The popular Downtown Holiday Market is coming to an end!
Downtown’s Holiday Market came back to the city newer and better than ever but it’s now time to say goodbye. The popular outdoor shopping village will be closing on Wednesday, December 23 but you can still make your way to the magical market with new COVID-19 measures in place.
This year, the 16th Annual Downtown Holiday Market is hosting more than 70 vendors including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses selling holiday gifts, ornaments and more.
At the “Made in D.C.” Pop-Up, you’ll be able to explore a range of collectibles from the city’s finest artisans and crafters, all the way from produced goods to sustainable trinkets certified “Made in D.C.” while at the District of Fashion’s Holiday Booth you’ll find the award-winning fashion collective debuting fashion lines including female designers Shari Henri, Abram’s Wearable, luxury menswear from Andrew Nowell, contemporary fashion designer Shafei Han and eclectic selections from Ida’s Idea.
This year’s Black-owned and POC-owned vendors include TEAM-based artwork from P.A.I.N.T.S. Institute, eco-friendly soy candles from a brother-trio at Freres Branchiaux Candle Company and a selection of handcrafted wooden watches and accessories from Mistura Woodcoholics among others.
There are also plenty of snacks and hot beverages to keep you warm and cozy while you make your way through the Downtown market in search of your holiday goodies. The market’s popular cinnamon-dusted churros and hot donuts are making a comeback along with new vendors like the Taste of Germany, Alexa’s Empanadas, The Capital Candy Jar and many more.
Downtown Holiday Market’s new virtual experiences include a giant awe-inspiring lumina projection show by artist Zak Forrest titled “Chroma” blanketed on the National Portrait Gallery and a jumbotron screen replacing the markets center stage and where you’ll be able to watch all kinds of holiday performances and short movies. The market has also partnered with ARTECHOUSE DC to launch a first-of-its-kind interactive Mixed Reality Activation adventure that shoppers can use with their smartphones and that will unveil all kinds of secret Instagrammable surprises!
To ensure the safety of all visitors and vendors alike, the Downtown Holiday Market will be moving out of its usual sidewalk set up and on to the street, taking over 2 blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW. The new set up will allow for increased circulation and safe social distancing. Organizers have also laid out a one-way path with a single entryway located on the sidewalk of F Street NW in front of the National Portrait Gallery.
In addition, all visitors, staff and vendors will be required to wear masks and other PPE at all times and hand sanitizing stations will be widely available, and easily accessed throughout the market.
The Downtown Holiday Market will remain open until December 23 and will operate daily from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., so make sure to pop on by before it closes!
See also: This Wonderful Christmas Pop-Up Bar Is Returning To DC This Year
[Featured image courtesy of Downtown DC BID]