The DowntownDC Holiday Market at Penn Quarter is a free, outdoor holiday shopping event on F Street NW in Washington, DC, between 7th and 9th Streets. The 2026 market runs November 13 through December 23, with over 100 vendors selling handmade goods, gifts, and food, plus live music on weekends.
It sits right in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, a few steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station. No ticket is needed to enter, though bring cash or a card if you plan to shop or eat.
Here is everything to know before you go, from hours and parking to what vendors actually sell.
DowntownDC Holiday Market at Penn Quarter Washington: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 13 to December 23, 2026 |
| Location | F Street NW, between 7th and 9th Streets NW |
| Address | 801 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 |
| Admission | Free |
| Closed | Thanksgiving Day |
| Vendors | 100+ small businesses |
| Nearest Metro | Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green, Yellow lines) |
| Market operator | The Makers Show (TMS) |
This is the market’s location for its current run in Penn Quarter. It is not the same event as the DC Holiday Market near Dupont Circle, which runs separately with its own vendors and dates.
Market Hours
Hours change slightly by day of the week, so check before heading over on a weeknight.
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day
If you want a quieter visit, go on a weekday afternoon. Evenings and weekends draw the biggest crowds, especially in the two weeks before Christmas.
How to Get There
By Metro
The market sits a short walk from Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station, served by the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. Use the 7th & F Street or 9th & G Street exits to come out closest to the market entrance.
By Car
Street parking near Penn Quarter fills up fast during market hours, especially on weekends. Several paid parking garages sit within a block or two of F Street, including options near the Capital One Arena. Metro is the more reliable option if you are visiting during peak evening hours.
On Foot
The market spans two full blocks, so it is an easy add-on if you are already downtown for dinner, a Capital One Arena event, or a visit to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, both a short walk away.
What to Expect at the Market
The market runs along F Street in a row of wooden vendor booths, each with its own look and product mix. Past years have featured more than 100 small businesses selling a wide range of goods.
Shopping
Vendors typically include:
- Handmade jewelry and accessories
- Clothing, scarves, and winter wear
- Home goods and candles
- Local art and photography
- International goods, including items from Egypt, Germany, and other regions
- Books and stationery from small presses
Many vendors are local DC-area makers, along with businesses that travel the holiday market circuit in other cities.
Food and Drinks
Food stalls sell warm drinks and seasonal treats, including hot chocolate, cider, waffles, and other holiday snacks. A dedicated seating area gives visitors a place to sit down after walking the length of the market.
Entertainment
A main stage hosts live music and performances, typically Thursday through Sunday with multiple sets throughout the day. Expect a mix of local musicians and seasonal programming.
Is the Market Free?
Yes. There is no entry fee or ticket required to walk through the DowntownDC Holiday Market. You only spend money if you choose to buy from a vendor or grab food and drinks.
This makes it an easy stop even if you are not planning to shop, since you can walk through, enjoy the lights and music, and decide what to buy as you go.
Best Time to Visit
Timing your visit changes the experience quite a bit. Here is what to expect at different times.
| When to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Weekday afternoon | Smallest crowds, easiest to browse each booth |
| Weekday evening | Moderate crowds, lights are on, good for dinner + market combo |
| Weekend daytime | Busy, good for families and daytime photos |
| Weekend evening | Most crowded, especially close to Christmas |
If your main goal is shopping without long lines at vendor booths, a weekday between opening and 5 p.m. is the easiest window.
Is It Dog Friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at the market. Just plan to clean up after your pet, since it is a public street with heavy foot traffic.
Nearby Things to Do
Since the market sits in the middle of Penn Quarter, a few other spots are worth combining with your visit:
- Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery – Free admission, housed in the same building a few blocks away
- Capital One Arena – Check the event schedule if you want to combine the market with a game or concert
- Chinatown restaurants – Several dinner options sit within walking distance for a meal before or after
- National Building Museum – Home to a seasonal ice skating rink nearby during the same season
FAQ
When does the DowntownDC Holiday Market at Penn Quarter open in 2026? The 2026 market runs November 13 through December 23. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and open daily otherwise, with hours that vary by day of the week.
Where exactly is the Penn Quarter holiday market located? It runs along F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets, in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, DC. The closest Metro stop is Gallery Place-Chinatown.
Is there an entry fee for the DowntownDC Holiday Market? No, admission is free. You only pay if you buy something from a vendor or a food stall.
How is this different from the Dupont Circle holiday market? They are two separate events. The Penn Quarter market runs on F Street NW near Gallery Place-Chinatown, while the Dupont Circle market runs on New Hampshire Avenue NW near the Dupont Circle Metro station, with its own vendor list and dates.
Planning Your Visit
Pick a weekday afternoon if you want to browse without crowds, or a weekend evening if you want the full lights-and-music atmosphere. Either way, take the Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown, since it drops you closest to the market and skips the parking search that comes with driving downtown during the holidays.