Downtown Holiday Market comes to life

The Downtown Holiday Market is back for 2018. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the market as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the market as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
"I think it's a lot better because no one is trying to kill someone over a TV", said Paige Perry of Norfolk, Virginia. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
“I think it’s a lot better because no one is trying to kill someone over a TV,” said Paige Perry of Norfolk, Virginia. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the Holiday Market — open from now until Dec. 23 — as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the Holiday Market — open from now until Dec. 23 — as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
WTOP/Michelle Murillo
The D.C. Holiday Market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
And if you are thinking it's to cold to shop outside, there are heaters set up throughout the area and vendors selling hot chocolate and hot coffee. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
And if you are thinking it’s to cold to shop outside, there are heaters set up throughout the area and vendors selling hot chocolate and hot coffee. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
And if you are thinking it's to cold to shop outside, there are heaters set up throughout the area and vendors selling hot chocolate and hot coffee. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
And if you are thinking it’s to cold to shop outside, there are heaters set up throughout the area and vendors selling hot chocolate and hot coffee. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
The Downtown Holiday Market is open daily from noon - 8 p.m. until Dec. 23. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
The Downtown Holiday Market is open daily from noon – 8 p.m. until Dec. 23. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
It's set up at 8th and F Streets, right outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
It’s set up at 8th and F Streets, right outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
It's also a different marketplace every day, literally as the selection of exhibitors rotate daily. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
It’s also a different marketplace every day, literally as the selection of exhibitors rotate daily. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the market as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the market as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the Holiday Market — open from now until Dec. 23 — as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
(1/12)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the market as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
"I think it's a lot better because no one is trying to kill someone over a TV", said Paige Perry of Norfolk, Virginia. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the Holiday Market — open from now until Dec. 23 — as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
WTOP/Michelle Murillo
And if you are thinking it's to cold to shop outside, there are heaters set up throughout the area and vendors selling hot chocolate and hot coffee. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
And if you are thinking it's to cold to shop outside, there are heaters set up throughout the area and vendors selling hot chocolate and hot coffee. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
The Downtown Holiday Market is open daily from noon - 8 p.m. until Dec. 23. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
It's set up at 8th and F Streets, right outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
It's also a different marketplace every day, literally as the selection of exhibitors rotate daily. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the market as a more relaxed alternative. (WTOP/Michelle Murillo)
Here's what the Downtown Holiday Market looked like in 2018. (FILE)

WASHINGTON — Instead of braving the crowds at the department stores this weekend, how about sipping hot chocolate, listening to live music and browsing dozens of unique shops? You can because the Downtown Holiday Market is back.

Many shoppers who wished to avoid Black Friday shopping made their way to the market as a more relaxed alternative.

“I think it’s a lot better because no one is trying to kill someone over a TV,” said Paige Perry, of Norfolk, Virginia.

Ariel Monaco agreed, “This is civilized and genuinely enjoyable.”

Mother and daughter Kim and Colina were picking out a painting in one of the booths, laughing and saying the market was a much better way to shop than the mall.

“This is my type of shopping. It’s unique stuff, it’s fun,” said Kim. “It’s a festive atmosphere. It gets you in the Christmas mood.”

Colina added, “I think this is a lot more fun. It’s a lot more relaxed environment than regular Black Friday shopping. Honestly, I can’t handle that many people to save ten dollars on a TV.”

Monaco said she looks forward to the market every year.

“I shop here every year. I love it. Better to support the local artisans than the big department stores.”

Within minutes of arriving, she had already picked out a few gifts.

“A cutting board for my brother-in-law and a painting for my husband. I got one from the same artist last year. It’s always good to double dip and make a set of paintings.”

The D.C. Holiday Market features more than 150 regional artisans, craftsmen and boutique businesses, a fact not lost on Jennifer Barnhardt.

“We like more of the handmade things you can’t get in the regular store. Something unusual,” Barnhardt said.

If you’re thinking it’s too cold to shop outside, heaters are set up throughout the area and vendors sell hot chocolate and coffee.

The Downtown Holiday Market is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. until Dec. 23. It’s set up on the corner of 8th and F Streets, right outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.

It’s also a different marketplace every day, literally. The selection of exhibitors rotate daily.

Michelle Murillo

Michelle Murillo has been a part of the WTOP family since 2014. She started her career in Central Florida before working in radio in New York City and Philadelphia.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up