Travel
Make New Memories at the DowntownDC Holiday Market
The market is located on F Street NW between 7th & 9th, located outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Exhibitors are ready, musicians are tuning up and tasty food and drink vendors are preparing to welcome visitors of all ages to make holiday memories that last a lifetime at this year’s DowntownDC Holiday Market, a unique outdoor shopping village in the heart of DowntownDC.
Shoppers searching for memorable gifts can select from over 170 curated exhibitors presenting art, candy, clothes, crafts, jewelry and other unique specialty items throughout the duration of the market. The list of rotating vendors includes D.C. leather craftsman John Wye and handmade pendants and earrings from Mann Made Designs.
In addition to local craftsmen, shoppers can find creative exhibitors from around the world and the country, such as Katharine Watson of Maine and her unique printmaking as well as Peruvian Inka Treasure Shop.
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Visitors can also enjoy delectable bites from Alexa’s Empanadas, Vigilante Coffee Co., Migue’s Magnificent Mini Donuts and The Taste of Germany.
New to the DowntownDC Holiday Market this year, visitors can shop DC maker products at the Shop Made in DC booth, which will feature products including clothing from Hero Heads and Slant Evolution. Shoppers can also discover and explore nearby galleries and exhibits at the DowntownDC Museum Booth.
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“We are excited to partner with the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to support even more local creatives at the market this year and to showcase the diverse mix of museums DowntownDC has to offer during the holidays,” said DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) President & CEO Neil Albert.
“The market is a return to a simpler time, when you could meet the people who actually made the gifts and take them home immediately without worrying about shipping costs and delays,” says Mike Berman, president of DMM and manager of the DowntownDC Holiday Market. “We also offer gift certificates, DowntownDC Holiday Market Dollars, good for purchases at any vendor.”
The market’s festive atmosphere will be complemented by daily live musical entertainment, featuring blues, classical, folk, gospel, jazz, R&B and rock. This year’s highlights include Clear Harmonies Carolers on Nov. 25; Los Caribbeat on Dec. 2; and Howard University’s Jazz Choirs and Afro Blue on Dec. 8.
While visiting the market, snap a holiday photo at the new “JOY” photo op station. Not your first time at the market? Share your market memories with #mymarketmemories on social media for a chance to win prizes from the BID.
The market is located on F Street NW between 7th & 9th, located outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. The market will operate from Black Friday (Nov. 23) through Sunday, Dec. 23 from 12 p.m.–8 p.m. daily. Vendors rotate each day, offering customers a unique and memorable experience each time they return.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is produced by Diverse Markets Management (DMM) in partnership with the BID.
Give back at the DowntownDC Holiday Market on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 27 when the market will host its official opening celebration from 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. to celebrate this international day of giving.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, the Giving Tuesday community leader, the BID, DMM and DSLBD will spotlight the importance of giving back this holiday season. In addition, hear from Children’s National about their Light Up Dr. Bear campaign.
Come see why USA Today has chosen the DowntownDC Holiday Market one of the nation’s 10 best holiday festivals.
For more information about the market, visit www.downtownholidaymarket.com or follow the market on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The 14th Annual DowntownDC Holiday Market is supported by 97.1 WASH-FM, 96.3 WHUR-FM, and the Washington City Paper. Readers can discover a special DowntownDC Holiday Market insert in the Nov. 21 edition of the Washington City Paper.
