Must-See Holiday Markets Around the DMV This Year

Mulled wine, twinkling lights and handmade gifts: your 2026 guide to the best holiday markets across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Shoppers and families browse a string-lit outdoor holiday market at dusk

The DMV’s holiday markets are back, and this year’s lineup gives you a reason to get out in every corner of the region. From downtown DC to Old Town Alexandria to Annapolis, these are the markets worth putting on your calendar this season. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, hunting for a mug of mulled cider, or just showing a new neighborhood some love, here’s where we’ll be heading.

Before you go: Dates and hours below are accurate as of publication, but markets do adjust their schedules, especially around Thanksgiving and in bad weather. Always confirm on each market’s official page before you head out.

Washington, DC

DowntownDC Holiday Market — Penn Quarter, DC

When: November 13 – December 23, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving) | Mon–Thu 12–8 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Where: F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets, in front of the National Portrait Gallery (Gallery Place Metro)
Cost: Free

The anchor of the season returns for its 22nd year with 120+ vendors, including newcomers Laura’s Raw Honey and Stained Glass by Kib. Grab a hazelnut marshmallow hot chocolate from DOLCE or dumplings from Lucky Danger, then warm up at the Winter Chalet bar by Dirty Habit. Make a night of it on Sat, Nov 14, when CityCenterDC lights its tree. Click here to learn more →

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle — Dupont Circle, DC

When: November 12 – December 23, 2026 (closed Nov 26 and Nov 30) | Weekdays 12–8 p.m., weekends 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Where: 1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC

A smaller, neighborhood-scale option with 35+ local makers and artisans, perfect for a lunchtime gift run. Click here to learn more →

Heurich House Museum Christmas Markt — Dupont Circle, DC

When: December 3–6, 2026
Where: 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

A German-style Christmas Markt at the Heurich House Museum, a Gilded Age mansion just off Dupont Circle. Click here to learn more →

Maryland

Christmas Village in Baltimore — Inner Harbor, Baltimore

When: November 21 – December 27, 2026 | Sun–Thu 12–8 p.m., Fri–Sat 12–9 p.m.; closed most Mondays and Tuesdays
Where: West Shore Park, 501 Light St, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free on weekdays; on select weekend days, adults need a $5 season pass for the heated tent (outdoor area always free)

Worth the drive up I-95. This German-style market brings a 30-foot Glühwein Pyramid, a heated festival tent with a Hofbräu beer garden, a carousel, and a 65-foot Ferris wheel. Pups are welcome outside and in most of the tent. Click here to learn more →

National Harbor Christmas Market — National Harbor, MD

When: Every Saturday through December 19, 2026 | 12–7 p.m.
Where: 100 American Way, National Harbor, MD 20745

A rotating lineup of artisans and crafters sets up each week. Pair it with a ride on the Capital Wheel and the waterfront lights. Click here to learn more →

Annapolis Holiday Market — Annapolis, MD

When: December 4–6 and 11–13, 2026 | Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: New location: outside Annapolis Mall, 1040 Annapolis Mall Rd (West St and Jennifer Rd)
Cost: Free admission and parking

The Annapolis Holiday Market moves to a new spot outside Annapolis Mall this year, with free admission and parking. Click here to learn more →

Mark Your Calendar
The weekend of December 5–6 is the busiest of the season: Annapolis, Heurich House, Occoquan, Del Ray, the City of Fairfax, Wheatland Spring and the Scottish Christmas Walk all land on the same two days.

Mittened hands holding an enamel mug of mulled wine with cranberries and orange slices

Northern Virginia

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market — Old Town Alexandria, VA

When: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cost: Free

Old Town is at its most charming in December, and this market fills John Carlyle Square with local vendors and small businesses. Click here to learn more →

Scottish Christmas Walk Parade — Old Town Alexandria, VA

When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Old Town Alexandria, VA

Come a week before the market for the 55th annual parade of bagpipers, tartan-clad clans and Scottish terriers through Old Town. Click here to learn more →

Del Ray Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market — Del Ray, Alexandria, VA

When: December 4–20, 2026 (first three weekends) | Fri 6–9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Cost: Free

Now in its 31st year, Del Ray Artisans’ market is the place for one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists. Click here to learn more →

Mosaic District Holiday Village Market — Merrifield, VA

When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: 2905 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031

Merrifield’s walkable town center hosts its Holiday Village Market. Come back Nov 27 for the tree lighting and Santa’s arrival. Click here to learn more →

City of Fairfax Holiday Market — Fairfax, VA

When: December 4–6 and 11–13, 2026 | Fri 5–8 p.m., Sat 12–6 p.m., Sun 12–5 p.m.
Where: Old Town Square, 10415 North St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Cost: Free

Now in its 10th year, the market brings 30+ vendors and live entertainment to Old Town Square, plus free photos with Santa on Sun, Dec 6. Click here to learn more →

Christkindlmarkt at Wheatland Spring — Waterford, VA

When: Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 12–5 p.m.
Where: Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, 38506 John Wolford Rd, Waterford, VA 20197

For a countryside detour in Loudoun, the farm brewery’s historic bank barn hosts a German-style market with Glühwein, Bavarian treats and live carols. Click here to learn more →

Herndon WinterMarkt — Herndon, VA

When: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 12–6 p.m.
Where: Herndon, VA (see the official site for the exact location)

Herndon hosts a European-style Christmas market with food, drinks, gifts and a Kinder Corner for little ones. It’s hosted by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. Click here to learn more →

Occoquan Holiday Artisan Market — Occoquan, VA

When: December 5–6, 2026 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Historic district, Commerce and Union Streets, Occoquan, VA 22125
Cost: Free

The riverside town of Occoquan fills its historic district with makers. Santa arrives by boat Saturday morning, and Fireside with Friends brings fire pits, s’mores, drinks and live music Saturday from 4–7 p.m. Click here to learn more →

Before You Go

  • Go on a weeknight to skip the crowds, especially at DowntownDC and Baltimore.
  • Take Metro to DowntownDC (Gallery Place) and plan on paid garages in Baltimore.
  • Bring a tote and layers. Most of these markets are outdoors.

Celebrate the Season Close to Home

Happy shopping from all of us at Wardman Residential! Nothing shows off a neighborhood like twinkling lights and a crowded market square. If a community on this list catches your eye, we’d love to show you around.

Curious which DMV neighborhood is right for you? Start a conversation, from Penn Quarter to Old Town to Occoquan, and let’s find your fit.

Event details are subject to change; please confirm dates, times and admission with each organizer before you go.

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