WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — ‘Tis the season for shopping. This year in the District, there are two holiday markets in Northwest D.C. to choose from: one in Penn Quarter and the other in Dupont Circle.
Even through the rain and cold on Friday, spirits remained high for opening day at the DC Holiday Market in Dupont.
“It’s always great for business. We love to get out there and meet new people every single year and bring the joy of the holiday to them,” said Alejandro Buxton.
The 14-year-old entrepreneur owns Smell of Love Candles.
He spent two years at the market downtown but decided to set up shop in Dupont this year.
“Dupont really feels like community. We’ve got all of our vendors that we know. Everybody knows each other. It’s just a little family I would say,” Buxton said.
Pyramid Atlantic Art Center also moved from Penn Quarter to Dupont.
“People have been very cheery and happy and buying all the things that we have here,” said artist Sarah Matthews.
With 34 vendors, there’s a lot to choose from.
“Just looking around but I might buy some stuff for my siblings,” said Anthony Hall.
The operator of the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle formerly ran the DowntownDC Holiday Market on F Street.
“We’re really excited to be in Dupont Circle. This is a great neighborhood, culturally rich, a lot of small businesses, a lot of great restaurants. And that really fits what we do here with a lot of small businesses and unique things,” said Michael Berman, president of Diverse Markets Management, which operates the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle.
In both locations, weather played a factor on Friday.
“It’s not the best but we always prepared. We don’t have our umbrella. But we have our hats and our gloves and our scarves,” said Aleyna Eslami.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is in its 20th year with more than 100 vendors.
“There’s a lot of stuff to look at. I love how it all seems homemade too, which is really cool, so support local,” said Lauren Minert.
No matter where you shop, there’s something for everyone to get in the holiday spirit.
Both markets are open from noon to 8 p.m. every day. Both are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle closes on Dec. 15.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market closes on Dec. 23.
