The most festive holiday markets around D.C.
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Downtown Holiday Market. Photo courtesy of Robert Knopes/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Holiday markets are popping up all over the DMV.
Why it matters: You can't get hot drinks and winter cheer shopping online.
The big picture: Many of these markets aren't just about shopping — there's Christmas music, family activities, crafting and participation from international embassies and cultural organizations.
Here are the markets you won't want to miss:
Lucketts Holiday House (Through Dec. 15)
- Hosted in a century-old Leesburg farmhouse, this market is a full experience — each room is decked out in holiday decor, and for a shopping break you can relax with a glass of wine by a crackling fire. Tickets ($25) required.
Downtown DC Holiday Market (Nov. 22-Dec. 23)
- D.C.'s biggest holiday market marks its 20th year in Penn Quarter, and is one of many Christmastime activities downtown. The expanded market features over 100 vendors selling everything from kids' and pets' items to gourmet gifts and decor (plus: it's daily!). Visitors can grab tacos, s'mores and hot cocktails from pop-up chalet bars.
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle (Nov. 22-Dec. 23)
- The new market brings together over 30 small businesses selling crafts, artwork, jewelry, candles and more. Snag holiday treats from Migue's Mini Donuts and Capital Candy Jar's hot roasted nuts.
Del Ray's Fine Art & Fine Craft Market (Dec. 6-22)
- Now in its 29th year, Del Ray Artisans host a market during the first four December weekends. Different local artists are featured each weekend with their jewelry, candles, ceramics and more.
Heurich House Christmas Markt (Dec. 6-8, Dec. 10-13)
- Dupont Circle's historic "brewmaster's castle" turns its gardens into a German-style holiday market with Glühwein and 60-plus local small-scale artisans. Tickets ($8-$18) required.
- Heurich is also hosting Makers Month (through Dec. 13) with decorated house tours, craftsman workshops and a festive biergarten.
Alexandria Market and Holiday Craft Show (Dec. 14)
- Shop over 110 artisans, crafters and other local small businesses at Old Town's big holiday market. Entertainment includes Christmas music, light gazing and ornament making for kids.
Procrastinator's Holiday Market (Dec. 14)
- Procrastinators have more fun at this annual market, held at Kraken Kourts & Skates in Edgewood. Visitors can shop local artisans while kids enjoy free holiday train rides and other activities. Tickets are free.
National Landing Winter Waterland (Dec. 14)
- A festive winter market rolls out at Water Park from 4-8pm. The event includes shopping from local vendors, ice skating, an interactive snow globe photo booth, Santa visits, musical performances and plenty of holiday food and drink.
All Souls Bar Holiday Market (Dec. 14)
- Load up on great local gifts at the Shaw bar's market (noon-4pm) featuring foodie and home good favorites like Bold Fork Books, Manifest Bread, Material Things Studio and more.
Holiday Mini-Mart for Procrastinators (Dec. 21)
- We're already swooning over Gemini X Happy Ice Cream's online holiday shop ("bugey floats," yes please). If you're down to the wire, head to the Dupont market and restaurant for wine, vinyl and gifts from the house and vendors like An Made and HR Records.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add new times for markets.