Find One of a Kind Holiday Gifts At These Local Shops and Markets

Artisans and crafters come out of their hiding spots for the holidays and bring with them one-of-a-kind decorations, wreaths, and stocking stuffers that can make your holiday just a little more special. Since COVID is no longer a concern, local areas are hosting holiday markets, which are like farmers' markets but for those who need some more cheer in their life. So put on your puffy coat and check out these local shops, or if you want to simply scroll online, check out some of these local options from Etsy. You may want to keep them for yourself. 

Falls Church Holiday Gift and Craft Shop

The city of Falls Church hosts a craft shop each year with more than 40 local vendors who sell a wide array of unique products. This year, you can find pottery, handmade bead jewelry, books and carpets, wreaths, ornaments, and candles. Located at the Falls Church community center, this event takes place on December 3 and 4, so you can get your shopping done early. This market features live entertainment, volunteers who wrap your gifts for you, and a children’s shop meant just for kids.

Vienna Ornaments

The Freeman Store & Museum makes unique Christmas ornaments that depict three-dimensional miniatures of local buildings in the Town of Vienna, including the Vienna Arts center, the Vienna Elementary School, the Vienna Inn, and the Vienna Town Hall. Each wooden ornament is hand-cut and painted. For the past 20 years, artist Rachael Peden created a new ornament depicting a local landmark. She has since retired, so those ornaments are in limited supply – and a few others not mentioned have since sold out. 

This historic community center and museum, located on Church Street NE, once functioned as headquarters for both the Confederate Army and later the Union Army during the Civil War. Initially owned by Abram Lydecker, the Freeman House was a store that housed both Vienna’s post office and fire department in 1859.

After the end of the Civil War, Lydecker’s son-in-law, Anderson Freeman, reclaimed the house and ran the family business. It wasn’t until 1969 that the house was sold to the Town of Vienna. Since then, it has been placed on the Virginia Landmarks Register. Even if you don’t want an ornament, this location is worth a visit for the holidays.

Holiday Market

In Tysons at The PARC, a pop-up shop featuring local artisans and small businesses will take place every Saturday for the first three weeks in December. This event promises fun for everyone, including a small festive winter village, food and drinks, and unique items to buy for people in your life who may seem hard to shop for. This event is mostly indoors, so don’t worry about the weather outside being frightful.

Herndon WinterMarkt

Bundle up and head outside to scenic and historic Herndon, where you can find such items as fluid art, Viennese pastries from Little Austria, upcycled mittens, homemade sausage and charcuterie, German cuisine, and more! The Herndon WinterMarkt seeks to bring the old-world charm of Christmas in Europe to the local Northern Virginia area, with decorations, live entertainment, hot beverages and warm food, and fun for the whole family.