Best Christmas Markets in Washington, DC (2026)
From F Street and Dupont to embassy fairs and Virginia and Maryland, 23 Christmas markets with dates, entry and a map.
New to RoamRecs? Save these places to your own map in one tap, find them again on your phone, and share lists with friends. It’s free.
Run a business in this guide, or want yours added? Get in touch. Or get featured.
DC's Christmas markets come in a few very different sizes. There's a month-long street market on F Street, a second one in Dupont, a four-day local makers' market in a mansion garden, and embassy fairs that run for a single day. If you only do one, start on F Street. If you're shopping for someone specific, Heurich House and Del Ray Artisans are better bets.
Most of the smaller markets run for one day or one weekend, and a lot of them land on December 4–6, so it's worth checking dates before you make plans. Virginia and Maryland have their own sections below. If you want a drink or dinner after, we've got DC Christmas bars and pop-ups and the restaurants that go all out for Christmas. Our DC holiday shopping guide covers the shops around the markets.
DC Christmas Markets at a Glance
| Market | Area | 2026 dates | How to get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| DowntownDC Holiday Market | Penn Quarter | Nov 13–Dec 23, closed Nov 26 | Free, walk up |
| DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle | Dupont Circle | Nov 12–Dec 23, closed Nov 26 and 30 | Free, walk up |
| Heurich House Christmas Markt | Dupont Circle | Dec 3–6 | Ticket, from $13 |
| Great American Christmas Market | National Mall | Dec 2–3 | Free, walk up |
| Swedish Holiday Market | Georgetown | Dec 5 | Ticket, $15-$20 |
| Congressional Cemetery Holiday Market | Capitol Hill | Dec 6 | Free, walk up |
| National Arboretum Holiday Market | Northeast DC | Dec 5 | Walk up |
| Logan Holiday Market Extravaganza | Logan Circle | Dec 6 | Walk up |
| LEDC Holiday Market | Union Market | Nov 21 | Walk up |
| Chevy Chase Winter Market | Chevy Chase, DC | Dec 5 | Walk up |
| Columbia Heights Holiday Market | Columbia Heights | Dec 4 | Walk up |
| Czech Christmas Market | Van Ness | Nov 7 | Free, RSVP required |
| Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market | Alexandria, VA | Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–20 | Free, walk up |
| Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market | Alexandria, VA | Dec 12 | Free, walk up |
| Fairfax City Holiday Market | Fairfax, VA | Dec 4–6, 11–13 | Free, walk up |
| Mosaic Holiday Village Market | Merrifield, VA | Nov 21–22, Dec 12–13 | Walk up |
| Rosslyn Cheer Holiday Market | Arlington, VA | Nov 21 | Free, walk up |
| Herndon WinterMarkt | Herndon, VA | Dec 12 | Free, walk up |
| Norway House Christmas Festival & Bazaar | Fairfax, VA | Dec 4–6 | Reserve a slot |
| Northern Virginia Christmas Market | Sterling, VA | Nov 6–8 | $10 |
| National Harbor Christmas Market | National Harbor, MD | Saturdays, Nov 7–Dec 19 | Walk up |
| Silver Spring Christmas Market | Silver Spring, MD | Dec 6 | Free, walk up |
| German Christmas Market at GISW | Potomac, MD | Dec 5 | Walk up, shuttle |
Best Christmas Markets in Washington, DC
The two season-long markets are on F Street and in Dupont, and they're separate events. Everything else here runs from one to four days, so plan around the date. If you're picking up a tree at the Arboretum sale, our DC Christmas tree guide has the dates.
DowntownDC Holiday Market
F St NW between 7th and 9th, Washington, DC
If you only do one market, make it this one. F Street fills up with 120+ local vendors selling handcrafted gifts and art, and the food is a real part of it: Lucky Danger dumplings, DOLCE's hazelnut marshmallow hot chocolate, and drinks at the Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit. The main stage has live acts Thursday to Sunday starting Nov 19, there's a kids' play area next to it, and dogs are welcome. Go on a weekday to actually browse, then stay for dinner in Penn Quarter. Details: Nov 13–Dec 23, closed Thanksgiving. Mon-Thu noon–8, Fri-Sat 11–9, Sun 11–8. Free. F Street NW between 7th and 9th. Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro. Restrooms are on 8th Street behind the Winter Chalet.
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC
A much smaller market than F Street, and that's the appeal. More than 35 small businesses line New Hampshire Avenue just north of the circle, selling artisan goods, handmade gifts and sweets. You can walk it in half an hour and still make dinner, and Kramers is a few steps away. From Dec 3–6, pair it with Heurich House around the corner. Details: Nov 12–Dec 23, closed Nov 26 and 30. Weekdays noon–8, weekends 11–8. Free. 1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW. Dupont Circle Metro.
Heurich House Christmas Markt
1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
The best market in the city if you're buying gifts from local makers. Every vendor is a small local maker, with more than 40 across the four days and a different lineup each day, so a ticket's worth using twice. It's in the mansion's Castle Garden, so it's compact: grab a Glühwein or a Senate Beer, shop, and don't expect a big Christmas village. Your wristband gets you back in any day, but the house itself is closed. Details: Dec 3–6. Thu-Fri 4–8, Sat noon–8, Sun noon–6. Pay what you're able: adults from $13 online until Dec 3 at 4 p.m. and from $15 at the door, kids $2, plus a fee. $5 tickets by email at info@heurichhouse.org. 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW. Dupont Circle Metro, south exit.
Great American Christmas Market
USDA Whitten Building lawn, 1400 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC
The new one this year. USDA is closing out America's 250th with a two-day market on its front lawn along the National Mall, bringing in farmers, ranchers, artisans and makers from around the country. Expect American-made gifts, seasonal food, Christmas trees and wreaths, live entertainment and roaming carolers. It's open until 9, so it works after work or after a museum. It's a first-year event, so don't expect F Street's size. Details: Dec 2–3 (Wed-Thu), 3–9. Free. USDA Whitten Building lawn, 1400 Jefferson Dr SW. Smithsonian Metro.
Swedish Holiday Market
2900 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
House of Sweden turns into a Nordic Christmas market for one day, with crafts, Swedish glass, books, Scandinavian treats and folk music from Washington Spelmanslag. Every ticket comes with free fika. The best part is the Lucia procession at 5 on the building's steps, which is free and doesn't need a ticket, so shop in the afternoon and stay for it. Details: Dec 5. VIP hours 10–noon, $20, limited to 500 tickets. General admission noon–4, $15, last entry at 4, and everyone's out by 4:45. Kids 12 and under free. Buy online first. Bring ID and expect metal detectors. 2900 K St NW.
Congressional Cemetery Holiday Market
1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Local makers and seasonal treats on the cemetery's historic grounds, now in its fourth year. It's the one to bring the dog to, since leashed dogs are welcome, and it's an unusually pretty place to spend an hour. It's still a working cemetery, so keep it respectful. Details: Dec 6, 11–4. Free. 1801 E St SE.
National Arboretum Holiday Market & Tree Sale
New York Avenue parking lot, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC
The pick for anyone shopping for a gardener. The Friends of the National Arboretum run a morning market of plant- and garden-themed gifts from local artisans, with food trucks and fresh greenery. Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees sells trees, wreaths and garlands for longer, so you can take care of the tree at the same time. Part of the sales go back to the Friends. Details: Gift market Dec 5, 10–2, no registration needed. New York Avenue parking lot, 3501 New York Ave NE. Tree sale Nov 27–29 11–5, Nov 30–Dec 4 2–7, Dec 5–6 11–5.
Logan Holiday Market Extravaganza
1341 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
The strongest neighborhood market in DC, with more than 40 local artists and makers around 14th Street for one Sunday. Washington Men's Camerata carols from 11 to 1, there's a gift-wrap station on the patio and an ugly sweater contest from 4 to 5, and dogs are welcome. The cocoa and cider crawl runs Dec 4–6: collect four stamps and redeem your passport at the market on Sunday. Details: Dec 6, 11–5. Barrel House Cafe & Bar, 1341 14th St NW, and KBird. Spiked crawl drinks are 21+, and alcohol-free versions are available.
LEDC Holiday Market at La Cosecha
1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
A small one-day market with 12 local businesses at La Cosecha, where you can meet the owners and pick up gifts you won't see at the bigger markets. Make lunch at the food hall part of the plan. Details: Nov 21, 10–5. La Cosecha, 1280 4th St NE.
Chevy Chase Winter Market
5500 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
A small market on Connecticut Avenue, and an easy stop if you've got little kids. Elsa visits from 1 to 3, which is the time to go. Details: Dec 5, noon–5. 5500 Connecticut Ave NW.
Columbia Heights Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
1400 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC 20010
Less of a shopping trip and more of a neighborhood night out, with a tree lighting, hot cocoa, music and a few gift vendors on the Civic Plaza. Go after work, then get dinner nearby. Details: Dec 4, 5–9. Columbia Heights Civic Plaza, 1400 Park Rd NW.
Czech Christmas Market
3900 Spring of Freedom St NW, Washington, DC 20008
The season's first big market, held at the Czech Embassy. You'll find handmade ornaments and glassware, Bohemian garnet and beaded jewelry, gingerbread, South Moravian wine, mulled wine and Czech pastries. There are also live animals for selfies, kids singing Czech carols and a Christmas Star science show. You can't just walk up, so reserve first. Details: Nov 7, 9–6. Free, with an RSVP for each person. Bring your confirmation, photo ID and cash. No large bags or pets. 3900 Spring of Freedom St NW. 15–20 minute walk from Van Ness Metro.
Email me this guide
All 23 places with map links, in your inbox. No account needed.
Official pages: DowntownDC, DC Holiday Market, Heurich House, Great American Christmas Market, Swedish Holiday Market, Congressional Cemetery, Arboretum market and tree sale, Logan, LEDC, Chevy Chase, Columbia Heights, Czech Christmas Market.
Best Christmas Markets in Northern Virginia
Alexandria and Rosslyn are the easiest trips from DC. The rest are worth it if you live nearby or want a whole afternoon out of it. Fairfax City and Old Town Alexandria both have Santa at their markets; see our DC Santa guide.
Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market
2704 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
The best spot in the area for art you'd actually want to give. The Del Ray Artisans gallery fills with fine art and fine craft for three weekends, and different artists are featured each weekend, so a second visit is worth it. It's indoors, which helps on a cold day, and Mount Vernon Avenue has plenty of places to eat afterward. Details: Dec 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20. Fri 6–9, Sat 9–5, Sun 11–5. Free. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria.
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria, VA 22314
A big one-day outdoor craft fair with plenty to do beyond shopping: pictures with Santa, a kids' ornament station, carolers, a DJ and holiday food and drinks. Despite the name, it's in John Carlyle Square, not on King Street or the waterfront, so put the square into your phone. King Street's a short trip from there if you want to make a day of it. Details: Dec 12, 11–5, rain or shine. Free. John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria. Park on nearby streets or in garages. No alcohol on the grounds.
Fairfax City Holiday Market
10415 North St, Fairfax, VA 22030
A small-town market on Old Town Square, with more than 30 vendors each weekend and a new lineup from one to the next. It's the one for families, with free photos with Santa on Dec 6 and Paws and Claus, free Santa photos for dogs, on Dec 13. Bring your own camera for both. Details: Dec 4–6 and 11–13. Fri 5–8, Sat noon–6, Sun noon–5. Santa photos 1–4. Free. Old Town Square, 10415 North St, Fairfax.
Mosaic Holiday Village Market
2905 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
More than 65 local artisans set up in the Mosaic District on two separate weekends, one in November and one in December. It's a modern shopping district, not an old-world Christmas village, but that's useful with a group: whoever's done shopping can wander off to the restaurants. Details: Nov 21–22 and Dec 12–13, 11–4. 2905 District Ave, Fairfax.
Rosslyn Cheer Holiday Market
1800 N Lynn St, Arlington, VA 22209
The easiest Virginia market to reach from DC, on Central Place Plaza right by the Rosslyn Metro. It's a one-day Saturday market, so it's a quick trip across the river and a good way to start your shopping before Thanksgiving. Details: Nov 21, 10–4. Free. Central Place Plaza, 1800 N Lynn St, Arlington.
Herndon WinterMarkt
Historic downtown Herndon, VA
A German-style Christmas market in historic downtown Herndon, with holiday food and drinks, woodworking, textiles, artwork and decorations. It only runs for one Saturday, so make it the main event of your day. Leave the dog at home. Details: Dec 12, noon–6. No entrance fee. Historic downtown Herndon. No pets, except service animals.
Norway House Christmas Festival & Bazaar
3846 Meredith Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Go for the food. The Sons of Norway lodge fills its house with Norwegian gifts, textiles, baked goods, waffles and lefse, and the outdoor cafe doesn't need a reservation. Indoor shopping does, so book a slot first. Wheelchairs and strollers can't go inside, though there's a stair chairlift. Details: Dec 4–6. Public hours Fri 11–5, Sat 10–5, Sun 9–3. Reserve an indoor slot. 3846 Meredith Dr, Fairfax.
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
21050 Dulles Town Cir, Sterling, VA 20166
The early-bird option for a long gift list, with more than 200 artisans and specialty food vendors under one roof. The market has moved to Dulles Town Center in Sterling this year, so don't head to the old Chantilly location. Bring a canned food donation for $1 off. Details: Nov 6–8. Fri-Sat 10–6, Sun 10–5. $10. DTC Expo & Event Center, lower level, 21050 Dulles Town Cir, Sterling.
Official pages: Del Ray Artisans, Old Town Alexandria, Fairfax City, Mosaic, Rosslyn Cheer, Herndon WinterMarkt, Norway House, Northern Virginia Christmas Market.
Best Christmas Markets in Maryland
National Harbor is the one to build a whole evening around. If you want the full German-style village, Christmas Village in Baltimore is the day trip.
National Harbor Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
100 American Way, National Harbor, MD 20745
Every Saturday for seven weeks, rotating artisans and crafters set up on American Way with holiday sweets and seasonal treats. Come in the afternoon and stay: the 60-foot tree's light show starts at sunset and repeats every half hour until 9, and there are fireworks on Saturday evenings. The Capital Wheel and Gaylord's attractions are ticketed separately. Details: Saturdays, Nov 7–Dec 19, noon–7. 100 American Way, National Harbor.
Silver Spring Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910
A simple one-afternoon fair on Veterans Plaza, with local artisans selling handmade goods, holiday decor, jewelry, candles and specialty foods. It's pet friendly, and downtown Silver Spring is right there for lunch. Details: Dec 6, noon–4, rain or shine. Free. Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring.
German Christmas Market at the German International School
8617 Chateau Dr, Potomac, MD 20854
A traditional German Christmas market run by the school community in Potomac, and a more personal day out than the big city markets. Don't try to park at the school: use the overflow lot and take the shuttle. Details: Dec 5, 11–5. 8617 Chateau Dr, Potomac. No parking at the school or on Chateau or Kentsdale drives. Park at Bolger Center, Lot 5, 9600 Newbridge Dr, 10:45–5, and take the shuttle bus.
Official pages: National Harbor, Silver Spring, German Christmas Market.
The Day Trip: Christmas Village in Baltimore
For wooden stalls, bratwurst and a mulled-wine pyramid, give Baltimore its own day. Christmas Village has more than 70 vendors at the Inner Harbor, plus a heated festival tent, a carousel and a Ferris wheel. It also runs after DC's markets finish, through Dec 27.
It's open Nov 21–22 and Nov 26–Dec 27, Sun-Thu noon–8 and Fri-Sat noon–9. It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays except Dec 21–22, and on Christmas Day. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve are noon–5. The outdoor market is free, and the tent is free on weekdays and Nov 21–22. Select weekend days need a $5 season pass for adults 18+. West Shore Park, 501 Light St, Baltimore. Official page.
2026 Christmas Market Calendar
The F Street and Dupont markets run through most of the season. These are the dates that are easy to miss.
| When | What's on |
|---|---|
| Nov 6–8 | Northern Virginia Christmas Market. Czech market on Nov 7. National Harbor's Saturdays start Nov 7. |
| Nov 12–13 | Dupont opens Nov 12, F Street opens Nov 13. |
| Nov 21–22 | LEDC and Rosslyn on Nov 21. Mosaic both days. Baltimore's first weekend. |
| Nov 26 | F Street and Dupont are closed for Thanksgiving. Baltimore is open noon–5. |
| Dec 2–3 | Great American Christmas Market. Heurich opens Dec 3 at 4. |
| Dec 4–6 | The busiest weekend. Friday: Columbia Heights. Saturday: Swedish, Arboretum, Chevy Chase, German school. Sunday: Congressional Cemetery, Logan, Silver Spring. All weekend: Heurich, Del Ray, Fairfax, Norway House. |
| Dec 11–13 | Del Ray and Fairfax all weekend. Old Town Alexandria and Herndon on Dec 12. Mosaic both days. |
| Dec 18–23 | Del Ray's last weekend. National Harbor's last Saturday is Dec 19. F Street and Dupont finish Dec 23. Baltimore runs through Dec 27. |
Three Easy Christmas Market Days
The Dupont double, Dec 3–6. Browse the Dupont market first, then walk over to Heurich House. Heurich doesn't open until 4 on Thursday and Friday, so aim for after work.
A Swedish Saturday, Dec 5. Have lunch in Georgetown, shop the Swedish market before last entry at 4, and stay outside for the Lucia procession at 5.
A Capitol Hill Sunday, Dec 6. Start at Eastern Market, where the outdoor vendors run 9–4 every weekend, then walk about a mile east to the Congressional Cemetery market before it closes at 4.
Save every market to your map
Save this collection to RoamRecs to keep all 23 markets, dates and notes on one map.
Email me this guide
All 23 places with map links, in your inbox. No account needed.
Own or run a place in this guide? Update your info. Want your business included? Get in touch. Own a restaurant or bar here? Become a featured partner on this guide →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Christmas market in Washington, DC?
Are the DowntownDC and Dupont Circle markets the same?
Which DC Christmas markets are free?
Which market is most like a traditional German Christmas market?
Which Christmas markets are best for kids?
Are any markets open on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Related guides
Best Holiday Shopping in Washington, DC (2026)
Best Places to Buy a Christmas Tree in Washington, DC (2026)
Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Washington, DC (2026)
Best Places to See Santa in Washington, DC (2026)
Best Christmas Bars and Holiday Pop-Ups in Washington, DC (2026)
Best Christmas Markets in NYC for 2026
More in Washington
Best Ice Skating Rinks in Washington, DC for the Holidays (2026)
Best Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Washington, DC (2026)
Best First-Date Bars in Washington, DC (2026)
Great Sports Bars Around DC
Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in DC
The Best Hotels in Washington, DC, the Nation's Vibrant Capital
About the creator
The best bars, restaurants and places to go in Washington, DC. Date nights, happy hours, game days and more.
View profile →