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Get your gifts early at these local spots
It’s time for some gift-giving, and there are plenty of places to shop in the D.C. area for memorable items. From November to December, hundreds of vendors and artists descend on markets and pop-ups in the region to share their locally made products.
From Chinatown and Dupont Circle to Alexandria, Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland, here are a dozen local venues where you can get your gift-grabbing on. Enjoy the holidays!
Read MoreNow in its 15th year, this annual holiday market in front of the National Portrait Gallery on F street NW between 7th and 9th streets NW offers more than 150 merchants selling handmade art and wares. It’s open until December 23 (closed on Thanksgiving) from noon to 8 p.m. daily, and is accessible by Metro.
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At the Heurich House Museum in Dupont Circle, “Christkindlmarkt” will run from December 6 through 8. The museum will be open for public tours inside the holiday-decorated mansion during the event. Tickets are available online or at the door. All proceeds benefit the museum.
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Twenty local vendors are slated to participate in this holiday market near the Van Ness–UDC Metro station. Holiday coloring, drawing, card-making, and gingerbread-decorating will be available for kids and adults. The pop-up starts December 13 and ends December 15.
From November 29 to December 1, the Frederick County Fairgrounds will host this 35th annual holiday expo, with hundreds of vendors expected. The goods are spread across seven buildings and a big tent.
In Alexandria, this annual market runs from December 1 through 6 at John Carlyle Square. Admission is free.
This NoMa pop-up market takes place at the Wunder Garten beer garden between December 6 and 22. The beer garden transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights and local vendors selling their goods. Drinks are available, and the venue will have a “Polar Tunnel” art installation. The market is active Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
This annual Swedish holiday market hosted by SWEA International will occur at the House of Sweden in Georgetown December 7. More than 1,500 attendees are anticipated—as are crafts, textiles, books, and delicacies. The market opens at 10 a.m., with a festive procession to follow at 5 p.m.
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In Tenleytown, more than 100 merchants will participate in this annual holiday market December 7 from noon to 4 p.m. Free wrapping is available on site.
On December 6 and 7, check out this Norwegian holiday festival in Fairfax. It includes live music, imported food, jewelry, crafts, and baked goods.
On December 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., retail organization Unique Markets is hosting a holiday market at Union Market. Seventy-five local vendors are expected, and free tote bags are included.
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At the National Zoo, this alternative arts-and-crafts event runs from December 6 through 8. The zoo promises “unique and quirky gifts” amid its annual ZooLights event.
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On November 30 at the DC Brau brewery in Northeast, a holiday market sponsored by Think Local First DC will host more than 40 vendors. There will also be live music, kids games, and food trucks.
Now in its 15th year, this annual holiday market in front of the National Portrait Gallery on F street NW between 7th and 9th streets NW offers more than 150 merchants selling handmade art and wares. It’s open until December 23 (closed on Thanksgiving) from noon to 8 p.m. daily, and is accessible by Metro.
At the Heurich House Museum in Dupont Circle, “Christkindlmarkt” will run from December 6 through 8. The museum will be open for public tours inside the holiday-decorated mansion during the event. Tickets are available online or at the door. All proceeds benefit the museum.
Twenty local vendors are slated to participate in this holiday market near the Van Ness–UDC Metro station. Holiday coloring, drawing, card-making, and gingerbread-decorating will be available for kids and adults. The pop-up starts December 13 and ends December 15.
From November 29 to December 1, the Frederick County Fairgrounds will host this 35th annual holiday expo, with hundreds of vendors expected. The goods are spread across seven buildings and a big tent.
In Alexandria, this annual market runs from December 1 through 6 at John Carlyle Square. Admission is free.
This NoMa pop-up market takes place at the Wunder Garten beer garden between December 6 and 22. The beer garden transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights and local vendors selling their goods. Drinks are available, and the venue will have a “Polar Tunnel” art installation. The market is active Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
This annual Swedish holiday market hosted by SWEA International will occur at the House of Sweden in Georgetown December 7. More than 1,500 attendees are anticipated—as are crafts, textiles, books, and delicacies. The market opens at 10 a.m., with a festive procession to follow at 5 p.m.
In Tenleytown, more than 100 merchants will participate in this annual holiday market December 7 from noon to 4 p.m. Free wrapping is available on site.
On December 6 and 7, check out this Norwegian holiday festival in Fairfax. It includes live music, imported food, jewelry, crafts, and baked goods.
On December 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., retail organization Unique Markets is hosting a holiday market at Union Market. Seventy-five local vendors are expected, and free tote bags are included.
At the National Zoo, this alternative arts-and-crafts event runs from December 6 through 8. The zoo promises “unique and quirky gifts” amid its annual ZooLights event.
On November 30 at the DC Brau brewery in Northeast, a holiday market sponsored by Think Local First DC will host more than 40 vendors. There will also be live music, kids games, and food trucks.
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