Black Friday is over, Cyber Monday is long gone, and the holiday season is officially upon us, for better or for worse. So whether you’ve planned for it or not, your gift-giving is about to commence. In case you’ve slacked off this season, we’ve found the best places for you to go and get your shopping on. Because nothing gets you in the holiday spirit more than frantically running around looking for the perfect gift for your far-from-perfect person hours before St. Nick is supposed to be coming down the chimney and eating your food.
From now until December 31st, head over to Main Street at the Eastern Market and check out crafts and special offerings from local and small businesses from around Capitol Hill. There are also special events happening every weekend, including a caroling marathon and a Holiday Maker’s Mart at East City Bookshop, both on December 10th.
Urbane Society is hosting a pop up shop in the Embassy Row Hotel from December 7th-15th. Grab a cocktail and browse through local jewelry, art clothing, and more.
Transformer Holiday Market and Party
Transformer is hosting their first holiday market and party Saturday, December 16. If you want to get a D.C. gift that will make someone’s living room look better and more D.C. while supporting D.C. artists, it doesn’t get more D.C. than this.
Every Saturday until Christmas, BZB International is hosting a holiday gift and art show at the Shiloh Family Life Center in Shaw, where you can shop crafts and and handmade items from more than 60 local vendors selling everything from Christmas cards to ornaments.
Head over to Union Market on December 9th and 10th for a pop up installation by local artist Julia Chon, otherwise known as Kimchi Juice. Her original characters will be featured on totes, pins, t-shirts, and other collectible gift items.
Glen’s Garden Market’s Dupont location is hosting a holiday themed pop up every weekend from now until the weekend before Christmas. Each weekend has a rotating selection of local vendors selling everything from hot sauce to gluten free cookies.
GLOW, Georgetown’s public light installation, is hosting a GLOW all night shopping event on December 14th from 5-9 p.m. More than 60 Georgetown retailers will be open late to host pop-up events, collection launches, giveaways, and more – make sure to look out for Christmas carolers and free pedicab rides all night.
Stop by the Apollo on H Street between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on December 10th and browse gift offering from dozens of local retailers and artisans. This Yelp-hosted event is also complete with swag bags, complimentary treats, and free activities like a DIY cupcake bar.
Head over to this holiday extravaganza at 8th and F Street NW any time between now and December 23rd and pick up anything your heart desires. From jewelry and crafts to books and clothes, there’s something for everyone at the Downtown Holiday Market. If you want to stick around for a little while, you can also grab a bit to eat or see one of the performers they’ve booked.
This Dupont Christmas mini-market at the Heurich House Museum is both a shopping experience and a chance to see one of the DC’s coolest museums with its halls decked. Each week’s “mini markt” revolves around a different theme, whether it be supplies to decorate your home, children’s toys, or food and serving ware. The three sessions in December run from 5-8 p.m. on Friday the 8th, 15th, and 22nd.
Where else can you shop for Christmas presents, drink a beer, and pick out the perfect Christmas tree? Winterfest runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between now and the 17th at NoMa’s Wunder Garden, and they’ve really got something for everyone. From an on-site Pop Up Cafe to DIY workshops and live music, Winterfest is your one-stop shop for, well, everything.
Every weekend in December (until the Saturday before Christmas), Alexandria’s Carlyle District will turn into a European style Christmas market. Each weekend features a rotating selection of vendors, live music, and food, so be sure to catch at least one weekend of this one-of-a-kind Christmas festival.
This holiday pop up on Van Ness’s Main Street showcases DC locals who make and/or design their own handcrafted goods. This pop runs every weekend in December through the 17th, and each day will feature different holiday themed activities.
The Black Cat’s annual rock ‘n’ roll garage sale is back for the 20th straight year. Whether you’re looking for a hard-to-find vinyl or a special piece of vintage tour merch, this music/craft/merch/garage sale has you covered.
