“Unwrap the Holidays” as the DowntownDC Holiday Market Marks Its 22nd Return This November with Surprises and Delights

On Wednesday, September 30, news outlets, influencers, and community leaders gathered at Carmine’s to unwrap the holidays at the 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market Press Preview. For the second year, the event transformed the restaurant into an intimate, cozy holiday living room, welcoming guests to celebrate the season and get a first look at what’s in store for the 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market.

Led by Gerren Price, DowntownDC BID President and CEO, the program looked back at the market’s journey last year, from continuing to be a beloved Downtown holiday tradition for over two decades to making a special appearance on TLC’s reality television show Baylen Out Loud.

Following a warm welcome from Ebony Walton, DowntownDC BID Director of Marketing and Communications, attendees were invited to shake their jingle bell bracelets to help unveil several new market features and highlights. This year, the open-air market will have an extended run from November 13 to December 23, giving holiday shoppers 40 days to browse the aisles, discover local treasures, and soak up the holiday spirit in Downtown DC.

New, Downtown DC will celebrate with a holiday kick-off weekend, featuring Frosted at Franklin Park and the 2nd Annual DowntownDC Holiday Market Carol Sing-Along on Friday, November 13, followed by the CityCenterDC Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 14. Melissa Hudak King, Director of Marketing and Communications at CityCenterDC | Hines, shared her excitement about bringing these holiday events together and creating a festive weekend for visitors near and far.

As the holiday season begins to unfold, the program also put a spotlight on the local makers who bring the charm of the Holiday Market to life. Among them were Sherrie Brown, owner of Savvy Scents by Sherrie, and Monica Gomez Biderman, owner of Amaya Accessories. Both makers shared their stories and talked about what the Holiday Market means to them as a way to connect with the local community. They also gave the audience a sneak peek at some of the unique creations shoppers can look forward to finding at this year’s market.

Check out the 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market Gift Guide to read more about their stories and get inspired with gift ideas.

The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market will feature 121 vendors, with 90 percent representing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and woman-owned small businesses—a reflection of the diverse and vibrant local business community in the DMV. The lineup will also welcome 16 new vendors this year, including Lucky Danger and Nando’s PERi-PERi, two Downtown restaurants located just steps from the market. Together, they’ll give visitors even more opportunities to experience Downtown’s abundant flavors—whether they grab a bite at the market or stop by one of these nearby restaurants while exploring Downtown.

As Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized, the role events play in the city cannot be underestimated, particularly in driving visitation and economic development. The DowntownDC Holiday Market, one of Downtown’s signature seasonal events, helps bring that impact to life by bringing makers, shoppers, and visitors together in the heart of DC. Along the way, the market supports local businesses, keeps dollars circulating throughout Downtown, and creates opportunities for visitors to make new holiday memories.

Returning for the second year is the Hotel Participant Program, a partnership between the DowntownDC Holiday Market and participating hotels in Downtown. With Hotel Monaco serving as the holiday market’s Premier Hotel Sponsor, the program offers visitors exclusive deals and packages designed to make a holiday visit to Downtown an unforgettable experience.

The spirit of giving will also have a place Downtown this holiday season, as the DowntownDC Foundation brings back its Hope for the Holidays campaign, helping provide essential items, meals, and winter kits to those in need. On December 5, Frosted at Franklin Park will also partner with WPGC 95.5 FM for a Live Broadcast and Community Coat Drive, offering another opportunity to spread holiday cheer while supporting those who need it most.

Shayne Wells, Vice President of Communications Affairs of Events DC, one of the Holiday Market’s valued sponsors, also joined the program, sharing remarks in support of the market and the holiday season ahead.

Throughout the morning, guests enjoyed festive musical performances by Integrity, along with a breakfast reception and opportunities to connect and network. Attendees departed with gift bags featuring items from select Holiday Market vendors, including Savvy Scents’ diffuser and hand soap, Capital City Jar’s popcorn, Friends to Lovers Bookstore’s holiday market puzzle, and Laura’s Raw Honey’s whipped honey jar.

But this is only the beginning. With the DowntownDC Holiday Market set to open soon, the city is ready to unwrap the holidays and welcome the most magical time of the year—one filled with local makers, festive gatherings, and joyful discoveries throughout Downtown.

🎄🎁Click HERE to relive the moments of unwrapping the holidays.