The holiday season in the DMV transforms streets into twinkling marketplaces full of artisan goods, seasonal treats and festive cheer. Whether you want to shop handcrafted gifts, sip cocoa by a firepit or just soak in the lights, here are some standout holiday markets near DC to mark on your calendar.
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
View this post on Instagram
This is a larger regional market with over 300 vendors, specialty gift items, food and holiday vibes. Specialty food vendors sell gourmet treats perfect for gifts, and a food drive benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank is held each year. Admission is $9 for adults (children under 12 free), and one ticket covers all three days. Discount coupons and exhibitor previews are available online in October. Because it draws crowds from across Northern Virginia, it’s a destination market, so bring your list and plan to browse.
- Location: South Hall, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA
- Dates: Nov. 7-9, 2025
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Maryland Christmas Show
View this post on Instagram
Now in its 41st year, the Maryland Christmas Show is a two-weekend holiday tradition that fills seven heated buildings at the Frederick Fairgrounds. More than 250 artisans and merchants showcase fine art, pottery, jewelry, furniture, clothing, wreaths, garlands, toys and Christmas ornaments, with different vendors featured across both weekends. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes as they move between buildings. Known as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier Christmas events, the show makes shopping fun for all ages and supports the festive spirit of the season.
- Address: 797 East Patrick St., Frederick, MD
- Dates: Nov. 21-23 and Nov. 28-30, 2025
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday
- Phone: (301) 845-0003
DowntownDC Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
The DowntownDC Holiday Market has become one of the city’s signature holiday traditions, transforming F Street into a festive shopping village from late November through December. Each year, the market showcases dozens of rotating vendors featuring handcrafted gifts, art, jewelry, home décor and seasonal treats. With live entertainment, warm beverages and a central location near Gallery Place-Chinatown, it’s a perfect stop for families, holiday shoppers and anyone looking to soak up DC’s holiday spirit.
- Address: F Street NW, between 7th and 9th streets NW, Washington, DC
- Dates: Nov. 21-Dec. 23, 2025
- Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Phone: (202) 638-3232
Heurich House Christmas Markt
View this post on Instagram
Since 2013, the Heurich House Museum has curated a Christmas Markt in its Castle Garden, making it DC’s only multi-day holiday market featuring exclusively local makers. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets but highlighting DMV-based artisans, the event brings together 40-50 vendors each year. Christmas Markt is also the museum’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting its Heurich Urban Manufacturing Incubator programs, which in 2024 assisted more than 300 local small-scale manufacturing businesses. This is ideal if you prefer a boutique market experience rather than big crowds.
- Location: 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Dates: Dec. 4-7, 2025
- Hours: 4-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday; noon-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (202) 429-1894
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
Held in John Carlyle Square, this one-day (or weekend) market showcases local artisans in the heart of historic Alexandria. Free admission, artisan goods, local vendors and a festive ambiance. It’s perfect for combining holiday shopping with a walk through Old Town’s cobblestones and eateries.
- Address: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA
- Dates: Dec. 13, 2025
- Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Phone: (703) 889-0202
Tips for Visiting Holiday Markets
- Plan for peak times: Weekends in December are busiest — weekdays are calmer.
- Watch weather and shelter: Many markets are outdoors; dress warmly and check for covered walkways.
- Bring small cash and cards: Some vendors only accept one form of payment.
- Public transit is your friend: Markets like DowntownDC are close to Metro stops.
Check vendor/event info: Markets often host performances, workshops or special events on certain days.
