DowntownDC Holiday Market returns for its 22nd season with 120 vendors

The DowntownDC Holiday Market opened on Friday (November 13) for its 22nd season. Running 40 days through December 23, the market turns F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets into a festive open-air marketplace with 120 vendors, seasonal food and beverages, and live entertainment. Admission is free.

16 new vendors; 90% from underrepresented small businesses

Sixteen new vendors join the lineup this year, including Laura's Raw Honey, a third-generation beekeeping family; District Candle Lab and Fawne, a Washington, D.C.-based pairing of custom candles with charm jewelry; and Stained Glass by Kib, a family-owned stained-glass business. About 90 percent of this year's vendors are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and women-owned small businesses, organizers said, reflecting the market's commitment to independent creators and local entrepreneurship.

Food, a winter chalet and a tree lighting

Fifteen food and beverage vendors are on site, including DOLCE's hazelnut marshmallow hot chocolate, Lucky Danger's dumplings and Fireside Eats' hand-breaded chicken tenders. The Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit returns with seasonal cocktails and festive drinks. Nearby, CityCenterDC holds its annual holiday tree lighting on Saturday (November 14) with headliner JoJo; the 78-foot tree lights up at 6 p.m.

The market is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is closed on Thanksgiving Day. The closest Metro station is Gallery Place-Chinatown. The DowntownDC Foundation will continue its Hope for the Holidays campaign during the season, providing essentials, meals and winter kits to people in need.

Source: DowntownDC Business Improvement District press release. The market is operated by The Makers Show, in its third consecutive year.