This post lists the top 11 Christmas/Holiday markets in Washington DC, including tips on how to reach them, what you can do and buy, updated for 2025.
Be sure to read our full guide on Christmas in DC
WASHINGTON DC CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The holiday season in DC is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year.
It is also a shopper’s paradise – if you like unique items, artisan gifts, crafts, and souvenirs.
From November through January, there are holiday markets in the city that sell special holiday items as well as jewelry, clothing, arts and crafts, and so much more.
Even if you don’t plan on shopping, the atmosphere is fun and many markets offer fantastic food and warm drinks.
TIP: Check a market's website before heading out to make sure there have been no changes to their schedule or locations.
Click on the map to enlarge it.
1 - DOWNTOWN DC HOLIDAY MARKET
This is one of the prettiest and most centrally-located holiday markets in DC. It is located outside the National Portrait Gallery just off the Metro Center metro station.
Here you will find a variety of locally "made in DC" crafts, the best mini donuts and lots of live holiday music to enjoy while you're shopping.
Stalls sell all kinds of items, like handmade winter gloves and hats, Christmas decorations, jewelry, local foods, and more.
You can also snack at food stands with a variety of treats, hot drinks, kettle corn, and holiday sweets.
- Dates: 2025 dates TBD. Last year dates: November 18 - December 23 (Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 5)
- Hours: Daily 12 pm-8 pm
- Location: Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW
TIP: The Downtown DC Market is located just around the corner from where our Holiday Lights Bus Tour meets!
Unlike cities like Berlin, London and NYC that have many month long Christmas Markets, Washington DC mostly has a variety of amazing pop-up markets that last 1-3 days in early December.
Washington DC Pop Up Holiday Markets
1. Heurich House Christkindlmarkt
Located at one of our favorite historic house museums, the Christmas Market at Brewmaster's Castle continued Heurich's tradition of supporting local artisans.
"Our goal is to create a more equitable future for local small-scale entrepreneurs, who are historically women, people of color, and immigrants, and who have been affected deeply by the pandemic. This program is part of our core mission and is rooted in historic brewer Christian Heurich’s legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy."
- Dates: 2025 dates TBD. Last year dates: December 2 - December 4
- Location: Heurich House Museum 1307 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20036
2. Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Over 110 local artisans set up in Old Town Alexandria, which will be decked out with holiday cheer.
- Dates: 2025 dates TBD. Last year date: December 10
- Hours: 11 am - 4 pm
- Location: Heurich House Museum 300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria, VA 22314
3. Dupont Circle Pop Up Market
Check out the vendors throughout Dupont Circle, along P Street and Connecticut Street NW and the Dupont Underground. This is in addition to all the great local shops in Dupont Circle. We've always loved Kramers Bookstore.
- Dates: 2025 dates TBD. Last year date: December 3
- Hours: 12 pm - 5pm
- Location: Dupont Circle
4. Winter Festival at the National Arboretum
In addition to local crafts and gifts, you can get holiday greenery and even Christmas trees at the Winter Festival.
- Dates: 2025 dates TBD. Last year date: December 10
- Hours: 10 am - 4 pm
- Location: U.S. National Arboretum — 3501 New York Avenue Northeast Washington, DC 20002
5. Unique Market at Union Market
Curated local vendors selling fashion, homegoods, leather goods, art, jewelry and more. Tickets are required to attend but you get a free tote bag, drinks and a wrapping station.
- Dates: 2025 dates TBD. Last year dates: December 17 & 18
- Hours: 10 am - 4 pm
- Location: Dock5 space, inside Union Market DC (1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002)
