Holiday Shopping

Find more than 180 regional vendors at this outdoor market full of holiday cheer.
This DC holiday staple transforms several blocks in Penn Quarter into a winter wonderland featuring regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses. Check items off your gift list with unique finds such as handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings and textiles. And while you’re shopping, enjoy the seasonal entertainment and festive food, including made-to-order mini donuts.

With dozens of nationally known and local shops and Christmas card-worthy decorations, Union Station is a holiday destination even if you’re not taking the train. A model train display runs through an imagined, miniature Scandinavian village, part of the annual Norwegian Christmas Market at Union Station, sponsored by the Embassy of Norway. The 3,000 lights on the 30-foot tall outdoor tree will be illuminated in a tree lighting ceremony, open to the public, at 6 p.m. on December 3.

Voted one of America’s ‘Best Public Markets’ by Frommers, Eastern Market is a DC staple for Washingtonians and an under the radar hot spot for out-of-towners. On weekends, you’ll discover original art, jewelry, photographs and more at Eastern Market, as well as fresh farm meats and produce, flea market finds and a number of nearby restaurants perfect for a post-shopping break.

Any trip to the nation’s capital isn’t complete without a stop in the city’s most well-known neighborhood, but in the winter time Georgetown also becomes holiday central. Local stores come together to offer seasonal deals and discounts as well as special events and activities all under the canopy of twinkling lights on M Street. Recent additions include a three-story Nike Town and an expanded Intermix boutique. Make your list, check it twice and impress your friends with a gift from Georgetown under the tree.

The 16 museums of the Smithsonian in Washington, DC are a great place to find only-in-DC gifts. Whether your little ones love dinosaurs or your spouse is fascinated by contemporary art, you’ll be able to find it at the Smithsonian. All of the Smithsonian museums include gift shops with related souvenirs in a number of price ranges. Not sure which gift shops to spend your time in? Visit the Smithsonian visitor center in The Castle or check out the Smithsonian’s offerings here.