DowntownDC Holiday Market Returns November 13 for Its 22nd Season
Beloved Open-Air Holiday Market Brings Together 120 Vendors, Festive Food and Beverages, Live Entertainment and Unique Shopping Experiences for an Extended 40-Day Celebration
Washington, D.C. (November 13, 2026) – The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce the return of the DowntownDC Holiday Market starting today Friday, November 13, for its 22nd season. Running through December 23, this year's market will offer an extended 40-day celebration, transforming F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets into a festive open-air marketplace filled with twinkling lights, local artisans, unique gifts, seasonal food and beverages, and live entertainment.
For more than two decades, the DowntownDC Holiday Market has brought together shoppers, makers and visitors for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. This year, guests can explore 120 vendors offering everything from handcrafted jewelry, apparel and accessories to original artwork, home décor, specialty gifts, beauty products and gourmet treats. With 16 new vendors joining the lineup alongside returning market favorites, there will be plenty of new discoveries and familiar finds throughout the season. Approximately 90% of this year's vendors represent BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and woman-owned small businesses, reinforcing the market's commitment to supporting independent creators and local entrepreneurship.
The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market Highlights:
A Diverse Collection of Local Makers: Sixteen new vendors are joining the lineup, including Laura's Raw Honey, a third-generation beekeeping family offering classic and small-batch infused honeys; District Candle Lab + Fawne, a Washington, DC-based concept pairing custom candles with charm jewelry; and Stained Glass by Kib, a family-owned business showcasing handcrafted stained-glass art. Returning favorites include Gone to the Dogs, known for sustainable, handmade pet products crafted from repurposed materials, and Plants & What Knot, featuring botanical creations inspired by Japanese traditions, including kokedama and ikebana.
Seasonal Food and Beverage Offerings: With 15 food and beverage vendors, the market offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy festive bites and seasonal treats while shopping. Highlights include 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. Additional vendors include Daikaya, Carmine's, Nando's PERi-PERi, Raclette by Stable DC, The Frenchman's Crepes and more.
The Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit returns to the market, the Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit offers a cozy winter retreat where visitors can enjoy seasonal cocktails and festive beverages while taking in the holiday atmosphere.
Additional seasonal celebrations throughout Downtown DC include CityCenterDC’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting with headliner JoJo on Saturday, November 14. The free, family-friendly celebration will feature the lighting of a dazzling 78-foot tree, live music, balloon artists, face painters, holiday treats and a countdown hosted by NBC4’s Eun Yang. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with the official tree lighting at 6 p.m.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market Hotel Participant Program invites visitors to extend their holiday getaway with exclusive hotel offers, seasonal packages and special perks at participating Downtown DC properties. Hotel Monaco returns as the market’s Premier Hotel Sponsor, joined by Arlo Washington DC, Conrad Washington DC, Eaton DC, The Royal Sonesta Washington DC and Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
Giving Back Throughout the Season: The DowntownDC Foundation will continue its Hope for the Holidays campaign, helping provide essential items, meals and winter kits to those in need. Additionally, Frosted at Franklin Park will partner with WPGC 95.5 FM for a Live Broadcast and Community Coat Drive on December 5, offering visitors another opportunity to spread warmth and holiday cheer throughout the community.
"The DowntownDC Holiday Market is one of the many traditions that brings our community together during the holiday season," said Gerren Price, President and CEO of the DowntownDC BID. "We're excited to welcome visitors back for our 22nd season with even more time to shop, celebrate and connect with the local makers and small businesses that make Downtown DC so special. From the Holiday Market to the many events and experiences happening throughout Downtown, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season."
“Part of what makes us the best city in the world is our Downtown. It is clean, green, and beautiful, and it’s a place that brings residents from all eight wards together with visitors from around the world,” said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We’re grateful for all the visitors that our Downtown welcomed over the summer, and now we’re excited about the holiday market. So, make a plan to come visit, support local businesses, and enjoy the holiday season.”
“Returning with an exceptional lineup of local makers and artisans, this year’s market offers something special for everyone while supporting local, sustainable craftsmanship. Now more than ever, shopping small is vital to uplifting our local creators and protecting their livelihoods. Join us in the heart of downtown D.C., bring your friends and family to sing along, shop one-of-a-kind items, celebrate the holiday magic, and create lasting holiday memories!” said Tiz Indelicato, co-founder of The Makers Show.
Produced in partnership with The Makers Show, the official market operator for the third consecutive year, the DowntownDC Holiday Market continues its mission of celebrating local creativity, supporting small businesses and fostering community through thoughtfully curated retail experiences.
Admission is free and open to the public. Market hours are 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 closest Metro station is Gallery Place-Chinatown, accessible via the Red, Green and Yellow lines, with access from the 7th and F Street NW exit.
The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Events DC. Sponsorships through the DowntownDC Foundation, the BID’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, help support community events, parks and public spaces, and homeless services throughout the DowntownDC community.
For media interested in attending the market or to arrange interviews with DowntownDC BID officials, please email Shelby at downtowndcbid@lindarothpr.com. All high-res photos and B-roll can be found HERE. 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.
About 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.
About The Makers Show
Bringing over two decades of placemaking and retail experience, Founders Julie Feltman and Tiziana Indelicato created The Makers Show (TMS) as a mixed-use retail market platform rooted in social justice. Since its inception in 2020, TMS has produced over a dozen large-scale markets across New York, Boston, and Washington D.C., working closely with city officials and real estate developers. Key markets include The Makers Show at City Point Brooklyn, Snowport Holiday Market, Seaport Summer Market, and The DowntownDC Holiday Market. Driven by a mission to advance equity and community investment, TMS supports local economies by prioritizing sustainable materials and uplifting businesses owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and other historically underrepresented groups. At its core, TMS champions shopping local by creating vibrant, immersive marketplaces designed to engage, delight, and inspire. @themakersshow www.themakersshow.com
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