DC Downtown Holiday Market To Open For 2020 Season

WASHINGTON, DC — DC's annual Downtown Holiday Market will return in 2020 with adjustments accounting for the coronavirus pandemic.

The market, located on F Street NW from 7th to 9th Streets NW in front of the National Portrait Gallery, will open on Nov. 20. It will remain open until Dec. 23 but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26), and select Mondays (Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14). Market hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and admission is free.

Visitors can expect the return of more than 70 artisan makers and other vendors over the market's five weeks. This year, the market expanded its footprint to allow for more aisle space for walking. Vendor tents will be set up back-to-back on the street. There will be separate entrance and exit points and one-way foot traffic along with limited capacity in the market area. See a site map here.

Face coverings are required when shopping on the market grounds. High-touch areas will be sanitized throughout the day.

"Despite this year’s challenges, we are determined to continue our holiday tradition, introducing shoppers to many impressive local, small businesses that need support," said Neil Albert, president and CEO of DowntownDC Business Improvement District. "Our area artists and artisans add such vibrancy to the downtown community, and this year especially, I am thrilled to welcome visitors back to the market. Visitors can expect a safe and socially distanced market this year."

Visitors can expect a range of emerging artisan makers, returning favorite vendors, festive decor and lights, authentic German treats and local bites, and virtual programming at the market. Market favorite foods like cinnamon-dusted churros and hot donuts will return, as well as food vendors like Taste of Germany, Alexa’s Empanadas, Old Blue BBQ, The Capital Candy Jar, Bindaas, and Migue’s Magnificent Mini Donuts.

Another vendor highlight is the "Made in DC" items, part of an initiative by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development and The Pop-Up Collective owner Rahama Wright. From produced goods to environmentally sustainable trinkets, customers can shop items made by the city's artisans and crafters.

The market also highlights Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses and their work. Vendors include STEAM-based artwork from P.A.I.N.T.S. Institute, eco-friendly soy candles from a brother-trio at Freres Branchiaux Candle Company and a selection of handcrafted wooden watches and accessories from Mistura Woodcoholics.

Along with new protocols, visitors can expect new features at the market. A lumina projection show by artist Zak Forrest titled "Chroma" will be blanketed on the National Portrait Gallery. ARTECHOUSE is offering a mixed reality adventure throughout the market, using smartphone technology and the museum’s XR app to unveil Instagrammable surprises at various checkpoints among vendors. A jumbotron screen with streamed entertainment will replace the live performances. This entertainment will include holiday-fun films, Saturday Morning Theater Shorts from The National Theatre and musical acts such as Howard University’s famed jazz singers Afro Blue, King Street Bluegrass, Jazz Trotters, and the Washington Youth Choir.

"As we approach the holidays, visitors can journey their way through our reimagined market space, filled with holiday-spirits and a variety of virtual experiences making it exciting for all ages,” said Michael Berman, president of Diverse Markets Management. "Thanks to our partners and the help of the city, we're still able to spread joy, all while practicing safe distancing and safety measures for our shoppers."

Downtown DC BID is also launching an open-air boutique for the first time. Visitors can find award-winning fashion collective debuting fashion lines including female designers Shari Henri, Abram’s Wearable, luxury menswear from Andrew Nowell, contemporary fashion designer Shafei Han and eclectic selections from Ida’s Idea. Shoppers can meet District of Fashion’s hair and makeup director and celebrity stylist, Eva Styles, from Dec. 15 to 19.

The Downtown Holiday Market is presented by DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), Diverse Markets Management and Events DC. For more information, visit downtownholidaymarket.com.