The District and Northern Virginia Dazzle with Holiday Shopping: Your Festive Shopping Guide
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and…gifts! DC and Northern Virginia bring all the merry and bright to holiday shopping with delightful experiences. In DC, enjoy the annual Downtown Holiday Market with festivities and specialty gifts and the DC Holiday Lights event for an enchanting experience. Shop the Union Market District’s distinctive gift selection and celebrate Hanukkah with a Menorah lighting each evening. In Northern Virginia, experience live music, dance and craft vendors at the Fairfax City Holiday Market. Make your list and check it twice because this guide is sure to bring you everything nice!
Downtown Holiday Market
The Downtown Holiday Market and all its shopping merriment are back in DC’s Penn Quarter and Chinatown. Featuring vibrant trimmings, holiday tunes, specialty food and drink, local artists and artisan makers, and a rotating cast of performers, this market will spark your cheer while shopping for unique gifts.
This year’s market charms with wonderful performances and musical acts. The talented lineup of musicians include folk, jazz, rock, soul, and contemporary artists. Check out the list of performances here. Expect plenty of hot chocolate, tasty treats, and more with food vendors like The Capital Candy Jar, Migue’s Mini Donuts and The Taste of Germany. Event partners, The Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC and Dirty Habit, add to the celebrations with outdoor fire pits, blankets and specialty cocktails. Artechouse, another partner, offers an immersive extended reality experience that cannot be missed!
With over 70 exhibitors, the Downtown Holiday Market is open daily between noon and 8 p.m. through December 23 (closed Monday, December 4). It’s centered at 8th and F Streets, NW. Get all the details here.
DC Holiday Lights
The Nation’s Capital brings holiday joy by adorning its main streets with colorful lights and decor between November 17, 2023, and January 7, 2024. Experience this holiday whimsy in corridors such as Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Woodley Park. Over 200 shops are participating by offering store promotions and specials. While you’re there, you can cast your vote for the most enchanted corridor or embark on the DC Holiday Lights scavenger hunt. Learn more here.
Union Market Menorah Lighting
With nearly 40 shops, The Union Market District is a haven for finding the perfect gift. They’ve even created the ultimate gift guide with more than 70 unique holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list. More than just shopping, the Union Market is proud to join with various Jewish organizations throughout DC for a special Menorah lighting each evening from December 7 – 14. The ceremony is on Neal Place outside of the Union Market’s front entrance and starts at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Explore more about this special celebration here.
Fairfax City Holiday Market
The Fairfax City Holiday Market gives you the opportunity to support local artists and artisan makers while dazzling your friends and family with exceptional gifts. Located in Old Town Square in Fairfax, Virginia, the Market is open two weekends: December 1 – 3 and December 8 – 10. Noteworthy craft vendors will vary each weekend to give you lots of variety. Live music and dance entertainment makes this Holiday Market extra festive and fun! Get the full scoop for your visit here.
Make This Joyful Community Your Home
As the holiday season brings its magic to our vibrant community, we hope you’ll embrace the joy and warmth these local markets offer. Remember, the spirit of the holidays is about more than just festivities; it’s about the feeling of home and community. If you’re considering making this wonderful area your home, or just looking for more insights into local events and real estate trends, we’re here to help. Connect with us, and let’s keep the holiday spirit alive all year round in the DC Metro Area.
