“Annual Downtown Holiday Market Returns To F Street” Today!

From a press release:

“The nationally acclaimed Downtown Holiday Market, presented by DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID and Diverse Markets Management, returns to the nation’s capital for its 18th year starting Friday, November 18 through Friday, December 23. On opening day, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser will be kicking off the market during the opening ceremony welcome beginning at 12PM. The spacious, open-air market will take place in the eclectic arts and entertainment corridor in Penn Quarter, filling up two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets, NW–steps away from the buzzing Capital One Arena and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

Admission to the Downtown Holiday Market is free and open to the public with daily hours from 12:00PM to 8:00PM. Downtown Holiday Market is closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 24 and Monday, December 5. As always, visitors can expect a range of family-friendly offerings including emerging artisan makers & crafters, returning favorite vendors, festive decor and lights, authentic German treats and local bites, and live entertainment on the mainstage for over five weeks. Visitors can purchase gift certificates online in advance, redeemable at the market.

“We are excited to be back in the heart of Washington, D.C. and continue our holiday tradition that brings so much joy, support and community for our 75+ small businesses and local entrepreneurs. This year we have an amazing shopping extravaganza for everyone,” said Michael Berman, president of Diverse Markets Management. “Our in-person shopping experience is more than just a curated selection of gifts. From live performances to interactive virtual programming, we have something for everything for everyone to enjoy.”

This year, Downtown Holiday Market’s live entertainment is back by popular demand and on the mainstage. Already scheduled to perform are King Street Bluegrass, Kentucky Avenue, Lilt and Wammie-award winning Blues singer Carly Harvey & The Experience. The market is also featuring an exciting mixture of interactive and digital experiences to the month-long programming, including ARTECHOUSE’s all-new immersive extended reality (XR) adventure throughout the market for its third consecutive year. This year, guests can utilize their smartphone using the ARTECHOUSE XR app to uncover a hidden layer of XR art at the holiday market to explore limitless creative possibilities whether visiting the market or at ARTECHOUSE’s newest holiday-themed experience, Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse.

Additional highlights of this year’s Downtown Holiday Market include:

What’s New – this year the Downtown Holiday Market encourages guests to download the new app to easily see live updates of everything happening at the market each day. Following our returning partners, our new ones include: Museum of Illusions, Alto, José Andrés, and Ford’s Theater.

Shop Black and POC-Owned – The market proudly represents a diverse community of makers and celebrates Black culture and minority-owned businesses and their work. Following past traditions, the holiday market lineup features more than 75 exhibitors including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses such as Choquette, Terratorie, Tora Mata, Kin & Care and Shade Metals. The DC Pop-Up, the District’s curated, small and locally made retail experience supported by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). To view the full directory of Black and POC-owned businesses, visit Downtown Holiday Market’s exhibitor list.

Book & Stay – Those looking to visit and explore the city, take advantage of Downtown Holiday Market’s official hotel and restaurant partner’s hotel package in collaboration with Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC and Dirty Habit. Bringing the yuletide magic into their courtyard with a celebration full of fun and festive holiday décor, outdoor fire pits, blankets, string lights to set the city festival aglow, and specialty cocktails.

Foodie Galore – returning food and beverage favorites across the market with tasty treats and hot beverages from Taste of Germany, Alexa’s Empanadas, The Capital Candy Jar, Migue’s Magnificent Mini Donuts, and more. Visit Downtown Holiday Market’s food and drink list.”