(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by officials from the DowntownDC BID and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), local makers, and community partners to celebrate the opening of the DowntownDC Holiday Market. With 119 small and local businesses, 15 festive food vendors, and live entertainment presented by the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, the holiday market is a family-friendly destination for holiday shopping and seasonal celebration. This year’s market, which will run through Tuesday, December 23, also features a dedicated Made in DC booth showcasing local makers and entrepreneurs and offering residents and visitors an additional chance to shop products created in the District.
Mayor Bowser also announced today that DSLBD will open applications for the Robust Retail Grant on December 1, earlier than originally planned. This early release ensures that local small businesses can access support during the holiday season.
“The DowntownDC Holiday Market is one of DC’s favorite holiday traditions — a place to gather, celebrate, and support small and local businesses,” said Mayor Bowser. “And we know local businesses need our community’s support. That’s why we’re opening up our Robust Retail Grant applications early, getting more local entrepreneurs the capital they need to keep their businesses open and thriving.”
This round of the Robust Retail Grant Program will support existing small businesses with up to $10,000 in reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred between October 1 and January 20. A total of $500,000 is available, supporting up to 50 storefront businesses across the District. Eligible expenses include employee wages and salaries, insurance costs, rent and utility expenses, inventory and cleaning supplies, new delivery or online costs, taxes, and debt obligations.
Since the Robust Retail program’s launch in 2019, DSLBD has allocated more than $4.5 million to over 500 retail establishments across all eight wards, reinforcing the District’s commitment to local entrepreneurs. For more information on the program and to learn how to apply, visit dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant.
“This is an important time for our small and local businesses,” said DSLBD Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans. “By opening the Robust Retail Grant early, we’re making sure our businesses have what they need to meet the moment—whether that’s improving their storefronts, managing seasonal costs, or bringing in more customers. This support helps keep our corridors active, our neighborhoods vibrant, and our local economy moving forward.”
The DowntownDC Holiday Market supports the Mayor’s vision for a vibrant Downtown that brings people together with housing, jobs, and entertainment. The market brings more than half a million visitors Downtown each season, showcases local vendors, and drives foot traffic to restaurants, museums, and businesses, helping ensure that Downtown DC remains a vibrant and exciting space for residents and visitors alike.
The market will be open daily from November 21 through December 23 (closed Thanksgiving Day).
- Monday–Thursday, 12 pm to 8 pm
- Friday–Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm
- Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm
Learn more about the DowntownDC Holiday Market and plan your visit at downtowndcholidaymarket.com.
Residents and visitors can also enjoy other festive holiday events in Downtown, including Frosted at Franklin Park, which will be activated from November 21 to January 7, as well as the National Mistletoe activation at Anthem Row, which opens November 21, and the National Kiss Under the National Mistletoe on December 13.