With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, DC residents are beginning to get in the holiday spirit. To celebrate the festive season and help consumers with their holiday shopping lists, pop-up markets and Christmas-themed bars have sprung up around the DC area. We found five of the best retail spots to celebrate the holidays, ranked in no particular order.
Downtown Holiday Market
Where: 8th and F Streets NW
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 23 noon-8pm
Size: More than 150 vendors
Now in its 12th year, this market transforms the two blocks of sidewalk on F Street in front of the National Portrait Gallery into a bustling scene. The Downtown Holiday Market is filled with antiques, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, paintings, food. It also offers daily live music, with more than 65 artists performing on the market's stage throughout its four-week operation.
Chriskindlmarkt
Where: Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW
When: Dec. 2 from 4-9pm and Dec. 3 and 4 from 11am-5pm
Size: More than 40 vendors
The historic Heurich family home in Dupont Circle will turn into a German Christmas market during the first week of December. Guests can tour the decorated house and shop from the dozens of local jewelers, artists, chocolate makers and others set up in the garden.
116 King
Where: 116 King St, Alexandria
When: Every day, starting Nov. 10, 10am-8pm
Size: 26 brands
The owners of The Skinny Dip, a summer shop in Nantucket, have brought a holiday pop-up shop to the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The store is filled with fashion and lifestyle products from 26 different brands. It also hosts more than a dozen events such as a wreath-making class, book reading, sipping while crafting and several trunk shows.
Miracle on 7th Street
Where: 1839-1843 7th St NW
When: Sunday-Thursday 5pm-12:30 am, Friday-Saturday 5pm-1:30am
Size: Three bars
The popular, holiday-themed Miracle on 7th Street has expanded from its home last year in Mockingbird Hill to all three of Dereck Brown's neighboring Shaw bars, including Southern Efficiency and Eat the Rich. From Black Friday to New Year's, each bar will be decked out with a different holiday theme and serve special Christmas cocktails. Eat the Rich, above, was decorated as an homage to Netflix's hit new show Stranger Things.
Steadfast Supply
Where: Arris, 1331 4th St SE
When: Until Dec. 31, Friday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Size: 15 to 20 vendors
While not quite holiday themed, this pop-up market will occupy 4k SF in one of DC's newest apartment buildings, Forest City's Arris, from October through New Year's Eve. People visiting this Capitol Riverfront market will shop for clothing, food, art, jewelry and more. On the weekends, Steadfast Supply will host food and drink tastings, creative workshops and family events.
