Photo Credit: Courtesy of Washington.org
Finding unique Christmas gifts is easy in Washington, D.C., where holiday markets showcase local artisans, independent makers, specialty foods, and seasonal merchandise throughout the season. Whether you're shopping for handcrafted décor, gourmet treats, or the perfect presents, this guide covers the best Christmas markets in Washington, D.C. for 2026.
The Best Washington, D.C. Christmas Markets to Shop This Season
Browse the top holiday markets across Washington, D.C., where you'll find artisan vendors, local crafts, seasonal foods, and gifts for everyone on your list.
1. DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle — Washington, D.C.
Nestled in the heart of the city, this beloved open air marketplace returns to Dupont Circle to offer an exceptional holiday shopping destination. Occupying the closed 1500 block of New Hampshire Avenue NW, this market gathers over 35 local artists, crafters, and small businesses showcasing unique jewelry, worldwide handcrafts, boutique clothing, and seasonal treats. Serving as a high visibility platform for local businesses, the market features Christmas decor and a spacious shopping layout, making it the perfect holiday stroll.
- Dates: Thursday, November 12th through Wednesday, December 23rd, 2026 (Closed Thanksgiving Day and Monday, November 30th)
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 1500 Block of New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed dogs welcome outdoors)
- Parking: Street parking is limited; booking a parking garage space via SpotHero is recommended
- Website: https://dcholidaymarket.net/
Insider Tip: Skip the parking headache entirely and take the Metro Red Line to Dupont Circle (use the North Exit). Grab a hot beverage, stroll the market stalls, and then walk one block over to the historic Kramers Books & Café to warm up in their cozy back room cafe with a book in hand.
2. DowntownDC Holiday Market — Washington, D.C.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Washington.org
Experience downtown as a whimsical winter village as this premier D.C. holiday tradition returns to F Street NW. Boasting over 100 diverse, women owned, and BIPOC owned small businesses, this market offers everything from artisan home decor and handcrafted jewelry to gourmet hot food, warm cider, and seasonal treats. Managed by The Makers Show, the event keeps spirits bright with cozy, twinkling lights and a vibrant atmosphere designed to support local artists and creative entrepreneurs.
- Dates: Friday, November 13th through Wednesday, December 23rd, 2026 (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: F Street NW (Between 7th and 9th streets NW), Washington, DC 20004
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed dogs welcome outdoors)
- Parking: Extremely limited street parking; use nearby public parking garages or public transit
- Website: https://www.downtowndc.org/holiday-market/
Insider Tip: To really enjoy the jolly atmosphere, plan your visit for a Thursday evening. You'll have plenty of room to browse the maker booths, chat with the local artisans, and grab a cup of hot chocolate without fighting the weekend rush.
3. Christmas Markt at Heurich House Museum — Washington, D.C.
Inspired by the cozy charm of traditional German winter bazaars, the Heurich House Museum hosts its celebrated Christmas Markt in its Castle Garden. This highly curated, juried market is the city's only multi-day holiday market consisting of 100% local, DMV-based makers and small scale manufacturers. Serving as the museum's largest annual fundraiser, the event directly supports the Heurich Urban Manufacturing Incubator, giving emerging "beginner" and "intermediate" local craftspeople a vital platform to showcase and sell their wares.
- Dates: Thursday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 6th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Historic garden restrictions)
- Parking: No on-site parking; public garages nearby and highly accessible via the Dupont Circle Metro
- Website: https://heurichhouse.org/pages/christmas-markt
Insider Tip: This is a ticketed, intimate event, and passes always sell out quickly once they go on sale. Book a Thursday evening slot (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM) for the absolute best shopping experience, as the garden is beautifully lit and the crowds are significantly lighter than Saturday afternoon.
4. Annapolis Holiday Market — Annapolis, MD
Celebrating its fourth annual season, this bustling European style winter market brings a festive shopping experience to the city. Over one hundred regional artisans gather to showcase unique handmade crafts, cozy knitwear, and holiday themed home decor items. Visitors can indulge in specialty seasonal foods, warm baked goods, and hot spiced cider as they browse the stalls. Due to active renovations at the Annapolis City Dock, the market has moved to the beautiful front lawn of St. John's College. Live musical performances and family friendly entertainment keep the spirit high throughout this multi-day shopping event.
- Dates: December 2026 (Typically held over a multi day weekend mid month)
- Admission: Free entry (Shopping and food purchases are separate)
- Street Address: St. John's College Front Lawn, College Ave & St. John's St, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor campus lawn)
- Parking: Calvert Street Garage (19 St. John's St) is free on weekends and located right across the street
- Website: https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/holiday/
Insider Tip: Do not pay for premium parking in the downtown garages. The state owned Calvert Street Garage is situated immediately across the street from the St. John's College lawn and offers completely free public parking starting at 6:00 PM on Fridays all the way through Sunday night.
5. Midnight Madness — Annapolis, MD
Historic downtown Annapolis comes alive after dark as local shops open their doors for a merry late night shopping experience. Twinkling holiday lights, festive musical performances, and historic decorations line the brick paved streets to create a warm winter atmosphere. Visitors can stroll between boutiques while enjoying complimentary seasonal treats like hot cocoa, cookies, and unique holiday discounts. This beloved, long running tradition serves as the perfect opportunity to find one of a kind gifts crafted by local Maryland artisans. It stands out as a must visit seasonal highlight that perfectly captures the coastal charm and community spirit of Annapolis.
- Dates: Thursdays, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, 2026 (Runs late into the night)
- Admission: Free to attend (Shopping costs vary)
- Street Address: Main Street and West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Yes (Well behaved, leashed dogs on sidewalks)
- Parking: Hillman Garage (150 Gorman St) or Gott's Court Garage (25 Northwest St) offer easy access to Main Street
- Website: https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/holiday/
Insider Tip: Main Street gets incredibly crowded and parking garages fill up by 6:00 PM on these Thursdays. Park for free at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium lot and take the city shuttle directly into the historic district to completely bypass downtown traffic.
6. Holiday Market & Celebration at The Parks — Washington, D.C.
For shoppers looking for Washington, D.C. holiday markets, The Parks at Walter Reed offers a local, neighborhood option with handmade goods, unique gifts, seasonal treats, and holiday entertainment. The free event brings local makers together for an easy afternoon of holiday shopping, with plenty of opportunities to pick up gifts you won’t find in a typical store.
- Dates: November 21st, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 7175 12th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20012
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Website: https://theparksdc.com/event/fall-festival-holiday-market/
Insider Tip: Come early for the best selection of handmade gifts before the market gets busy.
7. Holiday Market at the U.S. National Arboretum — Washington, D.C.
The U.S. National Arboretum Holiday Market combines Christmas shopping in Washington, D.C. with a visit to one of the city’s most scenic outdoor spaces. Local artisans offer handmade gifts and seasonal finds, while food trucks provide something to eat during your visit. Holiday greenery is also available, making this a particularly good stop for shoppers looking to bring a little Christmas home.
- Dates: December 5th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: New York Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Website: https://www.usna.usda.gov/visit/calendar-of-events/holiday-market-2026/
Insider Tip: Give yourself extra time to walk through the Arboretum before or after shopping, especially if the weather is nice.
8. Herndon WinterMarkt — Herndon, VA
If you're searching for Christmas markets near Washington, D.C., Herndon WinterMarkt is one of the strongest options just outside the city. The European style market brings the feel of a traditional German Christmas market to historic downtown Herndon, with handcrafted decorations, woodworking, artwork, textiles, gifts, food, and drinks.
- Dates: December 12th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 777 Lynn Street, Herndon, VA 20170
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Website: https://herndonwintermarkt.com/
Insider Tip: Arrive early if you're shopping for handmade Christmas decorations or specialty gifts since popular items can sell quickly.
9. Cherrydale Holiday Market — Arlington, VA
The Cherrydale Holiday Market is a Northern Virginia Christmas market focused primarily on handmade goods from local artisans. Vendors offer original artwork, jewelry, candles, soaps, pottery, greeting cards, dog treats, and other giftable items, with food vendors also joining the market. It's a strong pick for an Arlington Christmas market experience built around handmade goods rather than mass produced holiday merchandise.
- Dates: November 21st, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: Cherrydale United Methodist Church, 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Website: https://www.cherrydaleholidaymarket.com/
Insider Tip: This is a good market for shoppers looking for smaller, locally made gifts rather than mass produced holiday merchandise.
10. Mosaic Holiday Village Market — Fairfax, VA
The Mosaic Holiday Village Market is a Fairfax, Virginia Christmas market featuring more than 65 local artisans and makers. Shoppers can browse handmade gifts, seasonal décor, artwork, jewelry, and other finds while enjoying the walkable Mosaic District. The surrounding restaurants and shops make it easy to turn the market into a full afternoon.
- Dates: November 21st–22nd and December 12th–13th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 2905 District Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Not specified
- Website: https://mosaicdistrict.com/event/holiday-village-market/
Insider Tip: Check out the vendor lineup for your chosen weekend because the selection can vary between the two market weekends.
11. Fairfax City Holiday Market — Fairfax, VA
Downtown Fairfax hosts this Fairfax holiday market over two December weekends, bringing local artisans and makers to Old Town Square. The rotating lineup includes handcrafted gifts, artwork, holiday décor, and other small business finds, with live entertainment adding to the shopping experience.
- Dates: December 4th–6th and December 11th–13th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 10415 North Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Website: https://www.oldtownfairfax.org/events/10th-annual-holiday-market
Insider Tip: Check the vendor lineup before choosing your weekend since different artisans are featured throughout the two weekends.
12. McLean Holiday Art & Craft Festival — McLean, VA
The McLean Holiday Art & Craft Festival is a longtime McLean holiday shopping tradition featuring approximately 80 regional artisans in an indoor, juried show. For anyone searching for a Northern Virginia Christmas market with real variety, this one delivers. Visitors will find pottery, glass, jewelry, holiday decor, fine art, woodwork, fashion accessories, specialty foods, soaps, and other handmade goods throughout the show.
- Dates: December 4th - 6th 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Not specified
- Website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/art-and-crafts/?occurrence=2026-12-04
Insider Tip: This Christmas market near Washington D.C. is one of the better choices for getting a lot of holiday shopping done in one stop since about 80 artisans participate. The show has run for more than 40 years, and admission is good for all three days, so it's worth splitting a visit across two days if you want to shop without rushing.
13. Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show — Alexandria, VA
Billed as the biggest holiday market in Old Town Alexandria, this one draws over 110 artisans, crafters, and small businesses to John Carlyle Square for a single big shopping day. Expect handmade gifts, ornaments, home decor, jewelry, candles, and specialty foods, plus carolers and a DJ keeping the atmosphere festive throughout. Kids get their own ornament making station, and there's a Santa photo op for families, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for extending the outing into a full day in Old Town.
- Dates: December 12th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Not Specified
- Website: https://visitalexandria.com/events/christmas-market-holiday-craft-show/
Insider Tip: Arrive early and plan to continue into Old Town for additional holiday shopping and lunch or dinner.
14. Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market — Alexandria, VA
Now in its 30th year, this is a true fine art and fine craft market rather than a general holiday bazaar, with local artists working across fiber and textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, and woodwork. What makes it worth planning around is the format is that it runs three separate weekends, with an entirely different lineup of artists each time, so the market genuinely changes week to week rather than repeating the same booths. Limited edition 2026 wall calendars featuring member artists' work are also sold, with proceeds supporting the gallery's nonprofit.
- Dates: December 5th - 7th, 12th - 14th & 19th - 21st 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Not specified
- Website: https://delrayartisans.org/event/holiday-market-2026/
Insider Tip: Because the artist lineup fully rotates each weekend, visiting only once means missing two thirds of the participating artists. If you want the widest possible selection of fine art and fine craft, plan to stop by more than one weekend.
15. Holiday Artisan Market — Occoquan, VA
This Christmas market near Washington D.C. turns the entire historic downtown of Occoquan into a walkable holiday market, with local artisans set up throughout the town rather than confined to a single square or park. Because the market spreads across Occoquan's existing footprint of independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes, shoppers naturally end up combining vendor browsing with a full visit to the town itself, which is part of what makes this one stand out from a typical one location craft fair.
- Dates: December 5th - 6th 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: Union and Commerce Streets, Occoquan, VA 22125
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Free off site parking with shuttle available
- Website: https://www.occoquanfestivals.com/holiday
Insider Tip: Occoquan's downtown streets are narrow and parking fills up fast on market weekends, so using the free off site parking and shuttle is genuinely the easier option rather than circling for street parking during peak hours.
16. National Harbor Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show — Oxon Hill, MD
Set right on the National Harbor waterfront, this holiday market runs across three separate dates through December rather than a single weekend, with a different rotating vendor lineup each time. That structure means the specific mix of handmade gifts, seasonal decor, jewelry, candles, and specialty foods on offer will vary depending on which date you go, so it rewards checking the vendor list in advance if you're after something specific.
- Dates: December 5th, 12th & 19th 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: American Way Park, 100 American Way, National Harbor, MD 20745
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Parking: Not specified
- Website: https://www.nationalharbor.com/events/national-harbor-christmas-market-and-holiday-craft-show-series-20/
Insider Tip: Since the vendor lineup rotates by date, check who's confirmed for each Saturday before choosing which one to attend, especially if you're hunting for a particular type of gift.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Washington, D.C.
- Take Metro: Many D.C. Christmas markets have limited or pricey parking, so transit or ride share often saves time and hassle.
- Visit on weekdays when possible: Weekday afternoons and early evenings are dramatically less crowded than Saturday and Sunday peak hours.
- Bring cash and card: Most vendors accept cards, but some smaller artisans prefer cash, and nearby parking is often cash only.
- Dress in layers: Outdoor Christmas markets can get chilly, even with warming tents. Wearing layers keeps you comfortable for the whole excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Washington, D.C. markets this season.
Are Washington, D.C. Christmas markets free?
Most Christmas markets in Washington, D.C. offer free general admission, though some charge a small entry fee. A few free markets also offer paid timed-entry tickets on weekends to skip longer lines. Keep in mind that while many markets offer free entry, they typically have paid parking nearby.
When do Washington, D.C. Christmas markets open?
Most markets open in mid-to-late November and run through Christmas Eve or later. Check each market's individual listing for exact dates and hours.
Are kids welcome at Washington, D.C. Christmas markets?
Yes! Most Christmas markets in Washington, D.C. are family friendly, with activities, food, and entertainment suitable for all ages. Check individual listings for stroller accessibility and rules as well as kid specific activities.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
General admission is walk in at most markets. However, some of the city's more popular markets offer timed-entry tickets on weekends that are worth booking ahead to avoid long waits.
Can I add my event to this guide?
We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!
Christmas Markets Worth the Drive from Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. isn't the only place worth visiting for Christmas markets this season. Within a couple of hours' drive, you'll find several other cities with their own festive markets worth the trip.
Baltimore, Maryland — 1 Hour from Washington D.C.
Start your holiday shopping adventure in Baltimore at the Christmas Village in Baltimore, where the Inner Harbor transforms into a German-inspired market filled with more than 60 vendors, handmade gifts, European foods, and seasonal treats. Then, continue your shopping day through nearby waterfront shops and boutiques around Harbor East and the Inner Harbor, where you can pick up additional gifts, enjoy a meal, and take in Baltimore’s holiday atmosphere.
Williamsburg, Virginia — 3 Hours 45 Minutes from Washington D.C.
Spend the day shopping in Williamsburg’s historic Merchants Square, where decorated storefronts, holiday lights, and more than 40 shops create a charming Christmas shopping experience next to Colonial Williamsburg. Pick up unique gifts at local boutiques, stop by the Christmas Shop for ornaments and holiday décor, and visit the Williamsburg Christmas Market for handcrafted finds, seasonal treats, and specialty vendors.
Plan Your Complete Washington, D.C. Christmas Experience
Washington, D.C.'s Christmas markets are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to Washington, D.C. Christmas lights, holiday shows and performances, Christmas festivals and parades, and Christmas activities in Washington, D.C. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Washington, D.C. Christmas guide has you covered.
