D.C. BIDs to Host Dueling Holiday Markets

Two D.C. business improvement districts (BID) will hold dueling holiday markets this Christmas.

At the heart of the battle is Diverse Markets Management LLC (DDM) and its Downtown Holiday Market held for 30 days prior to Christmas each year along a closed F Street NW in Penn Quarter. The market was sponsored by the DowntownDC BID for nearly two decades by managed by DDM.

Visitors shop the former Downtown Holiday Market in Penn Quarter. (Photo: Downtown Holiday Market)

But last April, the BID said it was switching to New York-based The Makers Show to manage the annual event held across from the Capital One Arena outside the National Portrait Gallery. The market drew tens of thousands of visitors and about 70 rotating vendors each year.

So DMM, which also manages The Flea Market at Eastern Market, the Lot SW and its Market SW and Farmers Market SW across from the Waterfront Metro station and the NoMa Farmers Market at Third Street, went looking for a new holiday partner.

DMM and Dupont Circle BID launch DC Holiday Market

On Tuesday, DMM announced it is partnering with the Dupont Circle BID and moving the Downtown Holiday Market to the 1500 block of 19th Street NW – behind Kramers bookstore – a block from historic Dupont Circle. It will be called the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle.

“We are thrilled to be reopening the DC Holiday Market for the holidays in Dupont Circle,” said Michael Berman, DMM president, in a press release. “Dupont Circle has a tradition of small businesses, including art galleries and mom & pop shops. The DC Holiday Market is a perfect complement to the stores and restaurants around Dupont Circle.”

“We are beyond excited to partner with Diverse Markets Management,” added Jason Goldman, the BID’s marketing and events manager. “The Downtown Holiday Market has such a strong brand with their world-class vendors, and it will be a perfect addition to Dupont Circle’s holiday activities!”

The market will be open from noon-8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 22 through Dec. 15, except Thanksgiving Day. There will be more than 30 small businesses selling art, clothing, crafts, jewelry and specialty goods along with a stage with live performances from local groups each night. Migue’s Mini Donuts and The Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts, popular vendors from the Penn Quarter market, will also be featured nightly.

Other Dupont holiday events

In addition to the DC Holiday Market, the nearby Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, will host its juried 12th annual Christmas Markt from Dec. 6-13. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, but featuring DMV makers, the event features more than 50 vendors annually. For the first time, it will be held for an entire week.

And Dupont Circle Main Streets will host a pop-up market Dec. 7-8. More than 50 makers will set up along P Street and Connecticut Avenue to usher in the holiday.

A woman buys spices from a vendor at the former Downtown Holiday Market. (Photo: DowntownDC BID)

DowntownDC BID launches DowntownDC Holiday Market

Shortly after the DC Holiday Market’s announcement, the DowntownDC BID made its own announcement: The DowntownDC Holiday Market would take over F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW daily from noon-8 p.m. from Nov. 22 through Dec. 23.

“The holiday market undergoes a rejuvenating transformation under the guidance of our new market operator The Makers Show, renowned for crafting unforgettable market experiences,” DowntownDC BID said in a press release. “With The Makers Show, the BID is committed to engaging a network of local businesses with reduced costs for booth rentals to make the holiday market as diverse and enjoyable as possible, helping cement Downtown D.C.’s status as a global destination for the holiday season. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, a fresh array of artisans, captivating community activations and a delectable food and beverage lineup.”

Gerren Price, president of the DowntownDC BID, added the Penn Quarter market “will continue to be one of DC’s beloved traditions and will remain in Downtown D.C.” He said the organization is planning how it can “evolve and expand the market.”

Price said the new features of the downtown market hope to “bring holiday cheer and boost the downtown economy.”