Making sure you choose the perfect holiday gift can be stressful. But don’t worry: with over 20 markets to choose from this season, there are plenty of opportunities for inspiration.
Carver Center Advisory Board Holiday Bazaar
Nov. 10-18, 1-4 p.m.
The food, baked goods, makeup, antiques, collectibles, jewelry and other gifts up for purchase at this event will help to cover the cost of the Carver Center’s senior programs.// Carver Center: 200 Willie Palmer Drive, Purceville
Herndon High School Holiday Vendor Sale
Nov. 18, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
The student groups at Herndon High School will benefit from this Holiday Vendor Sale featuring book signings with local authors, treats, door prizes and gift items. // Herndon High School: 700 Bennett St., Herndon
32nd Annual Fairfax Holiday Craft Show
Nov. 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
This two-day event will feature wares from artists both near and far. Shoppers (who must pay either $5 for one-day admission or $8 for a two-day pass) will be able to purchase a hot lunch. Individuals under 18 years old get in for free. // Fairfax High School: 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax
Ashburn Farm’s 11th Annual Craft Fair
Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Shoppers can marvel at what local artists have been able to so skillfully put together— quilts, wreaths, baskets, paintings, jewelry and other works of art among them—at this Ashburn Farm event. // Windmill Community Center: 21400 Windmill Drive, Ashburn
Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild
Nov. 24-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Over 80 artisans will present their paintings, ceramics, photography, clothing, jewelry and more at what was once called the Vienna Art and Craft Show. Under a new name, this 30-year-old event is free for children 12 and under. General admission costs $5.// Spring Hill ReCenter: 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean
3rd Annual Bluemont (Juried) Holiday Craft Show
Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
In addition to what you will typically find at a holiday market, this free event will also offer refreshments available for purchase. // Bluemont Community Center: 33846 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont
Norwegian Holiday Festival & Bazaar
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Not your average holiday market, this free two-day event will have Norweigan eats on display, a performance by the Nordic Dancers, live music, demonstrations on both weaving and cooking, and—of course—gifts. // Christ Lutheran Church: 3810 Meredith Drive, Fairfax
Fairfax Holiday Market
Dec. 1-3, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 8-10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 15-17, 1-5 p.m.
For the first three weekends in December, more than 13 vendors will showcase their goods amidst an array of hot drinks, treats and holiday music.// Old Town Square: 3999 University Drive, Fairfax
Alexandria’s Holiday Market
Dec. 1-23, Multiple times
Kids can paint their own ornament, visit Santa and get their face painted while adults peruse through open-air aisles of craft items with hot wine, hot cocoa, food and treats in hand. Live entertainment adds to the experience. // 300 John Caryle St., Alexandria
22nd Annual Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
Dec. 1-17; Fridays 6-9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Each weekend, over 18 artists will sell their pottery, ceramics, photographs and other products alongside 2018 wall calendars, cookbooks, tote bags and zipper pouches that have been upcycled at this free event. A portion of participating artists’ proceeds will benefit Del Ray Artisan’s mission. // Nicholas A. Colasanto Center: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Show at Ida Lee Recreation Center
Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Find candles, stained glass, wood workings and other handmade goods from over 90 area vendors at the Ida Lee Recreation Center’s free holiday market. This event is part of the 2017 Holidays in Leesburg celebration, which also includes a Christmas tree and menorah lighting, parade and three musical events. // Ida Lee Recreation Center: 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg
Gifts from the HeART Holiday Shopping
Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ornaments, textiles, sculptures, paintings and more will occupy Lake Anne’s Reston Community Center. Ten percent of artists’ proceeds will support outreach efforts as well as support the Embry Rucker Community Shelter and the Laurel Learning Center. // Reston Community Center Lake Anne: 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston
Holiday House Craft Show and Sale
Dec. 2-3, 6, 9-10; Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m., Wednesday noon-8 p.m.
In its 11th year, this two-weekend event will also include a children’s corner where all items for purchase cost under $15. // Hendry House: 2411 N 24th St., Arlington
Middleburg Craft Fair
Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This free craft fair is one of many holiday happenings on Dec. 2 in Middleburg. Other events include a breakfast with Santa, silent auction, Christmas kids’ zone, lunch, hot chocolate, parade and a Spirits of Middleburg tasting event. // Middleburg Community Center: 300 W Washington St., Middleburg
City of Falls Church’s Holiday Craft Show
Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
For $1, guests can take advantage of an all-weekend shopping pass, taking in wares from over 50 vendors. Children under 12 are free, and little ones can shop for less expensive gifts at Dec. 2’s Children’s Holiday Shoppe at the Cherry Hill Farmhouse (across from the community center at 312 Park Ave.). // Falls Church Community Center: 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church
Children’s Holiday Shoppe
Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This event is geared specifically toward kids and parents for the holidays. Volunteers will be on site to help children wrap their gift purchases. A lunch with Santa will also be offered to kids for entertainment.// Cherry Hill Farmhouse: 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
LCDS First Annual Winter Market
Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
A food truck and raffle set this family-friendly holiday market apart. Local businesses and artists will be in attendance, as will be student entrepreneurs. While admission is free, donations of new children’s PJs (benefiting the Pajama Program), are encouraged. // Loudoun Country Day School: 20600 Red Cedar Drive, Leesburg
Herndon Holiday Arts & Craft Show
Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sponsored by the Town of Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation, this event brings together over 80 artisans selling ornaments, decorations and gift-worthy items. Both parking and admission are free. // Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Lovettsville’s Tenth Annual Christkindlmarkt
Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 3 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Loudoun Valley German Society will bring Austrian/German food, music, over 25 vendors offering up their crafts and special guests that include St. Nicholas, Belznickle and the Christkindl angel. Attendees under 13 are free, and those older must pay a $3 admission fee. // Lovettsville Game Protective Association Hall: 16 S Berlin Pike, Lovettsville
38th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
For $2 per person (children 12 and under are free), visitors can check out what over 120 artisans have to offer and possibly win some door prizes. // Audrey Moore RECenter: 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly
Dec. 8-9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Over 300 artisans from the mid-Atlantic, Northeast and other parts of the nation will interact with guests while displaying their works. Some will even offer wood, glass and straw demonstrations. There will be food for purchase and those interested are encouraged to buy their ticket online. // Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly