As the holiday season is quickly approaching, there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season and knock out a bit of holiday shopping than by heading to one of the fantastic Christmas markets around the District and the greater DMV area!
You’ll be able to find everything from traditional German spiced wine to handmade crafts made by local artisans, so not only is it a great spot for a shopping spree, it’s perfect for an outdoor stroll with friends or family!
So, without further ado, here’s a list of the best winter markets across the greater D.C. area:
Downtown Holiday Market
D.C.’s stunning seasonal outdoor market is returning from Friday, Nov. 21, until Tuesday, Dec. 23!
The outdoor market sprawls across two city blocks— F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW—the Downtown Holiday Market allows Washingtonians to check out several local small businesses while checking off a few things from their holiday shopping list!
Don’t have anything specific in mind to buy? No problem! The hot drinks and fresh food vendors at the market make it perfect for an outdoor walk, whether for a unique plan with friends or a romantic outdoor date!
- Where: F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW
- When: Daily (Nov. 21- Dec. 23) from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Taking place from November 14th to December 23rd, one of the most popular holiday markets in the District is back again, this year taking place just north of Dupont Circle Park on New Hampshire Ave, NW!
The market features dozens of small businesses, local artisans, and more, perfect for one-stop shopping for small holiday gifts that might mean the world to someone!
During the week, the market is open from 12 to 8 pm, and on weekends, it’s open from 11 to 8 pm.
DC Holiday Hunt
While not a holiday market set in one location, this interactive “scavenger hunt” will take you all around the District to explore participating neighborhoods around the District and complete tasks in the ‘DC Holiday Lights Scavenger Hunt’!
Entrants in the ‘hunt’ can win great prizes leading up to the holidays from local businesses participating in the event!
Holiday at National Harbor
Beginning on November 8th, visitors to National Harbor in Maryland can experience a nightly tree lighting ceremony for a massive, 60-foot RGB tree that springs to life with an unforgettable light show!
In addition to the daily tree lighting, there is a weekly fireworks display taking place every Saturday evening between November 8th and December 27th at 5:30 pm.
For the National Harbor Christmas Market & Craft Show, you can visit on the weekends between November 29th and December 21st, from 12 to 6 pm, to do some Christmas shopping and get in the holiday spirit!
Heurich Christmas Markt
Taking place between December 4th and 7th, the 12th annual Heurich Christmas Markt will teleport you to an authentic German Christmas market!
Featuring exclusively local artisans and crafters, this event is specifically for the people of the DMV by the people of the DMV.
While attending the Markt, you can expect authentic German glühwein, Senate Beer, proper German hot chocolate, and so much more!
The Maryland Christmas Show in Frederick
Taking place over the course of two weekends, the Maryland Christmas Show is one of the biggest Christmas shopping events in the state, drawing a crowd of roughly 20,000 people across the event’s 4-day run.
Happening at the Frederick County Fairgrounds, you can get tickets online for $10 for adults and $4 for kids under 10.
The dates are:
- November 21st – 23rd
- November 28th – 30th
Silver Spring Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Fair
For one day only, on Sunday, December 7th, Silver Spring is transforming Veterans Places into the “Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Fair”.
The market, which is only going to be open from 12 to 4 pm, will be completely free to check out and feature over 70 local artisans, crafters, small businesses, and more!
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
Taking place on December 13th from 11 am to 4 pm, the ‘Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show’ is coming to John Carlyle Square.
The largest holiday market in Old Town Alexandria will be free to attend and feature dozens of festive vendors, live music, plenty of interactive activities perfect for all ages, and more.
Bethesda Winter Wonderland & Holiday Market
Set to line the streets of downtown Bethesda, the Bethesda Winter Wonderland & Holiday Market will be a one-day celebratory event featuring a visit from Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, games, and more!
The incredible holiday event will be taking place on December 6th from 12 to 4 pm on Norfolk and Cordell Avenues.
Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park
While the Winter Wonderfest taking place at Nationals Park this holiday season will cost around $30 per person, the festivities and activities seem well worth the price of admission!
In addition to a handful of Christmas market-style vendors inside the stadium, visitors can experience an incredible array of interactive activities, including:
- A 100-foot tubing slide
- A Northern Lights experience
- Winter Train Ride
- LED SeeSaws
- Putt-Putt Challenge
- Curling Lanes
- Snowball speed throw challenge
- A sculpture garden featuring local artists
- A 21+ hidden speakeasy
- A 21+ ski chalet area
- … and more!
The exact dates for the Winter Wonderfest are as follows:
- November 28 – 30
- December 4 – 7
- December 11 – 14
- December 18 – 24
- December 26 – 30