When the holiday season rolls around, there’s plenty of joy and cheer in the air, but there’s often a slight tinge of panic as well. If you’re feeling the holiday gift-giving pressure and don’t know where and how to begin your shopping, we suggest seeking out something unique this year. Shop local using this DC Holiday Markets guide and you’re sure to win the title of best gift-giver this year.
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Each year, the Heurich House Museum transforms their garden space into a traditional German public Christmas market. Come and shop local vendors from DC and surrounding areas, offering everything from ceramics and jewelry to artisanal snacks and beverages.
WHEN: 12/3 – 12/4, 11am to 5pm
WHERE: Heurich House Museum: 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: $10 adults, $2 children, $15 VIP access at 10am
WEBSITE
NATIVE ART MARKET
Shop handmade goods, crafted by Native American artists, such as jewelry, ceramics, fine apparel handwoven baskets, traditional beadwork, dolls, prints, paintings, sculptures and more.
WHEN: 12/3 – 12/4, 10am to 5:30pm
WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian: Fourth St & Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: Free
WEBSITE
HOLIDAY MAKE IT
Kick the creativity up a notch by crafting and creating the gifts yourself! Give a handmade (by you!) gift this year when you attend this DIY holiday market. Choose from activities such as terrarium designing, hand-dying accessories, and custom notebook creation. Snacks and libations will be available for purchase.
WHEN: 12/3 – 12/4, 12pm to 6pm
WHERE: Wunder Garten: 1100 First St NE, Washington DC
ADMISSION: Free
WEBSITE
DC MAKERS HOLIDAY MARKET
Logan Hardware store will welcome local makers to showcase their wares this season. This market will run each weekend between now and December 8th; be sure to check the link below for the daily vendor schedule.
WHEN: 12/3 – 12/4; 12/10 – 12/11; 12/17 – 12/18, 8am to 9pm on Saturdays, 7pm on Sundays
WHERE: Logan Hardware, 1734 14th St NW, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: Free
WEBSITE
DC MAKER’S MARKET
Head to the East City Bookshop to support local makers creating everything from quirky DC t-shirts to watercolor prints.
WHEN: 12/11, 12pm to 5pm
WHERE: East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: Free
WEBSITE
GARDEN DISTRICT HOLIDAY MARKET
Come for the local vendors, stay for the beer! Take advantage of any bouts of warm weather we might enjoy over the next couple of weeks and head to Garden District beer garden to get your day drinking and holiday shopping done all at once.
WHEN: 12/2 – 12/4, 12/9 – 12/11, 12/16 – 12/18, contact for hours
WHERE: Garden District: 1801 14th St NW, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: Free
WEBSITE
COMPASS ROSE HOLIDAY MARKET
For one day only, Compass Rose will transform into a festive holiday market, offering goods from local vendors and serving up special dishes for the occasion. Attendees will be also be treated to a light-hearted reading of bad reviews from 10pm to close.
WHEN: 12/21, 12pm to 9pm
WHERE: Compass Rose: 1346 T St NW, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: $5 suggested donation
WEBSITE
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET
The tradition continues with the 12th year of downtown holiday markets. Open daily from noon to 8pm, you can really make an afternoon of this adventure. Shop from local vendors, enjoy a variety of local food and drink options and even take in some live music.
WHEN: 11/25 – 12/23, 12pm – 8pm daily
WHERE: 8th & F Streets NW, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: Free
WEBSITE
STEADFAST SUPPLY
This new pop-up addition to the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood brings some much-needed retail to the area. Pop in after grabbing coffee or lunch on the waterfront and pick up unique gifts for someone on your list. Fair warning, though: you’ll definitely be tempted to treat yourself to a locally made thing or two! We’re almost certain we’ll be seeing a permanent brick and mortar location from Steadfast Supply soon, but don’t miss out on this pop-up phase of its conception!
WHEN: Friday – Sunday, 10am to 6pm
WHERE: Steadfast Supply, 1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC
ADMISSION: Free