Yes, we’ve reached that season when our wallets get a workout in the name of spreading holiday cheer. But the gift-giving process doesn’t have to be tedious—step away from Amazon, throw on a scarf and head out to one of these Arlington-area holiday markets. Dozens of local artists and makers will thank you, and so will your giftees.
Cherrydale Holiday Art Market
Saturday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Alanna Rivera, an Arlington native and artist (painter, jewelry designer and dabbler in 1:12 miniature design), is the architect of this new holiday market. Expect original prints, jewelry, textiles, pottery and holiday-themed dog treats so cute you might consider sampling them yourself. To add to the atmosphere, local bluegrass band Bella and Waylon will be performing at the market on Nov. 13. // Cherrydale United Methodist Church, 3701 N. Lorcom Lane, Arlington
Alexandria Clay Co-op Holiday Pottery Sale
Saturday, Nov. 13 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This all-day affair is hosted by a community of potters and other ceramic artists. You can find unique gift items, such as a bird sculpture or house-shaped candle holder, from more than 20 local makers. Masks required. // 2389 S. Dove St., Alexandria
AAC x Made in Arlington Holiday Pop-Up
Wednesday, Nov. 17 | 6-9 p.m.
Made in Arlington, one of the county’s Creative Economy programs, is partnering with the Arlington Arts Center for this holiday market. It provides a rare midweek opportunity to snag some locally made goods. Masks required. // Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Virginia Square)
Holiday Makers’ Market at Botanologica
Sunday, Nov. 21 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Botanologica—a charming Falls Church destination for home decor, accessories and plant life—has assembled a collection of local brands for an outdoor day of shopping in its parking lot (weather-permitting). Check out goods from Persimmon Street Ceramics, Karina Gaull, Libby’s Lathers and more. And consider popping into the store, which is currently stocked with holiday items. Masks required and social distancing encouraged. // Botanologica, 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Six Days of Made in Arlington Holiday Shopping
Tuesday, Nov. 30; Wednesday, Dec. 1; Thursday, Dec. 2; Tuesday, Dec. 7; Wednesday, Dec. 8 and Thursday, Dec 9 | 4-7 p.m.
You’ve got ample opportunity to grab unique gifts at this Arlington holiday market. George Mason University’s Virginia Square campus is hosting not one but six evenings of all-about-local shopping. Masks required. // George Mason University Arlington Campus, Van Metre Hall, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Arlington Artists Alliance Artful Weekend Show
Friday, Dec. 3 | 3-8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 5 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Arlington’s historic Hendry House hosts the alliance’s 19th annual show, featuring jewelry, paintings, sculpture, glasswork and ceramics for sale from some three dozen Arlington artists. Masks not required but appreciated. // The Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 24th St. N., Arlington
McLean Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
Friday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This multiday event celebrating locally made goods is also a juried show for some 80 artists and makers based in the DMV. Now nearly 40 years old, the festival will sell fine art, holiday decor, skin care products, accessories and lots more. And have your appetite in tow—there are also specialty food items for sale. Admission is $5, good for all three days, for attendees age 13 and up. Guests 12 and under are free. // McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Del Ray Artisans’ 26th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
Friday, Dec. 3; Friday, Dec. 10; Friday, Dec. 17 | 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4; Sunday, Dec 5; Saturday, Dec. 11; Sunday, Dec 12; Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec 19 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Consider attending this holiday market on each of its three weekends, as the artist lineup will continue to rotate. Find artwork and products from mosaics to handmade paper to glassware, and get a jumpstart on your 2022 plans with a wall calendar loaded with art from Del Ray Artisans members. Masks required. // Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Falls Church Holiday Craft Show
Craft Show: Saturday, Dec. 4 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Children’s Holiday Shoppe: Saturday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
There’s no shortage of goods at this two-day holiday market, with 50-plus artisans and food purveyors participating. If you have kids who want holiday shopping options beyond the dollar store, bring them along with you on Saturday, when they can find trinkets for $6 or less and free gift wrapping. Your $1 admission covers attendance on both days. // Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church; Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Holiday Market at The Crossing
Saturday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Head to The Loop at The Crossing in Clarendon (formerly Market Common Clarendon) for a day of shopping and holiday fun, including an assortment of gift-worthy goods from local makers. // The Crossing, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Rosslyn Holiday Market
Friday, Dec. 10 | 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Peep products from Our Culture is Love, Elodie’s Naturals, Boso Kitchen and plenty more at this outdoor holiday mart. Tote your pup along on Friday to get their Kodak moment with Santa and snag some canine-centric giveaways. Open Road Grill will also be on hand with beer, wine and holiday drinks. And on Saturday, bring the kids; that day’s goodies include an elaborate hot chocolate bar, The Miraculous Magic Balloon presented by Synetic Theater, and photos with Santa. // Central Place Plaza, 1800 North Lynn St., Arlington
McLean High School Highlander Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 11 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
If High School Musical merged with a holiday arts and craft sale, it might be the Highlander Holiday Bazaar. Step into the McLean High gym for this shopping, food and musical performances. Masks required. // McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Saturday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Come to Carlyle Square for an all-day, outdoor shopping excursion, featuring art, jewelry, body and hair care, and baked goods. Masks required. // John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Ballston Holiday Wreath Market
Friday, Dec. 17 | 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 18 | Noon-7 p.m.
This inaugural wreath market in the heart of Ballston is a one-stop shop for front-door decor, entertainment and warm beverages (courtesy of a pop-up bar). Catch a peek at a holiday light installation on Macy’s exterior by local artist Robin Bell from 6-9 p.m. each night, as well as live performances from the Arlington Children’s Chorus and TikTok sensation Andrew Savoia. And if you’ve got kiddos with letters for Santa, they’ve got a mailbox just for that. Proceeds from wreath purchases benefit local charities, and a Toys for Tots cruiser will be on hand for wrapped-gift donations. //Ballston Exchange, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
National Landing Holiday Market
Friday, Dec. 17 | 5-10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 18 | Noon-5 p.m.
Find vintage duds, jewelry and plenty of other gift items at this two-day shopping event. Local makers and purveyors include Jasmine Design, Everybody Sweet, Capital Vintage and No Encore Club. And be ready for some serious snackage from a lineup of food vendors assembled by gua bao pros Bun’d Up. //Crystal Drive Pergola, 2121 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Attending or hosting a holiday market that’s not listed here? Tell us about it at eliza.tebo@arlingtonmagazine.com.