Small Business Saturday offers Washingtonians the chance to jump-start holiday shopping — and support local businesses’ Covid-19 recovery. Many local makers and neighborhood districts are hosting events and specials to encourage buyers to shop small.
Alexandria Shop Small Week
Various locations
Alexandria’s Shop Small Week kicks off Saturday and runs through Dec. 11 in Old Town and Del Ray. More than 50 independently owned boutiques will offer discounts and deals, plus live music and outdoor shopping displays. Keep an eye out for the Elf Patrol: Masked elves will be armed with gift cards for shoppers. Park at one of Old Town’s fourfree garages and visit the visitor’s center (221 King Street) or info tent (near 916 King Street) for more information.
BetweenPinesArt
Online
Looking for gifts for pet lovers? BetweenPinesArt features wooden pet portrait ornaments, hand-painted by artist and owner Nichole Bentley. Bentley illustrates each piece based on photo submissions, then ships directly to recipients. The entire shop will be 20% off from Nov. 26 – 29; customers who place orders between Nov. 26 – Dec. 6 will receive a 30% promo code for future purchases. Shoppers can also purchase nature-themed paintings spotlighting scenes from U.S. National Parks.
Brookland Arts Walk
716 Monroe St. NE
Brookland’s pedestrian promenade is home to 27 art studios representing local and independent artists, makers, and small businesses. On Saturday, shoppers can grab a passport from any open studio and mark off six purchases for a chance to win a basket stuffed with Arts Walk goodies. The event will also feature festive music and pop-ups from other artists. N Street Village, a nonprofit that serves homeless women in the District and the event’s partner, will be on hand to accept donations.
Culture Coffee Too
300 Riggs Rd. NE
This Northeast D.C. coffee shop is hosting avendor event from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. featuring local makers, including Beads of Nefertiti, the Pajama Closet and Toadstool Botanicals. Jump roping group DC Retro Jumpers will present from 12 p.m.-2 p.m., with a demonstration by Ella Belle Candle Co. directly following. Staying for a while? Be sure to nab one of Culture Coffee Too’s specialty eggnog drinks.
DC Popup
1224 Connecticut Ave. NW
Local indie beauty brand Shea Yeleen and the DC Pop-Up are hosting apop-up boutique in Dupont from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Vendors include Bicycle Trash, Definition Studio, Knotty Boutique and about two dozen more. Come early: The first 25 shoppers get a $5 coupon to use toward purchases. Shoppers can also enjoy a special performance by D.C. jazz artist Akua Allrich and the Tribe.
The Den: Mema’s Popups Vendor Market
9400 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington
Mema’s Popups endeavors to create space for Black-owned businesses in the D.C. area — and they’re hosting avendor market at the Den in Fort Washington from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Shoppers can peruse products from Aromatic Alchemy (handcrafted body oils), Kosmic Treats (THC-infused drinks and candies), Accessories with M (handbags and sunglasses), and 10+ other vendors. DJ MIXIAM will perform new and old school hip hop; shoppers can expect sales and giveaways sprinkled throughout.
Fairfax’s Elf Scavenger Hunt
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
Ready for a North Pole visit? Head to Fairfax for the city’s annual Elf Scavenger Hunt, hosted in partnership with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and Old Town Fairfax Business Association. Participants can pick up elf hunt cards, hot cocoa, and treats at the Welcome Station at Old Town Hall, then hunt down elves hidden throughout businesses and storefronts. Find at least five elves (and purchase one product) for a chance to earn a $50 gift card from a participating vendor. Participants can also give back: Fairfax is accepting new, unwrapped toys at the Welcome Station from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Georgetown
Various locations
Check out Georgetown Commercial District for specials from more than 35 shops, restaurants, galleries and services. Featured vendors include Pretty Chic (50% off necklaces), The Phoenix (15% off storewide), Take Care (20% off purchases), and many more. Want to grab a bite — or a holiday libation — while out? Stop by Café Georgetown for 15% off all holiday drinks. More deals and detailshere.
Kimpton Lorien Hotel and Spa
1600 King St., Alexandria
Music lovers, listen up: The Kimpton is featuring a free courtyard concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra band on Saturday. Shoppers can tune in from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. while perusing stocking stuffer gifts for purchase and enjoying complimentary hot cocoa. Award-winning brasserie Brabo will accept receipts from the event for 10% off through Dec. 3.
Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards
15800 Croom Rd., Brandywine, Md.
From 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards is hosting 40 vendors ranging from bakers and artisans to local farmers. Shoppers can nab a snack from the food trucks and enjoy some live music, as well. Looking to wind down after shopping? The winery and tasting room will be open until 5 p.m.
Royal Palace: D.O.P.E Tribe’s Shop Small Market
7525 Landover Rd., Hyattsville
D.O.P.E. (Developing Organic People Everywhere) Tribe is a collective of artists and creatives dedicated to cultivating community — and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs. On Saturday, the Tribe is hosting a shop small market at the Royal Palace in Hyattsville with nearly 15 vendors, including Black Girls Farm, Primal Minerals, Elevate Drinks and Hippies on the Move. Shoppers can also enjoy performances from R&B musician Kent Black and Freedom the Poet. Feeling inspired? Sign up for a spot at the open mic and check out the open art bar, stocked with paint and canvases.
Shop Made in D.C. and Shop Made in VA
Various locations
These shops dedicated exclusively to local crafters and creators are obviously going all out for Small Business Saturday with pop-up markets at their Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and Wharf locations. The Union Market outpost will host a special edition of their recurring Makeshop event. Special ticketed workshops will help you learn to make your own wrapping paper or pom poms, and Navy Yard’s Bluejacket Brewery will be on hand with drinks. Can’t fit in all the shopping around town? There’s another Makeshop event on Sunday.
Tanglewood Works Art Studios
3613 Oak Lane, Mt. Rainier, Md.
Nestled in the Gateway Arts District of Mount Rainier,Tanglewood Works Studios houses original creations by artist and owner Tanglewood Sue. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tanglewood is hosting an “unusual maker’s market” featuring 10+ vendors with upcycled furniture and furnishings, jewelry, art, pottery, décor, and wearables. Shoppers can also enjoy furniture refinishing and painting demos, a traveling photo booth and local mead by Maryland Meadworks.
Tenley WinterFest
4748 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Tenley WinterFest runs from Nov. 26-Dec. 4 and features a yeti scavenger hunt, winter feast options and the chance to get lit. From 12 p.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, visit the Small Business Saturday Welcome Center for a free tote with giveaways and coupons for small businesses in Tenley. At 3 p.m., round out the holiday cheer at Fessenden Park with carols and hot cocoa.
Union Market
1309 5th St. NE
Make a day of it at Union Market. Peruse Union Market’s holidaygift guidefor vendor tips and specials — and be sure to stop by local artist Marcella Kriebel’s foodie art popup (open 11 a.m.-7p.m.), and the I See the Future exhibit, featuring works by young D.C. artists who were asked to envision the future (also open 11 a.m.-7 p.m.).
Workhouse Arts Center
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
Every Saturday from Nov. 27-Dec. 11, Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton is offering 20% off original paintings, sculptures, glassware, and textile works by Workhouse artists. Proceeds directly support Workhouse resident and associate artists. On Dec. 11, the Second Saturday Art Walk will feature a special edition of the community market with seasonal decorations and holiday carolers.
