DowntownDC BID Kicks Off Holiday Season with “Mingle by the Fire” Press Preview

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DowntownDC BID Kicks Off Holiday Season with “Mingle by the Fire” Press Preview

The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) welcomed members of the media and community leaders to Mingle by the Fire: DowntownDC Holiday Market Press Preview, an exclusive look at what is ahead for the 2025 DowntownDC Holiday Market and holiday season in Downtown DC. The event took place at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, setting a warm and festive tone for the season to come.

The program featured remarks from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, DowntownDC BID President and CEO Gerren Price, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela A. Smith, and Aileen Fuchs, President and Executive Director of the National Building Museum. Speakers reflected on the market’s continued growth and evolution, highlighting last year’s milestone achievements, including the debut of The Makers Show as the new market operator, upgraded vendor booths, and a 113,000-person increase in visitors over the previous season. Nearly 90 percent of the 2024 market’s vendors were BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or woman-owned small businesses—a reflection of the BID’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Looking ahead, the 2025 DowntownDC Holiday Market will feature 119 vendors, including 23 new participants. Local and small businesses were supported with more than $70,000 in scholarships to lower booth rental costs.

Public safety and visitor experience also took center stage. Chief Smith shared MPD’s plans for enhanced downtown patrols and close collaboration with the BID’s Public Space Operations team to ensure a safe and welcoming environment throughout the holiday season. Mayor Bowser emphasized the market’s vital role in energizing downtown, noting that the 2024 season drew nearly 11,000 visitors per day—people came downtown to shop, dine, and celebrate.

The program culminated in a “gift unboxing” led by Gerren Price and one of Santa’s elves, unveiling several new market features and Downtown DC holiday highlights. Attendees learned that the market will expand its food offerings to 14 food vendors, including local favorites Kat’s King of Steaks by Daikaya, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, and The Frenchman’s Crêpes. New attractions will include the DC Dream Wall art installation and a special Holiday Market Guide designed to help visitors navigate the market’s many offerings.

Adding to the excitement, Aileen Fuchs announced the return of the Winter Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum, paired with the museum’s upcoming exhibit The Wave. The BID also confirmed that the National Mistletoe—a 10-feet aerial art installation by My Ly—will return to Anthem Row from November 21 – January 31. On Saturday, December 13, the BID will host a Guinness World Records attempt for most kisses under a mistletoe, aiming to surpass 488 kisses.

Throughout the morning, guests enjoyed festive musical performances by Valentina Maria and Ellington Carthan, along with a breakfast reception and networking. Attendees departed with gift bags filled items from select market vendors, including Savvy Scents’ mini scented candle, Capital City Jar’s truffle gift box, and Relume’s “Blind Date with a Book”.

With the DowntownDC Holiday Market set to open from November 21 – December 23 (closed Thanksgiving Day), Mingle by the Fire served as both a celebration of past successes and a joyful preview of what’s to come for the city’s most magical season.

Watch the press preview recap video below: