel” interactive art installation.

Winterfest even has its own Christmas tree lot where you can pick out your tree and feel good about your purchase—proceeds benefit Pathways to Housing D.C.

In addition to your holiday shopping, enjoy special events such as “Ugly Sweater Party,” Santa-Paws Pictures and Costume Contest, a European Holiday Food Tour, and “Night of 1,000 Santas.”

Janney Winter Market at Tenley WinterFest

• Address: 4748 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016
• Date: First Saturday in December, 11am-5pm
• Admission: FREE
• More information

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, and 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.

SWEA D.C.’s Swedish Holiday Market

• Address: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Date: First Saturday of December
• Admission: TBD
• More info: washingtondc.swea.org/bazaar

Double check that the event is happening this year, as we haven’t seen an update yet.

Why stop at one Scandinavian Christmas Market when you can go to two? The Swedish Women’s Educational Association hosts this day-long market and celebration the first Saturday of December at the House of Sweden in D.C. 

This event is worth attending for the views alone—enjoy panoramic vistas of the Kennedy Center, the Potomac River, Air Force Memorial and the Watergate Complex from this 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 glögg, Swedish fika (coffee, gingersnaps, and mini cinnamon rolls), and Swedish sandwiches (“smorgas”) with herring, salmon, and meatballs. One fika and one cup of glögg is included with each holiday market ticket.

Be sure to reserve tickets early—they go on sale right after Halloween! Online is best as there is a small surcharge at the door. Children under 10 can attend free (but you still need to register them for free tickets), and adults need to purchase tickets for a small fee and present them for admission.

This event promises to be fun for the whole family, but be advised that no strollers are allowed in the building.

Enchant at Nationals Park

• Address: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
• Date: Thanksgiving through December 31
• Admission: starting from $32 adult/ $24 children
• More information

Pick up a few tasty treats, buy some presents from the specialty craftsmen and artists, or simply indulge in a tasty beverage. While you may be here for the DC ice skating and Christmas lights, you can still get a bit of shopping done.

CityCenterDC Shops

• Address: 825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
• Date: year round (Christmas lights go up Thanksgiving weekend through the new year)
• Admission: FREE
• More information

Whether you make it to the CityCenterDC Christmas Tree lighting over Thanksgiving weekend, or you just want to shop for a few high-end, luxury items for your best friend, you will find it here. Wander under the twinkling lights after work, check out the holiday windows, and pop to a shop when something catches your eye.

DC Christmas Markets that may still be happening

We couldn’t find any updated information for these events, but they might still be happening.

• Victura Park Holiday Market at The Reach
• Park View Holiday Market

Maryland Christmas Markets

Maryland Christmas Show

• Address: 797 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
• Date:
• More information: marylandchristmasshow.com

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.

Make sure to dress warmly and wear good walking shoes so you can easily traverse the entire area of the market. Be advised that there are small admission and parking fees and that no pets are allowed (except service animals).

Takoma Park Gift Market

• Address: 201 Ethan Allen Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
• Dates: Second Friday in December, 5pm-9pm
• Admission: FREE
• More information

Wander the adorable main streets of Takoma Park, Maryland where twinkling Christmas lights add to the magic of the season. You can pick up a curated guide to shop small for local and handmade gifts, plus food items that make the perfect presents for your foodie friends.

There will be a fire pit with a number of food trucks, and even specialty Christmas Margaritas from Cielo Rojo.

National Harbor

• Address: 165 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745
• Dates: Mid-November through December 31
• Admissions: most activities are free, but ICE! at the Gaylord National is ticket based entry only.
• More information

Head over to the National Harbor in Maryland, just southeast of DC, for the nightly tree lighting show, festive fireworks every Saturday, and opportunities to shop til you drop at the Waterfront District shops or Tanger Outlets.

Virginia Christmas Markets

Alexandria’s Holiday Market

• Address: 300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Date:
• More information: visitalexandriava.com

This bright and cheery market is just a short drive away from Washington, D.C. Located in Alexandria, VA, this 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.

Del Ray Artisans Fine Art and Fine Craft Holiday Market

• Address: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA
• Date: Weekends December 1-23
  • Fridays: 6pm-9pm
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 11am-6pm
• Admission: FREE
• More Information

Join the Del Ray Artisans for their annual Fine Art and Fine Craft Holiday Market. You’ll be able to find jewelry, glass art, mixed media pieces, ceramics, photography, textiles and fibers, watercolor paintings, woodwork, and more.

Different artists are featured each weekend, so you may want to go more than once.

Norwegian Holiday Festival and Bazaar

Address: 3810 Meredith Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
More info: norwaydc.org/events/bazaar

Check out this fun Norwegian Bazaar the first Friday in December, featuring live music, imported food, jewelry and baked goods. Pick out a Nordic sweater or two, or perhaps a Scandinavian Christmas heart chain for your mantel? The festival is held in Fairfax, VA, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Admission is free!

Holiday Crafts Fair at Fairfax High School

• Address: Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030
• Date: weekend before Thanksgiving
  • Saturday 10am- 5pm
  • Sunday 10am-3pm
• Admission: $5 daily pass/ $8 two-day admission pass/ free for 18 and under
• More information

Started in 1987 as a very small group of artists and crafts people, the Holiday Crafts Fair at Fairfax High School is now a top arts and crafts festival in the Washington DC metro area. Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts like holiday treats, jewelry, metal sculptures, jewelry, home decor and woodworking.

There is a shuttle bus on Saturday that can take you from the parking area to the high school, which will not only save you time, but the headache of looking for a spot.

Lucketts Holiday House

• Address: 42350 Lucketts Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176
• Dates: early November through early December (tickets go on sale in mid-September)
  • Opening weekend is the second weekend November (Thursday-Sunday)
• Admission: starts at $25
• More Information

Head to this 100 year old farm house that is transformed into a winter wonderland each November, with opportunities to explore for a month, ending in early December.

Check out the holiday murals, photo vignettes, campfire, and holiday decor. Where does the shopping come in? Every single item in the Holiday House is for sale.

After you have had your fill of Christmas, you can pop over to Vanish Brewery for a glass of wine or beer, and a snack.

Note: Tickets are NOT required if you just want to wander the grounds or shop in Lucketts Store. It is only if you want to enter the Holiday House.