DowntownDC Holiday Market opens on F Street with free admission

The DowntownDC Holiday Market opens Friday, November 13, offering free entry to visitors in Washington, D.C. The event takes place on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Street, directly across from the National Portrait Gallery. This marks the 22nd season for the outdoor winter market. The event will run through December 23, with the only closure scheduled for Thanksgiving on November 26.

One hundred and nineteen vendors will occupy the space, selling handmade art, home decor, clothing, and accessories. New participants this year include Laura’s Raw Honey, which sells local honey, District Candle Lab, which offers candles, and Stained Glass by Kib, a stained glass maker. Returning vendors include Gone to the Dogs and Plants & What Knot, which sells plant-based goods. Admission is free, and visitors pay only for items purchased at the stalls.

Food options are available from fifteen distinct vendors. DOLCE serves hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey’s chocolate. Lucky Danger provides dumplings filled with pork ribs, chicken, or vegetables. Fireside Eats serves breaded chicken fajitas with seasoned potatoes on a shareable tray. The Winter Chalet offers alcoholic beverages, which are available only to adults.

Live music is scheduled for performance from Thursday through Sunday. On Saturday, November 14, the market will coincide with the tree lighting ceremony at CityCenterDC. On December 5, the market hosts an event called “Frosted” at Franklin Park, which collects coats for people in need. The schedule is designed to encourage social interaction during the holiday season.

The market operates on a specific weekly schedule. From Monday to Thursday, hours are from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the market is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays, hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The location is in the 20004 zip code, providing easy access for pedestrians in the downtown area.

The event remains a staple of the winter season in the district. The combination of retail vendors, food stalls, and musical performances creates a consistent daily activity for locals and tourists. The free admission model lowers the barrier to entry, allowing visitors to browse without a required ticket price. The market will continue its operations until December 23, closing the holiday season.