14 Holiday Pop-Up Markets For All Your Gifting Needs
Locally made jewelry. Fine art. Custom dog treats. Santa selfies. It's all here at these festive, crafty events.
Through December, find giftable works by hundreds of local artists and makers at holiday markets in and around Arlington and Falls Church, including handcrafted chocolates by Scrummy Gorgeous (Courtesy photo)
It’s the most won-der-ful tiiiiiiiiiiime of the year … until you remember you need to do all that holiday shopping. Fret not—there are plenty of seasonal pop-up markets to fuel your gifting endeavors this year, featuring loads of items by local makers. So let’s call it a double opportunity to shop local, starting with these events.
Alexandria Clay Co-Op Pottery Sale
Friday, Nov. 11 | 6-8 p.m. (Preview Event)
Saturday, Nov. 12 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Back for a second year, this clay extravaganza will showcase the work of more than 30 local potters and other ceramicists on Nov. 12 with an all-day market. Can’t make it Saturday? Catch a preview party on Friday, Nov. 11, from 6-8 p.m., featuring live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres. // 2389 S. Dove St., Alexandria. $20 admission to preview party.
Cherrydale Holiday Art Market
Saturday, Nov. 12 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Looking for a unique gift that will warm up a friend or family member’s home? Check out original creations from several local artists at this mart, founded by Arlington-based painter Alanna Rivera. Among the 2D works are pieces by Rivera (take a peek at her pet portraits) and illustrators Sierra Barnes and Perla Showell. Shoppers will also find apparel from Salabova, jewelry from nonprofit Tree Angels for Haiti and dog treats from ARF 11:11 (Make a Wish). // Cherrydale United Methodist Church, 3071 N. Lorcom Lane, Arlington
Find wallets, makeup pouches, cross-body bags, totes and more by Arlington maker Karina Gaull at the Botanologica Holiday Makers Market and other pop-up events this season. (Courtesy photo)
Botanologica Holiday Makers Market
Saturday, Nov. 19 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Browse giftable wares by a dozen hometown vendors at this festive event outside garden emporium Botanologica, featuring warm drinks from Rare Bird Coffee Roasters. The options include “holiday wishbones” for your dining table from Persimmon Street Ceramics, odes to ornithology by Good Goose Graphics, colorful clutches and totes by Karina Gaull and almost too-lovely-to-eat chocolates from Scrummy Gorgeous. Plus plenty more. // 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church City
Holiday Art Market at MOCA Arlington
Thursday, Dec. 1 | 5:30-8:50 p.m.
Join friends, local artisans and community members at the newly renamed Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington for a night of visual art, music and one-of-a-kind gift items from local makers. // Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Why order a generic poster from an online megastore when you can snag a unique piece of artwork from a local artist, such as Jess Michetti of Good Goose Graphics? (Image by Jess Michetti)
Arlington Artists Alliance Winter Artful Weekend
Friday, Dec. 2 | 3-7 p.m. (Opening reception from 5-7 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Now in its 20th year, this three-day affair inside Arlington’s historic Hendry House promises works for sale by some 40 artists who are members of the 22-year-old art collective. Shop for jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, glasswork, paintings and other mediums. // Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
McLean Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
Friday, Dec. 2 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
For four decades, the McLean Community Center has hosted this festive event, held indoors and spanning three days. Make room in your shopping basket for pieces from roughly 80 juried artists in the region, including holiday decor, accessories, fine art and more. And save your appetite—the event includes an on-site cafe with lunch and baked goods, as well as music for getting your groove on. // McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. $5 admission good for all three days of show. Children 12 and under free.
Shop jewelry by Nafia Syeed (Nafiart Studio) and other local makers at the Falls Church Holiday Gift and Craft Show, Dec. 3-4 (Photo courtesy of Nafiart Studio)
Falls Church Holiday Gift and Craft Show
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Children’s shop from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
There’s a lot to take advantage of at this annual event in The Little City, featuring dozens of local makers and bakers, plus live music on both days. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for your favorite people, and bring the kiddos. They can do some holiday shopping of their own in the children’s shop, stocked with presents priced at $6 or less, with gift-wrapping provided gratis. A raffle each day offers a chance to snag handmade items from show vendors. // Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church. $1 admission good for both days of show.
URBNMarket Holiday Pop-Up in the Mosaic District
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Scores of DMV creators will take over the streets of the Mosaic District during this festive street fair spanning two weekends in December. Stock up on artisanal candles, gourmet foods, handmade apparel, home accessories and other giftable goods for every person on your list. // 2920 District Ave., Fairfax
Check out ceramic works by Dana Lehrer Danze and other local artists and get a peek inside their studios. The Lee Arts Center Studios Show and Sale returns Dec. 3 after a 2-year hiatus. (Courtesy photo)
Lee Arts Center Studios Show and Sale
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-4.p.m.
Back after a 2-year hiatus, this sale is sure to please the art-lover in your life. Browse hand-crafted ceramics and hand-pulled prints made by LAC Studios member artists, and get an inside look at the creative spaces where the magic happens. // 5722 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Washington-Liberty High School Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-4.p.m.
Shop local and support W-L clubs and teams by buying gifts from scores of area crafters and vendors. This annual fundraiser also features high school choir performances and tasty snacks to enjoy while you browse. // Washington-Liberty High School, 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington
Painter Andrea Schellman is among the featured artists at this year’s Arlington Artists Alliance Winter Artful Weekend and Sale at Arlington’s historic Hendry House. Dec. 2-4. (Photo courtesy of the Arlington Artists Alliance)
George Mason Winter Fest and Market
Monday, Dec. 5 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
What beats s’mores and shopping? Not much. Pop by this holiday market on GMU’s Arlington campus for hot chocolate and gift-worthy items from local makers, as well as lively music. But don’t leave without making a pit stop at the fire pit and partaking in everyone’s favorite ooey-gooey camping ritual. The marshmallow roasting starts at 3 p.m. // George Mason University, Mason Square, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington
The McLean High School Highlander Holiday Bazaar will feature woodwork from local artisans. (Photo courtesy of McLean High School Highlander Holiday Bazaar)
McLean High School Highlander Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Let the McLean High School orchestra serenade your shopping experience at this annual event, which also features bites and beverages. With more than 100 vendors, this is a great mart to consider if you’re in the market for soaps, candles, original woodwork, paintings or custom jewelry. // McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean
Shop for statement jewelry by Soultry and giftables by other local makers at Rosslyn Cheer, Dec. 10-11. (Photo courtesy of Soultry Brand)
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Saturday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Old Town is gorgeous during the winter holidays, with both sides of King Street festooned with glittering lights. But before you settle in for drinks or dinner at one of its restaurants, check off some holiday shopping at this craft show, which promises more than 110 local makers and small businesses on site with an array of distinctive gift options. // John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Rosslyn Cheer 2022: Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Stop by this two-day, family-friendly holiday extravaganza for great gifts and extras for the little ones. Drop notes for Santa at the North Pole mailbox, snap pics with the fabled chimney slider (photos with Santa will be offered from 12:30-3 p.m. daily) and decorate ornaments to take home for your tree. You can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and bop to live tunes, too. // Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington
Attending or hosting a holiday market that’s not listed here? Tell us about it at eliza.tebo@arlingtonmagazine.com.
