The holiday season is creeping up quickly and D.C. has great news for those wanting to head to the downtown market for some holiday shopping.
The market is extended this year to 40 days over six full weekends, transforming F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW into a festive winter destination. It will run from Nov. 13 through Dec. 23, and it is free and open to the public.
“We need more time to take in the holiday magic,” said Gerren Price, acting president and CEO of the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District.
This year marks 22 years of the market. Last year’s event lasted 30 days and brought more than 280,000 people to the market, Price said. There will be 119 arts and crafts vendors this year and 15 food and beverage vendors.
“Downtown is the economic engine for the city,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“This holiday market, keep making it special. Keep bringing more interest, more activities, and invite everybody to come to support our small and local businesses. More people are thinking how they can shop small and keep dollars circulating around our city. And this holiday market is one way to get there,” Bowser said.
The market will host CityCenterDC’s Annual Tree Lighting on Nov. 14. The DowntownDC BID will also bring the spirit of giving to this year’s Frosted celebration in Franklin Park on Dec. 5 with a community coat drive.
“Downtown D.C. is where so many of our city’s holiday traditions come to life, and we’re excited to make this year’s celebration even more meaningful by giving people more time to experience the Holiday Market, connect with local makers and enjoy everything happening throughout Downtown,” Price said.
The market will be 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. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
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