Festive Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia and Washington DC

Updated on December 2, 2023 by Julie McCool

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. Our list includes Christmas markets in Northern Virginia and Washington DC (including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and more).

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Check back for updates throughout the holiday season as some market dates have not been announced. We also continue to scour social media for new holiday market listings so we can keep adding to this guide. Happy shopping!

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 2023 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 and Christmas 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 4 – 5, Dec 1 – 2

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. The 2023 festival will once again feature beautiful Fjord horses and Lundehunds (select days).

The event is free but you must have a reservation to shop indoors as capacity is limited. Follow the link to reserve your shopping time. The Norwegian Festival is held at Norway House, 3846 Meredith Drive in Fairfax. Admission is free and the show is open 10:00 – 5:00 daily (11-4 on 11/5).

Northern Virginia Christmas Market, Chantilly, Nov 10 – 12

The 30th 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. Children 12 and under are free. Fri and Sat 10:00 – 6:00, Sun 10:00 – 5:00.

Catoctin Holiday Art Tour, Lovettsville, Nov 11 – 12

Join two dozen artists in their studios for a weekend of beautiful scenery, friendly folks, and local art. This relaxing driving tour leads visitors on some of Western Loudoun's prettiest country roads.

During the tour, you'll meet the artists where they work and have the opportunity to shop for affordable art and gifts for the holiday. Many studios feature food and wine from local businesses as well. Follow the link for a tour map and list of participating studios. Free admission; 10:00 – 5:00 daily.

Icelandic Christmas Bazaar, Fairfax, Nov 11

Join the Icelandic Association of Washington DC at their 2023 Christmas Bazaar to shop for Nordic-themed food, crafts, gifts, and more. You'll find the market at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax. Free, 10:00 – 3:00.

Downtown DC Holiday Market, Washington DC, Nov 17 – Dec 23

The Downtown Holiday Market is a favorite stop for seasonal shopping between Thanksgiving and Christmas. A rotating schedule of over 150 vendors offer an array of unique gifts, arts, and crafts. Shoppers also enjoy live entertainment and festive treats.

The 19th annual Downtown DC Market is located at 8th and F Streets NW close to the Gallery Place Metro Station. Free admission and booths are open daily noon to 8:00 pm except closed Nov 23 and Dec 4.

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

2023 Holiday Craft Show, Fairfax High School, Nov 18 – 19

The 37th annual Holiday Craft Show at Fairfax High School is one of Northern Virginia's premium arts and crafts festivals. It's a great place to find 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.

Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show, George Mason University, Nov 18 – 19

The 31st annual Gem Show returns in 2023! More than 20 dealers will offer minerals, fossils, crystals, gems, jewelry, carvings, meteorites and unique holiday gifts perfect for the geology lover on your list. The event includes demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, door prizes, a Scouts area, and kid’s activities. 

Follow the link for parking info and a discount coupon. Tickets are $6/$4/$3 for adults/seniors/teens. Ages 12 and under and scouts in uniform are free. Saturday 10:00 – 6:00, Sunday 10:00 – 4:00.>

NVHG Art and Craft Show, Vienna, Nov 24 – 26

hop local this Thanksgiving weekend at the NVHG Arts and Crafts Show in Vienna. For more than 30 years, the show has been offering a juried selection of 40 to 60 artisans.

Original handmade art and craft items are available in a variety of mediums. Shop for jewelry, clothing and other textiles, woodworking, sculpture, pottery and ceramics, glass art, handweaving, photography, drawing and painting, and more. Admission is $3 and the show opens at 10:00 daily.

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

Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, Alexandria, Nov 24 – 25

Alexandria’s alternative Black Friday experience features more than 50 independent boutiques kicking off the holiday shopping season. Old Town Alexandria is packed with unique shops where you can find great gifts while supporting local businesses.

Find one-of-a-kind deals on home décor, chic fashions, gourmet food, classic toys, gifts for dogs, and more. Store offers vary, with special discounts throughout the day and many boutiques opening at 6 AM. Free admission.

Alexandria Virginia, One of the Best Christmas Towns Near Washington DC
Festive Christmas Towns Near Washington DC

Old Town Manassas Christmas Market, Manassas, Nov 25

Head to Harris Pavillion in Old Town Manassas for a festive Christmas Market. 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 26

Bundle up and head to Bluemont in the Blue Ridge Mountains for the 5th 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.

Old World Christmas Market at Bear Chase Brewing, Bluemont, Nov 26

Head to beautiful Bluemont for a great time and fun shopping at the annual Christmas Market at Bear Chase Brewing. Shop for 100% handmade holiday gifts from 30 local artists. Enjoy live music, food, hot cocoa, and beer while you shop then warm up around the fire pit. Free admission; 11:00 – 5:00.

Del Ray Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, Dec 1 – 23

Del Ray Artisans' annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists. The market is held Friday to Saturday on the first three weekends in December. In 2023, bonus shopping days on December 22 and 23 are perfect for last-minute shoppers.

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 1 – 3, 8 – 10

A City of Fairfax holiday tradition returns in 2023. 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 1 – 3

The 2023 McLean Holiday Market returns to the McLean Community Center with a great collection of 80 juried vendors. Shop for unique, handmade functional and decorative items including ceramics, pottery, jewelry, clothing, and more.

Admission is $5 admission, 12 and under free, and covers all 3 days. VIP tickets are $15 and include early access. The show opens daily at 10:00 AM.

Chick's Picks by Hillary, Leesburg, Dec 1 – 17

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Chick's Picks is a festive pop-up shop packed with fun finds from 80 local vendors and gift makers. The new location (504 Ft Evans Rd, Leesburg) features four shopping areas. Sun-Thu 10:00 – 5:00, Fri-Sat 10:00 – 7:00.

Wheatland Spring Holiday Market, Waterford, Dec 1-3, 8-10

Shop for unique gifts at the 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, noon – 5:00.

Holiday Artisan Market, Occoquan, Dec 2 – 3

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 2 at 10:45, 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 – 7:00, Sun 11:00 – 4:00.

Holidays Fine Arts & Crafts Show, Leesburg, Dec 2 – 3

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 2 – 3

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. A Children's Holiday Shoppe lets the littles select and wrap gifts under $6. Admission is $1 for both days. Saturday 9:00 – 4:00, Sunday 11:00 – 4:00.

Gifts from the HeART, Lake Anne, Reston, Dec 2

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 2

Shop from over 170 craft vendors and enjoy a day of festivities when the 18th 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.

NovaLabs Holiday Maker Market, Fairfax, Dec 2

Check out NovaLabs 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.

Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Herndon, Dec 3

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.

German Christmasmarket, Reston, Dec 7

The German Armed Forces Command in Reston transforms its parking lot at 11150 Sunrise Valley Dr 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 (cash only) for adults/children; 4:00 – 9:00. Pets are not allowed and the event gets very busy, so arrive early if you can. Follow the link for location details.

Shopping at a Holiday Market in Northern Virginia in Reston VA
German Christmas Market in Reston

Herndon WinterMarkt, Herndon, Dec 9

Downtown Herndon sparkles like a European Christmas Market for WinterMarkt 2023. (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

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market, Alexandria, Dec 9

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.

Manassas Holiday Market and Santa Train, Manassas, Dec 9

A holiday market featuring local vendors will fill the parking lot of the Manassas Train Depot. Shop for holiday gifts and decor in a festive atmosphere. Free, 9:00 – 3:00. Jump on the VRE for a festive train ride with Santa, $5 per person.

Heritage Arts and Crafts Show, Leesburg, Dec 9

The 2nd annual Arts and Crafts Show at Heritage High School features more than 100 vendors and local food trucks will be on hand. Free, 9:00 – 3:00.

Mosaic District Holiday Village, Merrifield, Dec 16 – 17

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.

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