Photo by Erin
Tis the season to shop artisanally. Holiday markets and pop-up shops are a plenty this year. Here are plenty of gift options whether you’re searching for the person who has it all or the one who must have it made in D.C.
National Harbor Holiday Market
When: Saturdays and Sundays from November 14-December 20, 2015, 12-5 p.m.
Where: American Way, Fort Washington, Maryland
Admission: Free
What: The month-long market offers baked goods, crafts, hot drinks, treats, and more. And the event’s live trees and greenery will make the waterfront destination even more festive. The National Harbor is home to more than 150 shops and boutiques so there’s a good chance you’ll find what you need for the holidays.
R. Bernard Estate Liquidators’ Holiday Pop-Up Shop
When: November 22-December 22, 2015, Thursdays-Saturdays 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sundays 12-5 p.m.
Where: R. Bernard Estate Liquidators (3165 Mount Pleasant Street, NW)
Admission: Free
What: If you’re shopping for “the person who has everything,” this one’s for you. The month-long sale features men’s and women’s vintage clothing from mock turtlenecks and Italian knits to designer handbags and alligator shoes. Accessories such as cufflinks and vintage jewelry are also up for grabs, along with household items like fine art and decorative baskets.
Downtown Holiday Market
When: November 27-December 23, 2015, 12-8 p.m.
Where: F Street between 7th & 9th Streets, NW
Admission: Free
What: In its 11th year, the market will bring together more than 150 regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses. Each day, 60 exhibitors will be open for business. Items for gifting include jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles, and more. Each day, live entertainment will range from rock and jazz to gospel and folk acts. And a select amount of food and drink vendors will be on site to boot.
Made in DC Holiday Marketplace
When: November 28, 2015, 1-7 p.m.
Where: DC Brau Brewing Company (3178 Bladensburg Road, NE)
Admission: Free
What: If you’re into shopping local, this one’s for you. Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, Think First Local is partnering with DC Brau Brewing Company to feature works from local artists. Participating vendors include Crunk Cakes, Crushing Apparel, DeNada Designs, Kuzeh Pottery, If & When Workshop, Junius, and more. While brewery tours won’t be available, the restaurant’s tasting room will be open for growler fills, pints, and DC Brau merch. There will also be food trucks and live music.
Takoma Park’s Shop Small Saturday
When: November 28, 2015
Where: Takoma Park (Laurel Ave, Takoma Park)
Admission: Free
What: In Takoma Park, it’s not Small Business Saturday, it’s “Shop Small Saturday.” Either way, neighborhood retailers encourage you to shop with them (and to pay cash for your purchases, please). Items for gifting include home goods, books, toys, clothing, bikes, jewelry, musical instruments, pet supplies, and more.
52 O Street Studios Holiday Market
When: December 2, 5-9 p.m.
Where: 52 O Street NW
Admission: Free
What: This is your chance to explore the works of the studio’s diverse resident artists and walk away with something fresh and unique.
Bittersweet Good Gift Gala
When: December 3, 2015, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Old Engine 12 Firehouse (1626 North Capitol Street NW)
Admission: $15 donation
What: If you’re socially conscious, this one’s for you. Featured vendors sell “goods that do good.” Participants include Good Spread, Badala International, Give Perf, Prosperity Candle, Armadillo & Co., The Providence Granola Project, Krochet Kids, Ethic Goods, and more. The event will also feature bevvies, sweet treats, and a jazz quartet. A complete guide with featured brands will launch here at 7 a.m. on Nov. 30.
Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
When: December 4-20, 2015, Fridays (6-9 p.m.), Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Where: Del Ray Artisans Gallery (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria)
Admission: Free
What: The 20th annual holiday market is perfect for those seeking traditional and contemporary works from Native American artists. Buyers can expect silver and semiprecious jewelry, ceramics, fine apparel, handwoven baskets, traditional beadwork, dolls, paintings, prints, sculptures and more.
Fenton Street Market’s HOLIDAZE 2.0
When: December 4-23, 2015, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (8230 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring)
Admission:Free
What: Silver Spring’s “only handmade holiday shop” will feature welry and baubles, holiday cards, ceramic mugs and bowls, prints and artwork, bags and totes, ornaments and decorations, soaps and potions, candles, and more. The event’s opening party will offer drinks, live music by the Nicole Saphos Duo, and first dibs on all the handmade goods.
Smithsonian Holiday Festival
When: December 4 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) – December 5, 2015 (10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Where: Smithsonian Museums
Admission: Free
What: This year, ten Smithsonian museums will participate in the annual holiday festivities. Visitors can explore family-friendly activities like the Star Wars C-3PO costume exhibit and entertainment such as the U.S. Air Force Max Impact Band. Check out the full schedule of activities and exhibits here.
Georgia Avenue Winter Festival
When: December 5, 2015, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 3400 Georgia Avenue NW
Admission: Free
What: The event will feature works from individuals and businesses representing Park View and Pleasant Plains. It’ll also offer food, arts and crafts, art displays, performances and demos, a kids corner, and more. Plus, you can purchase this year’s Christmas tree for your home.
PARCEL Market
When: December 5-6, 2015, 12-6 p.m.
Where: Canal Park (200 M Street SE)
Admission: Free
What: Here’s how I suggest you do this one: First, glide around the 10,000 square-foot ice rink. Then, check out the art installations on display. Once you’re worn out, buy food and cozy up next to fire pits while listening to live music performances. And don’t forget to shop under the “chic festival tent” featuring local designers, artists, chefs, and food artisans. If you come Saturday, you can view a lighted tree.
Christkindlmarkt
When: December 5-6, 2015, 12-6 p.m.
Where: The Heurich House Museum (1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW)
Admission: $10 for adults, $2 for children
What: The event will honor the Heurich family with a traditional outdoor German Christmas market. Featured goods will come from local artisans, including jewelers, ceramicists, chocolatiers, and more. Visitors can also explore the decorated historic mansion and bid on traditional Nutcrackers during a silent auction. Café Berlin will sell Glühwein, sausages, and other seasonal German food items in the Castle Garden.
Pajamarama
When: December 6, 2015, 8-11 a.m.
Where: Takoma Park
Admission: Free
What: In its 16th year, Takoma’s business owners will open early, offering discounts to shoppers in pajamas. Participating businesses include Amano, Artful Framing & Gallery, ArtSpring Community Arts Store, Capital City Cheesecake, Fair Day’s Play, Little Loft, Magic Carpet, Old Takoma Ace Hardware, Park Florist, Politics and Prose, Polly Sue’s, and more.
363 Street Store
When: December 6, 2015, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: 425 2nd St. NW
Admission: Free
What: The concept for this one day pop-up event originated Cape Town, South Africa and is perfect for shoppers on a tight budget. While serving as a shopping destination, this is also a drop-off location for donations so it has that thrift store feel.
Swedish Christmas Bazaar
When: December 7, 2015, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: House of Sweden
Admission: Free
What: The festive event will include live performances, raffles, home baked good and traditional Swedish goodies, children’s activities, artwork and more.
NEA Alternative Gift Fair
When: December 9, 2015, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: NEA Headquarters (1201 16th Street NW)
Admission: Free
What: Alternative gifts are an “inspiring, meaningful and easy” way to shop for the holidays. These gifts focus on the needs of people or communities such as asthma medication, children’s books or work clothes. If you purchase an alternative gift on behalf of someone else, they’ll receive a card describing the gift and the organization you supported in their honor.
Rosslyn Holiday Market
When: December 10 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) – December 11, 2015, (10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Where: Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway, Arlington)
Admission: Free
What: The holiday market and celebration will feature local vendors, family-friendly activities, live jazz music, food trucks, a special pop-up boot camp, and more. The event will end on Friday with a bonfire and in Gateway Park West. Check out a full list of vendors here.
Made in Arlington
When: December 12, 2015, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Where: Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S. Dinwiddie Street, Arlington)
Admission: Free
What: This one-day showcase is for last minute gifts—from pumpkin pies to table clothes and everything in between. Featured vendors are from Arlington’s diverse community, and the event will take place amid the photo exhibit Living Diversity.
Open Studio Saturdays
When: December 12, 2015, 12-5 p.m.
Where: Artists & Makers Studios (11810 Parklawn Dr. Suite 210 Rockville)
Admission: Free
What: The event offers gifts from artists working in jewelry, silk painting, glass, printmaking, ceramics, watercolor and acrylic painting, oil painting, and more. While you’re in the studio, browse three galleries filled with wearable gifts by members of the Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.
Brio Tuscan Grille/North Bethesda Market “Pajama Party with Santa”
When: December 12, 2015, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Brio Tuscan Grille (20 Paseo Dr, Rockville, Maryland)
Admission: $11.95 adults, $5.95 children. Reservations are required.
What: Come in pajamas and meet Santa and his helpers over a gourmet and kid-friendly brunch. Kid-friendly activities include holiday crafts and balloon twisting. Plus guests will receive a gift bag for the road. The event benefits Toys for Tots, so families who bring an unwrapped toy will receive a 20% discount on brunch. Complimentary photos with Santa are available.
Rhode Island Avenue Mainstreet Procrastinator’s Holiday Market
When: December 19, 2015, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Rhode Island Avenue Center (680 Rhode Island Avenue NE)
Admission: Free
What: This enclosed, tented event should serve all of your last minute shopping needs with local gift and food vendors. There will also be a winter drink bar, live entertainment and a Santa selfie station.
Fenton Street Merry Market
When: December 20, 2015, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Fenton Street and Elsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland
Admission: Free
What: The fourth annual outdoor market will feature over 60 vendors, plus live music and ice skating.
We’ll update this list as more markets are announced.
