Washington Holiday Market Will Run for 40 Days
The annual downtown event returns for its 22nd year with an extended schedule spanning six weekends.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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Washington’s downtown holiday market will open on November 13, 2026, and run through December 23, 2026. This 22nd annual event has been expanded to a 40-day duration, covering six full weekends.
Why it matters
The extension of the market provides residents and visitors with more opportunities to engage with local commerce during the holiday season. The event serves as a central hub for community activities and festive programming in the heart of the city.
The market will host 119 arts and crafts vendors and 15 food and beverage merchants. Last year, the event recorded a total attendance of 280,000 people over its 30-day run.
The players
CityCenterDC
This mixed-use development serves as a major retail and residential hub in downtown Washington.
Franklin Park
This historic urban park serves as a central gathering space and venue for community events in the District.
The details
Located on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW, the free event operates Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and on weekends with extended hours. While the market remains open for the majority of the holiday season, it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Timeline
The market opens on November 13, 2026.
The CityCenterDC Annual Tree Lighting takes place on November 14, 2026.
A community coat drive is scheduled in Franklin Park on December 5, 2026.
The event concludes on December 23, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Major metropolitan holiday markets are increasingly extending their operating calendars to compete for seasonal foot traffic and boost local retail engagement. This shift mirrors a broader trend among urban centers to transform seasonal pop-ups into month-long economic drivers.
Attendees can visit the market daily throughout the 40-day run, excluding Thanksgiving Day, without paying an admission fee. Extended weekend hours offer increased flexibility for those looking to browse the 134 total vendors during peak holiday shopping times.
The takeaway
The addition of ten extra days to the festival schedule reflects a growing effort to maximize the economic impact of downtown holiday attractions. Residents should check specific vendor hours online to ensure their preferred artisans are present during their planned visit.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming regional festivities, visit the Washington Seasonal Events section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTOP.
Live Poll
Do you make a conscious effort to shop at local small businesses during the holiday season?
