The nationally acclaimed Downtown Holiday Market, presented by DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) and Diverse Markets Management, has returned to the nation’s capital for its 17th year, now through Thursday, Dec. 23. The spacious, open-air market is at the eclectic arts and entertainment corridor in Penn Quarter, filling up two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets, NW—steps away from the buzzing Capital One Arena and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
Admission to the Downtown Holiday Market is free and open to the public with hours from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown Holiday Market is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 6. As always, visitors can expect a range of family-friendly offerings including emerging artisan makers & crafters, returning favorite vendors, festive decor and lights, authentic German treats and local bites, and live entertainment on the mainstage for over five weeks. Visitors can purchase gift certificates online in advance, redeemable at the market.
“We are excited to be back in the heart of Washington, D.C. and continue our holiday tradition that brings so much joy, support and community for our 70+ small businesses and local entrepreneurs. This year, we have a huge shopping advantage for those who might possibly be waiting for their gifts in the mail,” said Michael Berman, president of Diverse Markets Management. “Our in-person shopping experience is more than just a curated selection of gifts. From live performances to interactive virtual programming, we have a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy.”
This year, Downtown Holiday Market’s live entertainment is back by popular demand and on the mainstage. Already scheduled to perform are King Street Bluegrass, Chrystylez, Clear Harmonies Carolers and Wammie-award winning Blues singer Carly Harvey & The Experience. Be sure to check out the new Macy’s STORY booth, a narrative-driven retail experience where shoppers can shop a signature blend of unique collaborations and merchandising. The market is also featuring an exciting mixture of interactive and digital experiences to the month-long programming, including ARTECHOUSE’s all-new immersive extended reality (XR) adventure throughout the market back for its second year. Guests can utilize their smartphone using the ARTECHOUSE XR app to discover Instagrammable, holiday-themed surprises at various market locations.
Additional highlights of this year’s Downtown Holiday Market include:
- Shop Black and POC-Owned – The market proudly represents a diverse community of makers and celebrates Black culture and minority-owned businesses and their work. This year’s features Black-owned and POC-owned vendors include handcrafted sculptures from Rayhart and Canimals, ethically sourced candles from a kidpreneur at Smell of Love Candles and a selection of handcrafted wooden watches and accessories from Mistura Woodcoholics. To view the full directory of Black and POC-owned businesses, visit Downtown Holiday Market’s exhibitor list.
- Book & Stay – Those looking to visit and explore the city, take advantage of Downtown Holiday Market’s official hotel and restaurant partner’s hotel package in collaboration with Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, D.C. and Dirty Habit. The package includes overnight accommodations, $30 in dining credit, two refillable holiday mugs to enjoy hot toddies and one Downtown Holiday Market voucher.
- Foodie Galore – Raved about cinnamon-dusted churros and hot donuts return, alongside new food and drink vendors include the Taste of Germany, Alexa’s Empanadas, Old Blue BBQ, The Capital Candy Jar,and Migue’s Magnificent Mini Donuts. Visitors can also take advantage of the area’s many new restaurants including The DC Noble, Cranes and Truluck’s.
