November 15, 2021
Shop Local and Support More than 70+ Small Businesses Across the Region
WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 17th year starting Friday, November 19 through Thursday, December 23. 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 hours from 12:00PM to 8:00PM. Downtown Holiday Market is closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 25 and Monday, December 6. 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 70+ small businesses and local entrepreneurs. This year, we have a huge shopping advantage for those who might possibly be waiting for their gifts in the mail,” 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 a little bit of 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, Chrystylez, Clear Harmonies Carolers and Wammie-award winning Blues singer Carly Harvey & The Experience. Be sure to check out the new Macy’s STORY booth, a narrative-driven retail experience where shoppers can shop a signature blend of unique collaborations and merchandising. 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 back for its second year. Guests can utilize their smartphone using the ARTECHOUSE XR app to discover Instagrammable, holiday-themed surprises at various market locations.
Additional highlights of this year’s Downtown Holiday Market include:
- 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. This year’s features Black-owned and POC-owned vendors include handcrafted sculptures from Rayhart and Canimals, ethically sourced candles from a kidpreneur at Smell of Love Candles and a selection of handcrafted wooden watches and accessories from Mistura Woodcoholics. 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 Washington, D.C. and Dirty Habit. The package includes overnight accommodations, $30 in dining credit, two refillable holiday mugs to enjoy hot toddies and one Downtown Holiday Market voucher.
- Foodie Galore – Raved about cinnamon-dusted churros and hot donuts return, alongside new food and drink vendors include the Taste of Germany, Alexa’s Empanadas, Old Blue BBQ, The Capital Candy Jar,and Migue’s Magnificent Mini Donuts. New to this year’s market at the corner of 8th and F Street, guests can also visit Dirty Habit’s bodega and pick from a warm selection of hot toddies, mulled wine and hot cocoa to cozy up to. Need a break? Take the jolly red carpet to the luxe restaurant’s “Winter Wonderland” at the open-air patio, and enjoy light bites by the heated fire pits.
For more information about the Downtown Holiday Market including the most up-to-date exhibitors and live performers, visit www.downtowndcholidaymarket.com and follow the market online via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Spread the holiday cheer with us using the hashtags at #DowntownHolidayMarket & #SoMuchMore, and check out our photos online!
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About DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID)
The DowntownDC BID was founded in 1997 and is a private non-profit organization that provides capital improvements, resources and research that keep the BID area clean, safe, economically and environmentally strong and accessible. The BID is a catalyst, facilitator and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public/private partnerships and enhancing the DowntownDC experience for all. This special district, where property owners have agreed to tax themselves to fund services, encompasses a 138-block area of approximately 520 properties from Massachusetts Avenue on the north to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west. For more information, visit www.downtowndc.org or follow us on Twitter @downtowndcbid.
About Diverse Markets Managements (DMM)
Diverse Markets Managements is a DC-based firm specializing in the development and management of outdoor public exhibitor markets. Formed by market management professionals with expertise in the fields of arts, crafts, collectibles and antiques, DMM possesses a diverse range of skills including: special event planning and programming, public space management, vendor recruitment and management, security services and arts facility development and programming. For more information, please visit www.diversemarkets.net.