Downtown DC Holiday Market (Penn Quarter)
The Downtown DC Holiday Market is taking over Penn Quarter-Chinatown for year 20! This year, a new market operator, The Makers Show, has breathed new life into this DC holiday classic. This year, expect over 100 vendors, including treats, s’mores, empanadas, and more. Enjoy the Sounds of the City as live music will be available almost every day starting December 19th. Bring the kiddos to Reindeer Games, a fun area of games and activities for children. The Winter Chalet at Hotel Monaco will offer holiday-forward cocktails, and don’t forget to snap a pic at the “Chilling with My Snowmies” photo installation!
DC Holiday Market (Dupont Circle)
DC Holiday Market (formerly Downtown Market) is returning to Dupont Circle with its tradition of supporting small, local businesses. The market runs through December 23rd on the 1500 block of 19th Street NW (just above Dupont Circle Park). More than 30 local businesses, from artisan handcrafts to edible treats, will be featured, creating the perfect gift-giving opportunity. Be sure to check out Migue’s Mini Donuts and The Capital Candy Jar for a sweet treat, and to embrace the aroma of the season, pop over to Smell of Love Candles.
Holiday Market 2024 at Del Ray Artisans Gallery (Del Ray, Alexandria, VA)
The 29th Annual Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market will run from December 6–22, on Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, and Sundays 11am-5pm. Del Ray is known for its thriving art scene, and the local artisans will be showing off their finest handiwork, from mosaics to photography to pottery and even wearables like jewelry. This market will reside in the Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. In the spirit of giving, Del Ray Artisans will be collecting new (or like-new) art supplies during market hours for artists affected by Hurricane Helene. This is a free event.
Lucketts Store (Leesburg, VA)
There isn’t a place that captures the spirit of Christmas Past as well as Lucketts Store. Just outside Leesburg, Lucketts Store makes a fun day trip that’s worth the drive. Shoppers can find vintage, one-of-a-kind items, in a three-story building with outdoor pavilions housing 25 designers and vendors. The building has a history as unique as the vintage finds within it: previously a general store, a Post Office, and a family farmhouse, Lucketts Store fell into disrepair in the 90s. In 1996, it was rescued by Suzanne and Pat Eblen, where it has been thriving as a place that offers a fresh new spin on vintage furnishings. During Christmas, the Lucketts Store transforms back into a holiday farmhouse of yesteryear, and a crackling fire outside with unique holiday murals helps light the path. To address space constraints, this is a ticketed event, but tickets are not required if you are just coming to shop.
Baltimore Christmas Village (Baltimore, MD)
As far as authenticity goes, nothing compares to the Christmas village in Baltimore, which feels like a scene straight out of Germany. 2024 will mark its 11th winter on the Waterfront of the Inner Harbor from the Maryland Science Center to the Baltimore Visitor Center. Over 60 local and international vendors will take up residency in heated tents, and warm holiday drinks will bring cozy winter cheer (35 foot Glühwein tower, anyone?) Brat Summer may be over, but Bratapfel winter is just beginning, and the signature baked apple pie is now available as a unique Glühwein flavor. Don’t forget to check out an array of European staples from authentic vendors, from Schnitzel to Belgian Fries and more!
