Festive First Look: The DowntownDC Holiday Market
By • October 30, 2025 0 580
By Mia Pech
The holiday spirit arrived early in Downtown D.C. this week as city officials, local business leaders and members of the press gathered at Carmine’s in Penn Quarter for an exclusive preview of the 2025 DowntownDC Holiday Market. Hosted by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, the “Mingle By The Fire” media event offered a sneak peek at what visitors can expect when the market returns for its 21st season next month.
Now entering its third decade, the market continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW. This year’s market will run from November 21 through December 23, featuring more vendors than ever before. There will be 119 vendors, including 23 brand-new ones. There are more food and drink vendors than previous years, and the market reflects the diversity of the city.
“The vast majority of the vendors are local, women, BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ owned,” said Gerren Price, president and CEO of the DowntownDC BID.
Photo by Mia Pech.
Alongside the expanded vendor lineup, visitors can look forward to several returning holiday favorites. The 2025 season will see a return of The National Mistletoe at Anthem Row, which aims to set a Guinness World Record for the most kisses under the mistletoe. The Winter Skate Spectacular is also back at the National Building Museum, staying open until February to extend the holiday season.
This year also emphasizes shopping local, with more opportunities than ever. The Made in DC Emerging Brands Booth has over 25 certified, resident-owned small businesses from across the District.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, live music will fill the market every Thursday through Sunday, with some of the city’s best bands performing on Saturday nights.
Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department highlighted public safety efforts, noting that this holiday season marks the second consecutive year of crime reduction, including a 21 percent reduction in violent crime within the Downtown BID area.
“The Metropolitan Police Department remains focused on ensuring that our residents and visitors can enjoy all the District has to offer while also being safe,” Smith said.
The market will be open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
