Though it’s now technically possible to argue that purchasing your year-end gifts on Amazon amounts to buying local, ’tis the season to expand your horizons. Through the end of the year, Washington’s artisans will be selling at markets popping up across town. So stop by, soak up some holiday cheer, and support a small business or two.
When: November 23 – December 23, 12 – 8 p.m.
Where: F St. NW between 7th and 9th Sts.
Admission: FREE
A rotating selection of artisans—60 each day—will sell clothes, antiques, soaps, and other items from crisp white tents adjacent to the National Portrait Gallery. Visitors can partake of food, drink, and live music while they shop.
LATINX HOLIDAY MARKET & PACHANGA
When: December 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Dio Wine Bar (904 H St. NE)
Admission: FREE with registration
Mostly Latina makers will populate this craft market, which will also feature tamales, conchas, flights of Latin wine, Mexican hot chocolate, and other treats.
When: November 30, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; December 1-2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Heurich House Museum (1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW)
Admission: $15 for adults, $3 for children ages 2-12; includes museum admission
A traditional German holiday market comes to life on the grounds of a Gilded Age mansion that once belonged to German immigrant and brewmaster Christian Heurich. Over 45 artisans will sell ceramics, baked goods, housewares, and other gift items.
When: December 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; December 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center (595 Third St. NW)
Admission: FREE
Though not exactly a holiday-themed market, it’s a chance to snag gifts of Italian ceramics, art, leather goods, books, and more (including Vespas, for very special recipients). The weekend’s events include a fashion show and a silent auction.
When: December 7, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot (1626 14th St. NW)
Admission: FREE with RSVP
The eclectic vintage furniture and home goods shop will host 15 local makers and slash 20 percent off the prices of their own inventory. Live gypsy jazz tunes and vegetarian paella from Barcelona Wine Bar will be available. Proceeds from a raffle will benefit bilingual LGBTQ organization Casa Ruby.
When: December 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: House of Sweden (2900 K St. NW)
Admission: FREE
On the Georgetown waterfront, the Swedish Embassy combines holiday shopping with a traditional St. Lucia feast day celebration. Pick up Swedish glass, books, and homemade bread, down some glögg (Swedish spiced mulled wine), and watch carolers and a procession.
When: December 1, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Janney Elementary School (4130 Albemarle St. NW)
Admission: FREE
Grown-up and kid vendors alike—over 100 in total—will take over Janney Elementary for a day of unique gifting. Look for t-shirts and calendars supporting families affected by domestic violence and children’s books authored by at-risk youth.
When: December 1-2, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian (4th St. and Independence Ave. SW)
Admission: FREE
Inside the Smithsonian’s museum dedicated to indigenous cultures, find traditional and contemporary crafts including silver jewelry, beadwork, and baskets, from Native artists representing over 30 indigenous nations across the Western Hemisphere.
When: Fridays 4 – 8 p.m., Saturdays 12 – 8 p.m., Sundays 12 – 6 p.m.; November 30 – December 16
Where: 1101 1st St. NE
Admission: FREE with registration
Over three weekends, a holiday market will pop up in NoMa with food vendors, knit items, perfumes, and handbags. You can even purchase dog biscuits for the pets in your life. DJs, LED light shows, and visits with Santa will be available on certain days and times.
ADAMS MORGAN 2018 HOLIDAY MARKET
When: December 8 – 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 18th St. and Columbia Rd. NW
Admission: FREE
If you like the Adams Morgan Day neighborhood festival in September, check out the holiday version, with 50 local businesses expected to showcase their wares.
When: December 9, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Dock 5 at Union Market (1309 5th St. NE)
Admission: $5, kids under 12 free
Unique Markets recruits local vendors for pop-ups across the country. The ticket price for the Union Market incarnation includes gift wrapping, drinks, a tote bag, and other perks.
EAST CITY BOOK SHOP MAKERS’ MARKET
When: December 9, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: East City Book Shop (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Admission: FREE
Think art, cards, and letterpress at this Capitol Hill bookstore-hosted holiday market. The store is offering free gift-wrapping as well.
When: December 7 – 9, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave. NW)
Admission: FREE
Apropos of the zoo setting, over 40 local artists will sell merchandise such as upcycled animal-shaped pillows, terrarium kits, and everything panda print.
When: December 2, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: Blagden Alley NW
Admission: FREE
Live jazz musicians will serenade shoppers at the Shaw offshoot’s first-annual holiday market. Shoppers can buy from wood crafters and purveyors of African-inspired clothing, as well as food and drink vendors.
When: December 1, 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Dupont Circle NW
Admission: FREE
Over 20 businesses in the Dupont Circle neighborhood will play host to local makers for holiday gift sales.
