DowntownDC Holiday Market Kicking Off D.C.’s Most Magical Season
From Handcrafted Gifts to Seasonal Treats, the Iconic Market Transforms F Street into a Winter Wonderland Through December 23
Washington, D.C. (November 12, 2025) — Join the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) as they kick off the holiday season on opening day of the DowntownDC Holiday Market. Guests can enjoy festive live entertainment, tastings, giveaways, and special holiday activations.
WHAT:
DowntownDC Holiday Market Kick-Off Event
Activations & Highlights:
Live entertainment & festive music
Paella tastings by the José Andrés Group Jaleo
Holiday inflatables: Christmas Tree, Toy Soldier & Snowman
Photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Clause and the Grinch
Limited giveaways for the first 25 participants who vote for the market in the USA Today contest and subscribe to the newsletter — visit the Info Booth for details and QR code access
WHEN:
Friday, November 21
Festivities Begin: 10:00 AM
Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choir
Nova Payton
Ribbon Cutting: 10:30 AM
Market Opens: 11:00 AM
WHERE:
F Street NW
(between 7th and 9th Streets NW)
WHO:
Special guests and hosts:
Joe Clair - Comedian, Host and Radio Personality
Beloved D.C. native and longtime local radio personality is currently the host of WPGC’s 95.5 “Joe Clair Morning Show” and the former host of BET’s Rap City. Clair will bring his energy as host of the opening day celebration. With deep roots in the community and a talent for engaging crowds, he is set to kick off the festivities with laughter and hometown pride.
Charis Gomez - Executive Producer and Host
Best known for her role on Living Local DMV, a live daily televised lifestyle show on DCW50 and DC News Now in Washington, D.C. When Gomez first moved to the nation's capital, she helped produce CNN's Newsroom and MSNBC's Meet the Press Daily.
Speakers will include:
Mayor Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.
Gerren Price, President & CEO, DowntownDC BID
The DowntownDC Holiday Market will be held once again on F Street NW (between 7th and 9th Streets NW) from November 21 to December 23, 2025. It is open and free to the public during the following hours: Monday–Thursday 12 p.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. This year’s edition features more than 115 local artisans offering handcrafted goods, décor, gourmet treats and trendy fashion—all in one vibrant, one-stop holiday shopping destination.
For more information on the DowntownDC Holiday Market please visit www.downtowndc.org/holiday-market and for interview requests please email Shelby at downtowndcbid@lindarothpr.com.
About the DowntownDC BID
DowntownDC is the most diverse and exciting neighborhood in one of the most important cities in the world. Here, locals and visitors find all the most thrilling experiences of D.C. in 140 walkable and transit-rich blocks: business, education, and government; shopping and dining; parks, art, music, sports, theater, history—adding up to a bright future. The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) was founded in 1997 as the city’s first private nonprofit place management organization where property owners agree to tax themselves to fund services that enhance people’s experiences in the neighborhood. The BID’s area includes 530 properties and is defined by Massachusetts Avenue on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west.
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