Whether you are passionate about the holiday season, or feeling a little grinch-y this year, the DMV has a variety of ways to get you feeling festive. One of our favorite activities is visiting one of the many pop-up holiday markets. They are the perfect place to find festive gifts, enjoy holiday fare, or take that special someone (or the kids) out for a date. The first markets of the year open this weekend, most offering free admission. If you are looking for an opportunity to give back, many of the markets feature DC based artists and charities whose work directly supports members of our DC community.
When: December 1-4,Thursday, December 1 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 12:00-8:00 p.m. and Sunday: 12:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: White Cloud Gallery (1843 14th St., NW, Floor 2)
Admission: Free
What: White Cloud Gallery is showcasing local artisans and craftspeople to help you find the most unique gifts. Ranging from leather work to prints and knits, CREATE+DISCOVER will inspire your inner crafter for the holidays.
When: December 2-4,
Where: The Art League’s Madison Annex (305 Madison St., Alexandria)
Admission: Free
What: The Art League returns with its annual ceramics sale, featuring hundreds of pieces from students and others affiliated with the studio.
When: December 2-4, from 4-9 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Where: Heurich House Museum (1307 New Hampshire Ave NW)
Admission: $10, includes admission to the museum
What: The Heurich House Museum’s garden transforms into a German-style holiday market with more than 40 vendors from DC, Maryland, and Virginia—artists, jewelers, ceramicists, chocolatiers, and more among them.
When: December 3-4, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Atrium at the National Museum of the American Indian
Admission: Free
What: Work from more than 35 Native American artists will be available at the National Museum of the American Indian—including jewelry, basketry, paintings, sculpture, beadwork, photography and apparel.
ROSSLYN HOLIDAY MARKET FESTIVAL
When: December 9-10, from 3-11 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday
Where: Gateway Park
Admission: Free
What: The Rosslyn Business Improvement District hosts this combined market, festival, bonfire, Santa visit, 5-mile run, and clothing drive. More than 25 local vendors will be on hand over the course of two days, with Friday events geared toward adults and Saturday toward families.
When: December 11, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: East City Bookshop (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Admission: Free
What: Eastern Market’s East City Bookshop promises local creators selling their unique, handmade crafts, cards, and more—plus free gift wrapping.
When: December 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Shops at Crystal City (1750 Crystal Dr. Arlington)
Admission: Free
What: This annual arts and crafts show returns after a break last year due to the closing of Artisphere. It returns with more than 50 vendors at a new location—”an 8600 square foot store in the Shops at Crystal City.”
GARDEN DISTRICT HOLIDAY MARKET
When: November 26 – December 18
Where: Garden District (801 14th St. NW)
Admission: Free
What: The beer garden is staying open a little while longer before going into winter hibernation. In addition to twinkling lights and tinsel, they’ll put out patio heaters and holiday beverages to keep folks warm. And on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, a “market tent” will pop up, featuring a slew of local makers.
When: November 25 – December 23, 12 – 8 p.m.
Where: F Street NW between 7th and 9th streets
Admission: Free
What: A stretch of downtown once again transforms into a holiday market for the month, with more than 150 vendors represented along with food and live music. Among the 150 vendors are a slew of local artists and charities whose proceeds go right back into improving lives in the district.
When: November 10 – December 31, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
Where: 116 King (116 King Street, Alexandria)
Admission: Free
What: Sponsored by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, this retail pop-up will feature 13 brands affiliated with The Skinny Dip, a fashion collective with New England roots, among other offerings.
When: December 2, 4 to 9 PM; December 3 and 4, 11 AM to 5 PM
Where: Heurich House Museum, New Hampshire Ave., NW
What: 40 of the area’s craftsmen, from chocolate makers to ceramicists, at the Christkindlmarkt outdoors, while visitors can also take tours of the Heurich House Museum, which will be decorated for the holidays.
When: December 3 and 4, 9 through 11, and 16 through 22; 11 AM to 7 PM each day
Where: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
What: An outdoor market with vendors selling everything from clothing to holiday decor to jewelry, with hot wine and cocoa to fuel the fun and live music to keep things feeling festive.
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 10 AM to 6 PM each day through December
Where: Arris, 1331 4th St., SE
What: 15 to 20 local vendors that will turn over a the end of November, marketing clothing, vintage goods, beauty products, jewelry, and more in a cool, industrial space in Navy Yard.
