Best holiday markets to shop in the D.C. area
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Downtown Holiday Market. Photo courtesy of Robert Knopes/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Holiday markets are sparking up all over the D.C. area.
Why it matters: Christmas markets are the antithesis of stressful online shopping — local, social, and filled with warm drinks and pretty lights.
Here are ten you shouldn't miss.
Downtown Holiday Market: Through Dec. 23
- D.C.'s biggest holiday market features more than 70 vendors in Penn Quarter selling everything from spices to jewelry and artwork (plus: it's daily!). Visitors can snack on warm donuts, sip cider, and catch live music between stalls.
Del Ray's Fine Art & Fine Craft Market: Through Dec. 23
- Now in its 28th year, the Del Ray Artisans host a market over the first four weekends of December. Over 15 local talents attend each session selling jewelry, candles, ceramics, and more.
Norwegian Festival: Dec. 1-2
- Fairfax's Norway House hosts a festival with a market chock full of Nordic goods like Dale sweaters, linens, and Freia chocolates. Kids will have fun riding Fjord horses and sipping cocoa in the Norwegian café. Sign up for online reservations.
Heurich Christmas Market: Dec. 1-3
- Dupont Circle's "brewmaster's castle" transforms into a German-style holiday market. Over 50 local vendors display craftworks and art, plus visitors can make ornaments, sip Glühwein, and explore the historic grounds. Tickets are required ($2-$12).
Global Holiday Market: Dec. 2
- Refugee entrepreneurs and artisans fill this Dupont Circle market that's run in partnership with St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Vendors include Afghan Creative Catering, Tunisian Touch, Anatolian Artists, and more.
Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair: Dec. 3
- Over 80 local vendors and artisans set up at Veterans Plaza, where families can also reserve ice skating passes.
Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show: Dec. 9
- Shop over 110 artisans, crafters, and other local small businesses at this big holiday market in Old Town. Entertainment includes caroling, light gazing and an "elves shop" for kids to make ornaments.
Unique Markets at Union Market: Dec. 16 - 17
- The annual indie market at Dock 5 highlights over 70 creators selling everything from wellness gifts to packaged foods, jewelry, and kids' clothing. Perks include free gift wrapping, a holiday tote, drinks, and more. Tickets start at $12.
Procrastinator's Holiday Market: Dec. 16
- Procrastinators have more fun at this annual local market, which heads to the new Kraken Kourts & Skates in Edgewood this year. Visitors can shop local artisans while kids can enjoy free holiday train rides and other activities. Tickets are free.
Crafty Draftsters Holiday Market: Dec. 16
- If you can get your significant other to one holiday market, this is it: a festive gathering at DC Brau near Woodridge with 20 local artisans and new beer releases to sip while you shop (kids are also welcome). Reservations are free.