experience union market district
At Union Market District, we believe every day is an opportunity for great experiences, but the holiday season is truly special! Discover the ultimate destination for festive cheer, where you can find the perfect gift, locally sourced seasonal décor and unique experiences that will delight everyone on your list. Indulge in delicious eats, explore local art and immerse yourself in a vibrant lineup of events designed to make this season unforgettable.
Join us for our Experience UMD video series, where you can see firsthand the magic of the holidays at Union Market District. Dive into a world of unique gifts and experiences that will simplify your shopping and elevate your celebrations.
FAMILY FUN
Start off strong with a pour over from Blue Bottle. Three Littles’ has ethically made kids toys, books and strollers. Head to Buffalo and Bergen for bagels and Bloody’s. Get that pic of the whole fam *finally* framed at Framebridge. Fuel up the whole fam at Sweetgreen. Politics and Prose has a book nook for kids and stacks of bestsellers for adults. Let DRYY handle your dirty laundry. Stellina Pizzeria’s pizzas pair perfectly with an Aperol Spritz (…adults only). Cup or cone? The Creamery makes their flavors by hand using local ingredients.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
DC’s best vintage is at Vintage Vintage Vintage. Shop for sustainable clothing and accessories from Bitter Grace. SOMEWHERE is sneakerhead heaven: the most-wanted footwear from top brands. Shop handcrafted pieces from 100+ independent jewelry designers at Shelter. Add some sparkle to your lobes with a hassle-free piercing from STUDS. Shop Ron David Studio’s fun clothing and accessories for men and women. Change your look with Warby Parker frames in seasonal shades.
THE ART LOVER
100+ artists, 3 days, visit the FREE Umbrella Art Fair! Check out the street art on the DC Mural Tour with Jason Bowers. Framebridge can do the heavy lifting for your future gallery wall. New artists and old favorites: Byrdland Records is the place to be for music lovers. Stop by Chela Mitchell Gallery for DMV-born Quinci Baker’s exhibition. Support artisans in Latin America – shop ArtTepuy’s handmade jewelry, home décor and art. Hurry to maman for a spread that looks (and tastes) like a work of art.
CULTURE/TRAVEL JUNKIE
A.Litteri, an Italian deli with big flavor. Something for everyone at La Cosecha—La Casita’s pupusas, Peruvian Brothers’ chicken, and Mosaico’s arepas. Sip standout teas at Spot of Tea. Head to Angelika Pop-Up for arthouse films and blockbusters. Expand your mind at Politics and Prose. Cozy up with Mecha’s fall menu. Enjoy top ramen at Ramen by Uzu and rich dumplings at Laoban. Fresh pasta awaits at Al Volo. Explore the world of music at Byrdland Records and Mexican street food at Apapacho.
TREAT YOURSELF
Taste 22 luxurious courses at Columbian restaurant, Elcielo. Pastis’ burger and a dirty martini are heaven on earth. Discover all things sparkly and shiny from Shelter’s 100+ jewelry designers. Shop timeless and sustainable clothing staples at Bitter Grace. Upgrade your office with a splurge-worthy Eames chair from Herman Miller. Visit Arcay Chocolates because chocolate makes everything better. Add rainbow sprinkles at Van Leeuwen and scoop up that plant you’ve been longing for at Jungle & Loom.
HOMEBODY
Choose your unique scent and create a candle at District Candle Lab. Design a custom necklace at Fawne while your candle sets. Jungle and Loom’s team can help you find the perfect plant. Check out Flor Del Soul for dried flowers, locally made soaps and art. Salt & Sundry’s new storefront has more space for 200+ makers and designers. Puddin’s Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Pudding is worth the trip. The ultimate comfort food: Stellina Pizzeria’s Cacio & Pepe with Pecorino Romano and shredded mozzarella.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Sweets lovers will love Aboveground’s Brit candy bars and biscuits. Don’t have Peruvian Brothers’ hot sauce? Grab one now! Oprah raves about Maman’s nutty chocolate chip cookies. Shop Made in DC offers only locally made goods. Arttepuy’s handmade pieces celebrate the everyday. Find last-minute gifts at Salt & Sundry! Fawne’s jewelry and accessories are always a hit. Framebridge has thoughtful gifts for your tabletop and limited-edition ornaments.
MASTER CHEF
4th Street’s hidden gem, Mexican Fruits, offers fresh deals on global produce. If you haven’t had St. Anselm’s buttermilk biscuits and pimento cheese, you haven’t LIVED. Trade in the dull knife for something sharp from District Cutlery. Harvey’s Market: they have the meats. For sustainable seafood, head to District Fishwife. At Grand Cata, explore classic and sustainable wines. Bread Alley bakes French baguettes, cranberry-walnut boules and MORE. Celebrate Levantine flavors at all-day cafe, Yellow.
NIGHT OWL/PARTY ANIMAL
Feel the need for speed at F1 Arcade. Khalid, Tank & the Bangas and Jessie Reyez got their start at Songbyrd Music House. Everyone is beautiful at Last Call, Union Market’s dive bar. Sid Gold’s Request Room has live piano karaoke. O-Ku serves fresh sushi and boasts one of DC’s largest Japanese whiskey collections. Try a Piña Piña at El Presidente. Mezcalero’s ceviche, queso fundido and shrimp nachos make a fiesta. Serenata serves cocktail masterpieces. End with a bagel from Buffalo and Bergen or cocktails at ElCielo.
THE OUT-OF-TOWNER
Get into gear and pit stop with F1 Arcade’s top food and drink menu. Karaoke’s always on at Sid Gold’s Request Room with crafted cocktails and live piano. Take a break at Pastis’ Apero Hour (3-5 PM) for light bites, and libations. Habibis, Yellow serves creative lattes, pastries, pitas and labneh soft serve. Cotton and Reed’s rum-based cocktails capture the tiki bar vibe. Explore street art on the DC Mural Tour with Jason Bowers. Shop handmade goods at Shop Made in DC. For cheeseboards and wine, head to La Jambe.
LOCAL LOVER
Pluma’s buttery croissants are the best in the city. Puddin’s Creole and Cajun dishes are soul food favorites. Bread Alley bakes bread for St. Anselm, Pastis and Le Dip. The Village’s is perfect for an afternoon break. Get stronger at WØRK’s inclusive workouts. Try South Block, Takorean or Mastiha Taverna. The Creamery’s homemade flavors are a must-try. Three Littles offers ethically made toys and strollers. Order the Cocomotion at Cotton and Reed. Stellina Pizzeria serves authentic Neo-Neapolitan pizzas and drinks.