DowntownDC Holiday Market Returns for 22nd Season with Extended Run and New Holiday Experiences
The beloved Downtown DC tradition returns November 13 through December 23 with more time to shop, celebrate and give back
Washington, D.C. (September 30, 2026) - The holiday season is getting a little longer in Downtown DC. Today, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) announced the return of the DowntownDC Holiday Market, inviting residents and visitors to shop, sip, gather and celebrate the season in the heart of the nation’s capital during its 22nd season. This year, the beloved open-air market will have an extended run from November 13 through December 23, 2026, giving holiday shoppers more time to discover unique gifts, support local makers and soak up the sights, sounds and spirit of the season.
For more than two decades, the DowntownDC Holiday Market has transformed F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW into a festive winter destination. This year, the tradition returns with an inviting mix of local makers, artisans and entrepreneurs, seasonal food and drinks, holiday décor, entertainment and one-of-a-kind finds. Free and open to the public, the market offers a lively holiday experience for residents and visitors alike. We welcome guests checking gifts off their lists, meeting friends for a festive outing or looking for holiday magic in the city.
During today’s “Unwrap the Holidays” press preview, the DowntownDC BID unveiled even more ways to celebrate throughout the season. The festivities will begin with the market’s opening on November 13, followed by CityCenterDC’s Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 14, giving visitors the chance to experience two signature Downtown DC holiday traditions in one festive weekend. The DowntownDC BID will also bring the spirit of giving to this year’s Frosted celebration in Franklin Park on December 5 with a community coat drive, inviting visitors to help spread warmth to those in need as temperatures drop.
“Downtown DC is where so many of our city’s holiday traditions come to life, and we’re excited to make this year’s celebration even more meaningful by giving people more time to experience the DowntownDC Holiday Market, connect with local makers and enjoy everything happening throughout the city,” said Gerren Price, President and CEO of the DowntownDC BID.
“A bright spot of this year has been the many events in Downtown, and in neighborhoods across the city, that have brought people together, celebrated our local culture, and showcased our beautiful city to national and global audiences,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “And we look forward to continuing to bring people together with all the events lined up for the holiday season. We want residents and visitors to check out what's happening, make your plans and reservations, support local businesses, and enjoy DC.”
The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market will bring together a curated collection of 119 vendors, with a mix of beloved returning favorites and exciting new makers. Shoppers can browse handcrafted art and home décor, accessories, apparel, beauty products, specialty gifts and more, with plenty of opportunities to find something unexpected for everyone on their holiday lists. There are many new vendors this year including, Laura’s Raw Honey brings classic and small-batch infused honeys from a third-generation beekeeping family; District Candle Lab + Fawne offers a Washington, D.C.-based dual concept featuring custom candles and charm jewelry; and Stained Glass by Kib showcases handcrafted stained-glass art from a family-owned business. Returning favorites include vendors such as Gone to the Dogs, known for sustainable, handmade pet products crafted from repurposed materials, and Plants & What Knot, whose botanical creations draw inspiration from Japanese traditions including kokedama and ikebana.
And no holiday outing is complete without something delicious in hand. The market will feature 15 food and beverage vendors serving up seasonal sips, savory bites and festive treats, including DOLCE’s Hazelnut Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, topped with graham cracker, a Hershey’s chocolate bar and toasted marshmallow; Lucky Danger’s dumplings in short rib, chicken and veggie varieties; and Fireside Eats’ hand-breaded chicken tenders and seasoned fries, served in a bucket perfect for sharing. The market is also proud to welcome Premier Hotel Sponsor Hotel Monaco, and the return of the Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit offering adult beverages. Other nearby hotel partners include Arlo Hotel DC, Conrad, Eaton DC, The Royal Sonesta and Willard InterContinental. Together, the market’s mix of shopping, dining, entertainment and hospitality will create a festive Downtown destination where visitors can make a day or a holiday tradition out of their visit.
The DowntownDC BID will also continue to amplify holiday happenings throughout Downtown DC, connecting residents and visitors with seasonal events, experiences and programming from local businesses, restaurants, cultural institutions, theaters and community partners. From the DowntownDC Holiday Market and CityCenterDC’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting to opportunities to give back during Frosted, Downtown will offer something for everyone throughout the holiday season. See the special first look edition of the holiday gift guide HERE with more information about vendors and happenings in Downtown DC.
The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market will run November 13 through December 23 on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW. The market is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The market will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market is made possible by sponsorship from Events DC. Sponsorships through the BID’s 501c3 organization, the DowntownDC Foundation, make community events, parks and public spaces, and homeless services possible in the DowntownDC community.
To arrange interviews with DowntownDC BID officials, please email Shelby at downtowndcbid@lindarothpr.com and for more information on the DowntownDC Holiday Market please visit www.downtowndc.org. Stay connected to holiday happenings in Downtown DC by texting HOLIDAY to 771-208-3007. All high-res photos and b-roll can be found HERE.
About the DowntownDC BID
Downtown DC is one of the most diverse and exciting neighborhoods in one of the most important cities in the world. Here, locals and visitors find all the most thrilling experiences of DC in 140 walkable and transit-rich blocks: shopping and dining; business, education and government; parks, art, music, sports, theater, history - adding up to a bright future. Founded in 1997, the DowntownDC 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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