Holiday craft and Christmas markets in Washington D.C.

The holiday shopping season is officially kicking off. While malls and other shopping centers are an option, often I find it fun to poke around holiday craft and Christmas markets to find unique items. Many local and national artisans participate in events in this region every year offering handmade items. Yesterday I wrote about holiday markets in Northern Virginia, and today I want to focus on events happening downtown in Washington.

Downtown Holiday Market

Every year the Downtown Holiday Market starts about a month before Christmas. For more than 10 years it has become one of the largest holiday markets in the area. In years' past, this event kicks off on Black Friday. From this point, the market runs daily until Dec. 23 from noon to 8 p.m. It features more than 150 exhibitors selling diverse items, food and drink, along with live musical entertainment. The market takes place at 8th and F Streets, Washington, D.C.(in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery between 7th and 9th Streets NW).

SWEA Washington DC Holiday Bazaar

Located downtown in Georgetown, this Christmas Bazaar features Swedish Christmas traditions at the House of Sweden. It highlights Swedish arts and crafts, live Christmas caroling, and Swedish food and treats. The event is customarily held on the 1st Saturday of December and is located at 2900 K St NW. Admission is free.

Eastern Market

A very popular and well-known year-round local market, this festival appears to also spice things up for the holiday season. Find unique and handmade custom gifts from approximately 200 vendors. Live music and it appears to be kid-friendly. Thanks to KidFriendlyDC.com for the tip. For more details, see the market's official website.

There are a number of things to see and do in D.C. during the holidays. Don't forget to stop in at the Smithsonian museums, lots of festivity going on there too on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy shopping!