Festive Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia and Washington DC

Holiday markets in Northern Virginia and the Washington DC region are a fun and festive way to shop for local gifts while celebrating the Christmas season. Arts and Crafts shows and international-themed holiday markets offer unique gifts and special activities.

Holiday markets are listed below in order of start date and include links to more details. Check back for updates throughout the holiday season as some market dates have not been announced.

Find more festive events in our guide to Fun Holiday Favorites from Northern Virginia Experts.

Holiday Markets in the Northern Virginia and DC Area

These 2022 holiday markets will brighten the season and provide a fun shopping experience. Many holiday markets open in November while others are held in December. Holiday markets are listed below in order of start date with multi-day events listed first. Follow the links for schedule details and updates.

Downtown DC Holiday Market
Downtown DC Holiday Market

Norwegian Holiday Festival and Bazaar, Fairfax, Nov 5 – 6, Dec 2 – 3

Enjoy two weekends of shopping for imported foods, baked goods, and merchandise at the annual Norwegian Holiday Festival. Shop for Nordic sweaters, crafts, books, and more. In 2022, the festival will feature 3 beautiful fjord horses!

Follow the link to reserve your shopping time as capacity is limited and you must have a reservation to shop indoors. The Norwegian Festival is held at Norway House, 3846 Meredith Drive in Fairfax. Admission is free and the show is open noon – 5:00 daily.

Old World Christmas Market at Bear Chase Brewing, Bluemont, Nov 6

Head to beautiful Bluemont for a great time and fun shopping at the 3rd annual Christmas Market at Bear Chase Brewing. Shop for 100% handmade holiday gifts from 30 local artists. The beautiful setting and mountain views reflect the tradition of European Old World Christmas markets.

To add to the fun, enjoy live music, food, and beer while you shop. Warm up around the fire pit, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy fellowship with friends. Free admission; 11:00 – 5:00.

Northern Virginia Christmas Market, Chantilly, Nov 11 – 13

The 29th annual Northern Virginia Christmas Market fills the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly with gifts for everyone on your list. Shop for crafts, jewelry, fiber arts, thousands of Christmas decorations, and much more.

Admission is $8, discounted when you bring a donation of canned food. Fri and Sat 10:00 – 6:00, Sun 10:00 – 5:00.

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During the tour, you'll  Follow the link for a tour map and list of participating studios. 

    Shoppers also enjoy live entertainment and festive treats.

The Downtown DC Market is located at 8th and F Streets NW close to the Gallery Place Metro Station. Free admission and b

Check our guide for more fun things to do in DC during the holidays.

2022 Holiday Craft Show, Fairfax High School, Nov 19 – 20

The annual Holiday Craft Show, at Fairfax High School, is one of Northern Virginia's premium arts and crafts festivals. Here you will find wonderful holiday gifs for everyone on your shopping list from artisans all over the United States, along with many local artists.

Admission is $5/$8 for a one-day/two-day pass and youth 18 and under are free. Craft show hours are Sat 10:00 – 5:00, Sun 10:00 – 3:00.

The 30th annual Gem Show returns in 2022!   

 Tickets are Ages 12 and under and scouts in uniform are free. 

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Admission is $3 and the show opens at 10:00 daily.

Alexandria Shop Small Week, Nov 25 – Dec 1

Enjoy a whole week of shopping deals during Shop Small Week in festive Alexandria Virginia. Each day features a different theme to highlight local businesses during the holiday season.

The week kicks off with Black Friday Alexandria and includes special giveaways. Other features include Small Business Saturday, Museum Store Sunday, and Giving Tuesday.

Check our Virginia Lovers Gift Guide for more great gift ideas. 

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 Old Town Alexandria is packed with unique shops where you can find great gifts while supporting local businesses.

  

Holiday lights and decorations on King Street in Old Town Alexandria
Holiday Shopping on King Street, Alexandria

Old Town Manassas Christmas Market, Manassas, Nov 26

Head to Harris Pavillion in Old Town Manassas for a festive Christmas Market. Here you can shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, body and hair care products, and more. Free admission, 9:00 – 2:00.

Dirt Farm Christmas Market, Bluemont, Nov 27

Bundle up and head to Bluemont in the Blue Ridge Mountains for the 4th annual Christmas Market at Dirt Farm Brewing. Shop for unique, handmade items from local artisans and vendors as you sip tasty craft beer and signature hot beverages. Free admission; 11:00 -4:00.

Del Ray Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, Dec 2 – 18

Del Ray Artisans' annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists. The 2022 market is held Friday to Saturday on the first three weekends in December.

Each holiday market weekend features different artists, so repeat visits are encouraged. The market is open Fri 6:00 – 9:00, Sat/Sun 11:00 – 6:00, and admission is free.

City of Fairfax Holiday Market, Fairfax, Dec 2 – 4, 9 – 11

A City of Fairfax holiday tradition returns in 2022. The Old Town Fairfax Holiday Market is held during the first two weekends of December. Shop local for crafts, gourmet treats, and unique holiday gifts.

The market also offers extra fun like a s'mores firepit, petting zoo, and festive photo opps. Vendors will vary each weekend so visit both weekends if you can. Admission is free and market hours are Friday 5:00 – 8:00, Saturday 12:00 – 6:00, and Sunday 12:00 – 5:00.

A festive donkey close-up at the annual Fairfax Holiday Market in Northern Virginia
Fairfax Holiday Market Petting Zoo

McLean Holiday Art and Crafts Show, McLean, Dec 2 – 4

The McLean holiday market returns with a great collection of 80 juried vendors. Shop for unique, handmade functional and decorative items including ceramics, pottery, jewelry, clothing, and more.

In 2022, the Holiday Market will be held in the renovated McLean Community Center. Admission is $5 admission, 12 and under free. The show opens daily at 10:00 AM.

Holiday Artisan Market, Occoquan, Dec 3 – 4

Head to beautiful historic Occoquan for a weekend of holiday shopping and fun. Artisans and crafters will line the streets of town offering unique gifts for every age. Santa arrives by boat on Dec 3 at 10:30, then he'll be ready to visit with families from 11:00 – 2:30 on both market days.

Festive market activities include a Gingerbread House Contest and live music in River Mill Park. Admission is free and the market is open Sat 11:00 – 4:00, Sun 11:00 – 4:00.

Holidays Fine Arts & Crafts Show, Leesburg, Dec 3 – 4

This outdoor holiday show features more than 40 artisans with fine, handmade creations and products. Find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list at Ida Lee Park Recreation Center in Leesburg. Free admission; Saturday 9:00 – 4:00, Sunday 10:00 – 4:00.

Falls Church Holiday Craft Show, Falls Church, Dec 3 – 4

Deck the halls with special gifts from the annual Holiday Gift and Craft Show. More than 50 crafters and merchants show their wares selling unique handmade items, baked goods, and more. $1 admission for both days. Saturday 9:00 – 4:00, Sunday 11:00 – 4:00.

Mosaic District Holiday Gift Fair, Merrifield, Dec 3-4, 17-18

The annual Holiday Gift Fair, sponsored by UrbanMarket, returns to Mosaic District with two weekends of holiday shopping fun. The market features over 50 local vendors, offering the best handmade and vintage goods the area has to offer. Free admission, 11:00 – 4:00.

Gifts from the HeART, Lake Anne, Reston, Dec 3

Stop in the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne Village Center to shop local at the annual Gifts from the HeART. Shop for one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Stick around for more holiday fun at Jingle on Lake Anne, where Santa arrives by boat. Free; 10:00 – 3:00.

Lorton Holiday Extravaganza, Lorton, Dec 3

Shop from over 170 craft vendors and enjoy a day of festivities when the 17th annual Holiday Extravaganza and Craft Show returns to South County High School. There's a special shop for kids and Santa arrives by Fire Truck at 8:20 am.

Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Herndon, Dec 4

Over 70 artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell their work at this annual arts and crafts show in historic Herndon. Handcrafted items and fine art on sale include festive wreaths, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and homemade items at the Herndon Community Center. Free admission and parking, 10:00 – 4:00.

NovaLabs Holiday Maker Market, Fairfax, Dec 3

Check out NovaLabs new space, shop for gifts, or order a custom design. Crafts at Nova Labs include 3D printing, metalworking, woodworking, jewelry, handmade wool items, soaps and bath products, scarves, painted glassware, and more. Admission and parking are free; 10:00 – 4:00.

German Christmasmarket, Reston, Dec 8

The German Armed Forces Command in Reston transforms its parking lot into a traditional German Christmas Market with German food and beverages, arts and crafts, and mulled wine. All proceeds go to local charities, and traditional music adds to the fun.

Admission, which includes food and drinks, is $10/$5 for adults/children; 4:00 – 9:00. The event gets very busy, so arrive early if you can.

Herndon WinterMarkt, Herndon, Dec 10

Downtown Herndon sparkles like a European Christmas Market for WinterMarkt 2022. (The German Embassy called this one of the best German markets in the US!) Enjoy festive decorations, food, and drink while you shop for the perfect gift and WinterMarkt specials. Admission is free; noon – 7:00

Wheatland Spring Holiday Market, Waterford, Dec 10

Shop for unique gifts at the 2nd annual Wheatland Spring “On the Lager Day of Christmas” market and enjoy festive food and Ghulwein. After your visit, go check out the beautifully decorated homes in historic downtown Waterford. Free admission, 10:00 – 4:00.

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market, Alexandria, Dec 10

The annual Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market transforms John Carlyle Square into a lively open-air festival. Shop from over 100 vendors and local businesses. Market admission is free, open 11:00 – 4:00.

Workhouse Holiday Market, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, TBA

In 2021, the Workhouse Arts Center galleries offered 20% off all workhouse items over three weekends. Shop local and save on Small Business Saturday and the first two weekends of December. On Dec 11, a holiday art market featured a festive experience with local vendors, carolers, hot cocoa, a fashion show, and more.

B Chord Brewing Holiday Market, Round Hill, TBA

Shop for local, handmade gifts for your loved ones from area small-business vendors. The weekend will also feature live music, craft beer, wine, warm food, hot chocolate and more. Free admission; 9:00 – 4:00 daily.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show, Audrey Moore Rec Ctr, Annandale, TBA

The annual craft show features over 120 area artisans plus door prizes throughout the day. You’ll find unique gifts for everyone including art, pottery, woodwork, quilts, and more at this juried show. Admission $2 (12 and under free). Saturday 9:00 – 4:00, Sunday 10:00 – 3:30.

Whichever holiday markets you choose, we wish you successful shopping and a happy holiday season. Find more holiday fun in these related seasonal guides:

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Holiday markets in Northern Virginia and the Washington DC region are a fun and festive way to shop for local gifts while celebrating the Christmas season.
Holiday Markets in the DC Region

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12 thoughts on “Festive Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia and Washington DC”

  1. Don’t forget to check out the The 17th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show will take place on Saturday, December 3 from 9a-3p at South County High School in Lorton VA.

    Nearly 3,000 shoppers are expected to converge on the SCHS campus for a day of shopping, entertainment, and holiday fun!

    The day begins with the arrival of Santa courtesy of the Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. Kids can take part in the 6th Annual Candy Cane Fun Run at 8:30am and then come inside to enjoy a whole slew of kids’ activities to include our Candy Cane Kids’ Shop where the little ones can do their holiday shopping in their own special shop!

    170 vendors from across the mid-Atlantic region will offer their handcrafted wares to holiday shoppers. The South County Crew Team is hosting the 5th Annual Santa’s Book Emporium. The South County Band is hosting our great Silent Auction and SoCo students will provide a day of festive, holiday entertainment. All proceeds benefit the South County PTSO and the Class of 2023.

  2. And… don’t forget the Holiday Maker Market at Nova Labs!

    Nova Labs relocated to Fairfax from Reston earlier this year and we are excited to have our Holiday Maker Market in our new space.

    3 Dec 2022. 10 AM – 4 PM. Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Road, Fairfax VA.

    Attendance is free and there is entertainment and snacks. Bring your family, friends, and kids. Be inspired by our talented artisans and entrepreneurs. Buy products or order a custom design. Crafting at Nova Labs is done either with hand tools or with our industrial machines, Including 3d printed, metalworking, woodworking, jewelry, handmade wool items, soaps and bath products, scarves, painted glassware, door décor, stained glass, canvas paintings, masks, dolls, cards, personalized items, key chains, and much more!

    While you are here, get a tour of our amazing maker space and try your own making in our craft-making room. Play with Mandy the robot and explore our maker project sample projects.

    LOTS of free parking close to the door. While here you can connect and network with our growing community of fine artists, crafters, and makers entrepreneurs.

  3. Thank you for the very comprehensive list. I believe that the Leesburg Fine Arts and Crafts show this weekend is indoors at Ida Lee Rec Center this year (last year it was outdoors at Freedom Park.) Thanks for all you do for us.

  4. Hi Julie, the Workhouse Arts Center Small Business Saturdays event starts this Saturday 11/27 from 11am – 6pm. Also, happening Saturday 12/4 with the same hours. On Saturday, December 11th we will be offering a festive holiday shopping experience with local vendors on campus, carolers, hot cocoa, a fashion show and more! Also, on 12/11 we will have our Second Saturday Art Walk from 6pm – 9pm. All three Saturdays the Workhouse is offering 20% off all original creations from the artists on the Workhouse campus.

  5. Please note that the NVHG(Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild)Thanksgiving show at the Vienna Community Center is November 29(10-5),30(10-5) and December 1st(11-4)

    The NVHG South Run RECenter Fall event was Nov.2-3

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