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Best Holiday Shopping in Washington, DC (2026)

Local gift shops, museum stores, holiday markets and nearby shopping trips, sorted by neighborhood.

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Best Holiday Shopping in Washington, DC (2026)

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DC is a much better gift-shopping city than its reputation for museums and monuments suggests. You've got more than 300 local makers stocked in one shop, a 70-year-old family boutique in Georgetown, and museum stores that sell things you won't find anywhere else.

For one good day, start around Eastern Market or Union Market, since both pack a lot into a short walk. Downtown is the pick for holiday atmosphere, with the F Street market a few blocks from the museum shops and the luxury stores at CityCenterDC. Old Town Alexandria is the best trip outside the District. Just remember both big outdoor markets close for good on December 23.

Updated November 2026.

Washington, DC Holiday Shopping at a Glance

PlaceNeighborhoodBest for
DowntownDC Holiday MarketPenn QuarterThe big festive market, free to enter
DC Holiday Market at Dupont CircleDupont CircleA smaller market paired with neighborhood shops
Heurich House Christmas MarktDupont CircleBuying directly from DC makers, four days only
Eastern MarketCapitol HillWeekend art and craft stalls plus a food hall
Hill's KitchenCapitol HillPeople who actually cook
Labyrinth Games & PuzzlesCapitol HillBoard games and jigsaws
East City BookshopCapitol HillBooks for adults and kids
RelumeCapitol HillVintage finds and make-your-own gifts
RewildCapitol Hill, ShawPlants and pots
Groovy DCCapitol HillCards, wrap and barware
Library of Congress StoreCapitol HillReaders and history buffs
Steadfast SupplyNavy YardOne stop for a mixed list
Shop Made in DCUnion Market, Georgetown, The WharfGifts actually made here
Salt & SundryUnion Market, Logan CircleHost and home gifts
Three LittlesUnion MarketBabies and toddlers
A. LitteriUnion MarketItalian pantry gifts
Brookland Arts WalkBrooklandBuying from working studios
Teaism Tea ShopPenn QuarterTea and ceramics
Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery StorePenn QuarterArt-minded gifts near the F Street market
National Building Museum ShopJudiciary SquareArchitecture and design lovers
National Gallery of Art ShopsNational MallArt books and prints
Roanoke Museum StoreNational MallWork by Native artisans
White House History ShopLafayette SquareThe official 2026 ornament
Present Perfect at Planet WordFranklin SquareWord nerds and puzzle people
CityCenterDCDowntownDesigner labels
Jenni Bick Custom JournalsDupont CirclePersonalized journals and good pens
KramersDupont CircleA bookstore you can eat in
The Chocolate HouseDupont CircleChocolate from around the world
Urban DwellAdams MorganSmall gifts, wrapped on the spot
Lost City BooksAdams MorganUsed books and DC-made merch
SOM Records14th StreetVinyl, including go-go
GoodWoodU StreetVintage and home finds
Georgetown ShopsGeorgetownA classic shopping-street afternoon
The PhoenixGeorgetownJewelry, clothing and home splurges
Proper TopperCathedral HeightsCurated gift boxes
Politics and ProseUpper Northwest, Union Market, The WharfSerious readers
Child's Play Toys & BooksChevy Chase DCKids' toys and books
Old Town AlexandriaAlexandria, VAThe best day trip for independent shops
TabletopTakoma Park, MDColorful home gifts
Tysons Corner CenterTysons, VAFinishing a long list indoors
Tysons GalleriaMcLean, VALuxury shopping under one roof
Fashion Centre at Pentagon CityArlington, VAA mall on the Metro
Tanger National HarborNational Harbor, MDOutlet shopping
43 shops and markets. Some have more than one branch, so the map shows 52 locations.

Holiday Markets Worth Shopping

DC has two long-running outdoor markets and one short, ticketed fair. The two big ones are separate events in different neighborhoods, and both finish December 23. For drinks after, see our DC Christmas bars guide. Our DC Christmas markets guide covers the embassy fairs and one-day markets too.

DowntownDC Holiday Market

DowntownDC Holiday Market

F St NW between 7th and 9th Sts NW, Washington, DC 20004

The classic. 121 vendors line F Street outside the Portrait Gallery, selling art, jewelry, ceramics and food, and there's a Winter Chalet bar from Dirty Habit for warming up. Live acts play the main stage Thursday to Sunday from November 19. Go on a weeknight if you actually want to shop. Details: F St NW between 7th and 9th Sts. Nov 13–Dec 23. Mon–Thu noon–8, Fri–Sat 11–9, Sun 11–8. Closed Nov 26. Free. Dogs welcome. Metro: Gallery Place.

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

A smaller, easier market on a closed block of New Hampshire Avenue, with 35-plus small businesses selling handmade gifts and holiday treats. Exhibitors change partway through the season, so a second visit in December won't look the same as your first. It pairs well with Jenni Bick and The Chocolate House. Details: 1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW, between Q St and the Circle. Nov 12–Dec 23. Mon–Fri noon–8, Sat–Sun 11–8. Closed Nov 26 and Nov 30. Free. Metro: Dupont Circle.

Heurich House Christmas Markt

Heurich House Christmas Markt

1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

The one to pick if buying directly from makers matters most. Every vendor is local, chosen by a jury, and the lineup changes daily, so check who's there before you go. It's held in the garden of the Heurich mansion and funds a big piece of the museum's budget. The house itself is closed during the market. Details: 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW. Dec 3–6. Thu–Fri 4–8, Sat noon–8, Sun noon–6. Adults from $13 online or $15 at the door, kids $2, with pay-what-you-can options. Tickets work any day, and wristbands get you back in.

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Capitol Hill, Union Market and Navy Yard Shops

This is DC's deepest stretch for gift shopping. Capitol Hill is the better weekend walk, since the stalls at Eastern Market only come out Saturday and Sunday. Union Market works best Tuesday through Saturday, because A. Litteri is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Eastern Market

Eastern Market

225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

The best single starting point in the city. The indoor hall has butchers, bakers and cheese, and on weekends artists and craftspeople set up outside with prints, jewelry and handmade gifts. Several shops below are within a few blocks, so it's easy to fill a whole morning here. Details: 225 7th St SE. Indoor: Tue–Sat 8–6, Sun 8–5, closed Mon. Outdoor stalls: Sat–Sun 9–4. Metro: Eastern Market.

Hill's Kitchen

Hill's Kitchen

713 D St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

A real kitchen store a few steps from the Metro, stocking Staub, Emile Henry and Lodge cast iron plus baking gear and small tools. It's where to buy for someone who cooks a lot and already owns the basics. It also runs classes, which make an easy gift for a person with a full kitchen. Details: 713 D St SE.

Labyrinth Games & Puzzles

Labyrinth Games & Puzzles

645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

DC's main board game shop, with modern strategy games, party games, jigsaws, LEGO and collectible cards. Tell the staff how many people will play and how serious they are, and they'll point you to something good. It shares a building with East City Bookshop, so do both. Details: 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE. Tue, Thu–Fri 11–10, Wed 11–9, Sat–Sun 10–7. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

East City Bookshop

East City Bookshop

645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE #100, Washington, DC 20003, USA

A friendly neighborhood bookstore with a strong kids' section and plenty of small bookish gifts for filling out a present. If you've got a mix of adults and children on your list, this is the easiest stop on the Hill. Details: 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Suite 100.

Relume

Relume

760 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

A woman-owned shop that started as an Etsy candle business and now stocks vintage pieces and goods from more than 150 small businesses. The fun part is the Craft Café in the store, where you can make your own candle or charm jewelry. Grab a Blind Date with a Book while you're here. Details: 760 C St SE. Weekdays noon–8, weekends 10–6.

Rewild

Rewild

232 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

A plant shop with knowledgeable staff and good pots. Go with a sense of how much light the recipient gets, or skip the plant and buy a pot, which is much easier to carry around. The Capitol Hill shop is right by Eastern Market. Details: Capitol Hill: 232 7th St SE, Mon–Thu 11–7, Fri–Sat 10–8, Sun 10–6. Shaw: 1924 8th St NW, Suite 100, Mon–Fri 11–7, Sat–Sun 10–6.

Groovy DC

Groovy DC

321 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

The Capitol Hill stop for everything that goes with the gift: cards, wrap, ribbon and party supplies. There's also barware, candles, frames and local souvenirs, including work from local artists. It's a block from Eastern Market, so it's an easy last stop before you head home. Details: 321 7th St SE.

Library of Congress Store

Library of Congress Store

10 1st St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

A bookish gift shop inside one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington, which is the real reason to go. You need a free timed ticket to get in, so plan it as a proper visit. Thursday evenings are the best bet, when the Library stays open until 8. Details: 10 First St SE, first floor. Tue–Wed and Fri–Sat 10–5, Thu 10–8. Closed Sun–Mon.

Steadfast Supply

Steadfast Supply

301 Tingey St SE, Suite 120, Washington, DC 20003

A gift shop at The Yards built around independent makers, with cards, home goods, kids' clothes and accessories. It's a good one-stop shop if you've got several very different people to buy for. Not everything is local, since the makers come from all over. Details: 301 Tingey St SE, Suite 120. Metro: Navy Yard.

Shop Made in DC

Shop Made in DC

325 Morse St NE Ste 4, Washington, DC 20002, USA

The easiest answer to "something actually from here." The shop stocks goods from more than 300 local makers, including art, jewelry, candles, paper goods and food. There are three branches and the selection varies, so call ahead if you're after one particular maker. Details: Union Market: 325 Morse St NE, Retail 4. Georgetown: 1304 Wisconsin Ave NW. The Wharf: 10 District Square SW.

Salt & Sundry

Salt & Sundry

1301 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

DC's best shop for a host gift. Think ceramics, glassware, linens, candles and jewelry from more than 200 independent brands, most of them women-owned. It's pricier than a typical gift shop, so buy one nice thing. The Union Market shop is the original. Details: Union Market: 1301 4th St NE. Logan Circle: 1625 14th St NW. Union Market is open Sat 11–7, Sun 11–6.

Three Littles

Three Littles

1260 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

A Union Market baby shop that recently moved into a bigger space, with gender-neutral clothes, toys, hats and teethers from brands with ethical practices. It also has one of the area's biggest ranges of strollers and car seats, though a new parent will probably want to pick those out themselves. Stick to something small and pretty. Details: 1260 4th St NE. Tue–Sun 11–6. Closed Mondays.

A. Litteri

A. Litteri

517 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA

An Italian grocery that's been around since 1926 and on Morse Street since 1932. It's the place to build your own gift basket out of pasta, olive oil and tinned goods. Save it for the end of your walk if you're buying anything cold. Details: 517 Morse St NE. Tue–Wed 8–4, Thu 8–5, Fri–Sat 8–6. Closed Sun–Mon.

Brookland Arts Walk

Brookland Arts Walk

716 Monroe St NE, Washington, DC 20017

A promenade of 27 studios at Monroe Street Market, with ceramics, prints, leather goods, candles and more, often sold by the person who made them. Many studios open Saturdays from 10 to 4, but hours vary. The best day to go is Yalda Bazar on December 6, with more than 30 food and art vendors. Details: 716 Monroe St NE. Yalda Bazar: Sun, Dec 6, noon–4, free. Metro: Brookland-CUA.

Downtown and National Mall Shops

DC's museum stores are some of its best gift shops, and most of them sit close to the F Street market. Do them before the market, while your hands are free. Entry rules vary, so check each one below. For the CityCenterDC tree lighting and the rest of downtown's displays, see our DC Christmas lights guide.

Teaism Tea Shop

Teaism Tea Shop

400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

A small shop a few doors from the Teaism restaurant, selling loose-leaf tea, teapots, handmade ceramics and brewing gear. A tin of good tea and a nice cup is an easy gift that won't take up room in anyone's apartment. The staff will help you choose. Details: 400 8th St NW. Daily 11–6.

Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery Store

Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery Store

8th and G Sts NW, Washington, DC 20001

The closest museum store to the F Street market, shared by both museums. It sells artist-designed jewelry, scarves, art books, kids' games and creative kits. Admission is free, and the museum's hours run later than most, so it's easy to pair with an evening at the market. Details: 8th and G Sts NW, first floor near the G Street lobby. Daily 11:30–7.

National Building Museum Shop

National Building Museum Shop

401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

The shop for anyone who likes architecture, cities or design, with books, games and building-themed gifts for kids. You don't need a ticket for the shop or the huge Great Hall, which is worth seeing anyway. Note the unusual schedule before you plan your day. Details: 401 F St NW. Thu–Mon 10–5. Closed Tue–Wed, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Free. Metro: Judiciary Square.

National Gallery of Art Shops

National Gallery of Art Shops

6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

Three shops across the museum. The Concourse Shop between the two buildings is the big one, with art books, prints, home goods and children's activities. The East Building shop leans toward modern artists. You can also order custom prints at kiosks in the shops. Admission is free. Details: National Mall. West Building shop near the 6th Street entrance, Concourse and East Building shops on the Concourse level.

Roanoke Museum Store

Roanoke Museum Store

4th St and Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560

The store at the National Museum of the American Indian sells jewelry, textiles and other work by Native artisans, plus books, toys and souvenirs. Ask who made a piece and where it comes from, because that's what makes it special. Admission to the museum is free. Details: 4th St and Independence Ave SW. Daily 10–5:30. Closed Dec 25.

White House History Shop

White House History Shop

1610 H St NW, Washington, DC 20006

Go for the official 2026 White House Christmas ornament, which marks America's 250th anniversary and is the kind of gift families collect every year. There are also books, tabletop pieces and other history gifts. Note that the H Street shop only opens on weekdays. Details: 1610 H St NW, Mon–Fri 9–5, closed federal holidays. Visitor Center shop: 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, daily 7:30–4, closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24–25 and Jan 1.

Present Perfect at Planet Word

Present Perfect at Planet Word

925 13th Street Northwest Entrance on, K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA

The gift shop at DC's museum of language, with books, word games, puzzles and cards for writers, teachers and crossword people. Museum entry is free with a timed pass and a suggested $15 donation. Book a pass and make a visit of it, since the museum is good for families. Details: 925 13th St NW, entrance on K St. Mon, Wed–Fri 10–5, Sat–Sun 10–6. Closed Tuesdays and Nov 26.

CityCenterDC

CityCenterDC

10th and H Sts NW, Washington, DC 20001

DC's luxury shopping block, with Hermès, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany and more around a few pedestrian alleys. It's also one of downtown's best holiday backdrops, with a 78-foot tree and 20-foot reindeer. The tree lighting moved up this year to November 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. Details: 10th and H Sts NW. Tree lighting in the park at 11th St and New York Ave NW, program at 6 p.m., free.

Dupont, 14th Street, U Street and Adams Morgan Shops

This stretch is better for specialists than one-stop shopping: journals, chocolate, used books and records. It's a long walk from end to end, so pick Dupont or Adams Morgan unless you've got the whole afternoon.

Jenni Bick Custom Journals

Jenni Bick Custom Journals

1300 Connecticut Ave NW #101, Washington, DC 20036, USA

A paper lover's shop stocked with Leuchtturm, Traveler's, Hobonichi and Moleskine notebooks, plus LAMY and Kaweco pens. The draw is personalization: they'll add a name or initials to a journal while you wait. Expect a queue close to Christmas, so go early if it's a must-have. Details: 1300 Connecticut Ave NW. Daily 10–7:30.

Kramers

Kramers

1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

The Dupont institution, open since 1976 and one of the first bookstore cafés in the city. Browse the shelves, then sit down for a meal or a drink once your shopping is done. It's the natural last stop after the Dupont market. Details: 1517 Connecticut Ave NW.

The Chocolate House

The Chocolate House

1904 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

A small 18th Street shop carrying hundreds of chocolate bars and confections from makers around the world. Skip the big box and put together a few bars around a theme, like one country or a single flavor. It's light, easy to pack and hard to get wrong. Details: 1904 18th St NW. Mon, Wed–Thu noon–6, Fri–Sat noon–7, Sun noon–5. Closed Tuesdays.

Urban Dwell

Urban Dwell

1837 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

A veteran-owned Adams Morgan gift shop with home goods, accessories, stationery, kitchen pieces and baby gifts, including Jellycat plush. It's an easy pick for colleagues and in-laws, and it offers gift wrap too. It's also open later than most small shops on this list. Details: 1837 Columbia Rd NW. Mon–Fri 11–8, Sat 10–8, Sun 11–6.

Lost City Books

Lost City Books

2467 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

An Adams Morgan bookstore that sells new and used books, plus its own totes, mugs, tees and enamel pins. Used books make a nice gift when you find the right one, so bring a couple of authors or subjects in mind. It's open late and only a few minutes from Urban Dwell. Details: 2467 18th St NW. Mon–Sat 10–9, Sun 10–8.

SOM Records

SOM Records

1843 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

A below-street-level record shop with new, used, imported and rare vinyl across rock, soul, funk, reggae and go-go. For a DC gift, ask about go-go, though it sells fast. There's a turntable for listening before you buy and a $1 bin if you just want to dig. It has stairs. Details: 1843 14th St NW. Mon–Sat noon–7, Sun noon–6.

GoodWood

GoodWood

1428 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

A U Street shop for vintage and modern furniture, art, rugs, textiles and vintage jewelry. The furniture won't fit in a stocking, so look for small pieces instead. Vintage jewelry or a piece of art is the way to go. Stock changes, which is half the fun. Details: 1428 U St NW. Daily noon–6.

Georgetown and Upper Northwest Shops

Georgetown is DC's traditional shopping neighborhood, and the place to go for a mix of big names and older independents. The Upper Northwest stops are excellent but spread out, so plan on a car or a bus between them.

Georgetown Shops

Georgetown Shops

Wisconsin Ave NW and M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are still DC's classic shopping streets, with national brands like Uniqlo mixed in with boutiques and Le Labo for fragrance. The neighborhood's best holiday day is December 5, when the Embassy of Sweden hosts its House of Sweden Holiday Market. Wear decent shoes, since Wisconsin climbs. Details: Anchor at Wisconsin Ave and M St NW. House of Sweden Holiday Market: Dec 5. No Metro in Georgetown; Foggy Bottom is the closest station.

The Phoenix

The Phoenix

1514 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA

A family-run Georgetown boutique, founded in 1955 after the owners' trips to Mexico and now in its third generation. It sells clothing, Mexican silver, fine jewelry, ceramics and home pieces. If you don't know someone's size, go for jewelry or something for the house. It's a few blocks up from M Street, and worth the walk. Details: 1514 Wisconsin Ave NW.

Proper Topper

Proper Topper

3322 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA

A longtime DC gift shop, now on Wisconsin Avenue in Cathedral Heights, selling accessories, books, toys and home gifts. Its curated gift boxes are the thing to buy here, especially if you're stuck on a new parent or an aunt who has everything. It's not near anything else, so make it a planned stop. Details: 3322 Wisconsin Ave NW.

Politics and Prose

Politics and Prose

5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA

DC's best-known independent bookstore. The Connecticut Avenue flagship is the one to visit, with deep shelves, a cafe called The Den and a real neighborhood feel. The Union Market and Wharf branches are smaller but easier to fit into a shopping day. Ask about signed copies. Details: Flagship: 5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Mon–Sat 9–9, Sun 10–8. Union Market: 1324 4th St NE, daily 10–8. The Wharf: 610 Water St SW, Mon–Fri 10–8, Sat 9–8, Sun 10–8.

Child's Play Toys & Books

Child's Play Toys & Books

5536 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015, USA

A Chevy Chase toy shop with creative toys, hands-on activities and children's books, a nice change from the big toy aisles. Come with the child's age and what they're into at the moment. It's a short trip up Connecticut from Politics and Prose, so the two make a good pairing. Details: 5536 Connecticut Ave NW. Call for holiday hours.

Virginia and Maryland Shopping Trips

These are all outside the District. Old Town and Takoma Park are the trips to make for independent shops. The malls and outlets are here for when you need to knock out a long list in one go.

Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria

1117 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

The best shopping day outside DC. Start on King Street at Penny Post for pens, cards and journals, then hit Red Barn Mercantile for home gifts and Jellycat. Finish at the Torpedo Factory by the water, where you can buy straight from artists in their studios. Plaid Friday is November 27. Details: Penny Post: 1201 King St. Red Barn Mercantile: 1117 King St. Torpedo Factory: 105 N Union St, daily 10–6, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas, studio hours vary. Metro: King St-Old Town.

Tabletop

Tabletop

6927 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912, USA

A cheerful shop on Takoma Park's Laurel Avenue with colorful home goods, jewelry, paper gifts and kids' items. It used to be in Dupont, and it's now a nice reason to spend an hour in Old Takoma. Sundays are short, so go on a Saturday. Details: 6927 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD. Mon–Sat 10–6, Sun 10–3. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Metro: Takoma.

Tysons Corner Center

Tysons Corner Center

1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA 22102, USA

The big one. If your list is all clothes, tech and familiar brands, this is the most efficient place to get through it, and almost all of it is indoors. A pedestrian bridge connects the mall to the Silver Line, so you can skip the parking. Details: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA. Metro: Tysons.

Tysons Galleria

Tysons Galleria

2001 International Dr, McLean, VA 22102, USA

The luxury mall across the road from Tysons Corner Center, with Neiman Marcus and designer boutiques under one roof. It's a better bet than CityCenterDC on a cold or wet day. Stores have changed recently, so check the directory if you're after a specific brand. The two malls don't connect indoors. Details: 2001 International Dr, McLean, VA.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA

The simplest mall trip if you're staying in DC without a car, since the Metro lets you off right at the mall. It's anchored by Macy's and Nordstrom, with Sephora, LEGO and the other usual names. Don't confuse it with Pentagon Row next door. Details: 1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA. Metro: Pentagon City.

Tanger National Harbor

Tanger National Harbor

6800 Oxon Hill Rd, National Harbor, MD 20745, USA

Outlets for brand-name clothing and accessories, best if you already know what you want. It's an outdoor center, so dress for the walk between stores. It sits apart from the National Harbor waterfront, so you'll need a short ride to combine the two. Details: 6800 Oxon Hill Rd, National Harbor, MD.

DC Holiday Shopping Calendar

2026 dateEventWhereGood to know
Nov 12–Dec 23DC Holiday MarketDupont CircleFree, closed Nov 26 and 30
Nov 13–Dec 23DowntownDC Holiday MarketF Street NWFree, closed Nov 26
Nov 14CityCenterDC tree lighting11th St and New York Ave NWFree, 5–8 p.m.
Nov 21Macy's Holiday Windows unveilingMetro CenterFree to see from the street
Nov 27Plaid FridayOld Town AlexandriaSmall-business shopping day
Nov 28Small Business SaturdayCitywideOffers vary by shop
Dec 3–6Heurich House Christmas MarktDupont CircleTicketed
Dec 5House of Sweden Holiday MarketGeorgetownCheck the embassy for hours
Dec 6Yalda BazarBrookland Arts WalkFree, noon–4

What to Buy and Where

Shopping forWhere to go
A hostSalt & Sundry, Teaism Tea Shop, A. Litteri
A serious readerPolitics and Prose, East City Bookshop, Lost City Books, Kramers
A writer or planner personJenni Bick, Penny Post
A kidLabyrinth, Child's Play, National Building Museum Shop
A new parentThree Littles, Proper Topper
A home cookHill's Kitchen, A. Litteri
A music loverSOM Records
A DC loverShop Made in DC, White House History Shop, Library of Congress Store
An art loverNational Gallery of Art Shops, Roanoke Museum Store, Brookland Arts Walk
Someone with expensive tasteCityCenterDC, Tysons Galleria, The Phoenix

Three DC Shopping Routes

Pick one and leave time for lunch.

Eastern Market, on a weekend. Start at Hill's Kitchen by the Metro, then Labyrinth and East City Bookshop. Walk to Eastern Market for the outdoor stalls, then finish on 7th Street at Groovy DC and Rewild, with Relume a short walk away. Allow a relaxed half day.

Union Market, Tuesday to Saturday. Begin at Shop Made in DC on Morse Street, then walk 4th Street for Salt & Sundry, Politics and Prose and Three Littles. Finish at A. Litteri so anything cold gets home quickly. Allow two to three hours.

Downtown, Thursday to Monday. Start at the National Building Museum Shop, then head to the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery store. Get to the F Street market as it's getting dark, and finish at CityCenterDC for the lights. Allow an afternoon and an evening.

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Frequently asked questions

When do the DC holiday markets open in 2026?
The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle opens November 12, and the DowntownDC Holiday Market on F Street opens November 13. Both run through December 23 and close on Thanksgiving. The Dupont market also closes November 30.
Where is the best holiday shopping in Washington, DC?
Eastern Market and the Capitol Hill shops around it are the best all-around pick, especially on a weekend. Union Market is close behind for home gifts, books and food. Go downtown for museum stores, the F Street market and designer shopping.
Where can I buy gifts made in DC?
Shop Made in DC is the simplest answer, with more than 300 local makers across three shops. Heurich's Christmas Markt is all local makers, and the Eastern Market stalls and Brookland Arts Walk let you buy from the people who made the work.
Are the DC holiday markets free?
The DowntownDC and Dupont Circle markets are free to enter. Heurich's Christmas Markt is ticketed, with adult tickets from $13. Yalda Bazar in Brookland is free.
What are the best museum gift shops in DC?
The National Gallery of Art, National Building Museum, Roanoke Museum Store and the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery store are our top picks. The Building Museum's shop and Great Hall are free with no ticket. The Library of Congress needs a free timed ticket, and Planet Word asks for a timed pass.
Where can I go shopping in DC on a cold day?
Museum stores are the best option in the city, since you'll get a warm building and a good gift. Outside DC, Tysons Corner Center, Tysons Galleria and Fashion Centre at Pentagon City are all indoors.
Where can I shop on Christmas Eve in DC?
Not the big markets, which both end December 23. Stick to neighborhood shops and check hours first, since many close early. Penny Post in Old Town, for example, is open 10 to 4 on Christmas Eve.

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