The Great American Christmas Market
A festive celebration of Christmas, American craftsmanship, and the close of our nation’s 250th anniversary year
Join Us on the National Mall
When
December 2–3, 2026
Wednesday & Thursday
Time
3:00–9:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, both days
Where
USDA Whitten Building
1400 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, D.C.
Metro
Smithsonian Station
Blue, Orange, and Silver lines
Open Air and Heated Tents
The market is held outdoors, so bundle up. Heated tents along the way make it easy to warm up and keep shopping.
Get directions (opens in a new tab)
Three Ways to Celebrate the Season
From iconic tree lightings to holiday shopping, discover three festive events in Washington, D.C. this holiday season. Visit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, experience the National Christmas Tree at the White House, and then come enjoy the USDA Christmas Market.
Wednesday, December 2
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 3
National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House
Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 to 3
The Great American Christmas Market at USDA
Celebrate Christmas. Celebrate America.
The Great American Christmas Market brings together farmers, ranchers, producers, artisans, and makers from across the United States to showcase the food, fiber, and traditions that make Christmas uniquely American. As the culminating event of USDA’s year‑long recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, the market invites visitors to experience the spirit of the season through American‑grown and American‑made goods.
Visitors can celebrate the best of an American Christmas by visiting the iconic U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and White House Christmas Tree from America’s National Forests, while enjoying a festive market filled with American‑grown products, handcrafted gifts, seasonal foods, live entertainment, and holiday traditions from across the country.
Why This Market Matters
As our capstone celebration of America’s 250th anniversary year, the Great American Christmas Market honors:
The farmers, ranchers, and producers who feed and clothe the nation
The American craftsmanship and tradition at the heart of Christmas
The public lands we steward from our National Forests
A unifying holiday experience for our nation’s capital
Highlights Include
Trees & Wreaths
Christmas trees, wreaths, and mini‑trees from American growers
Farm-Fresh Fare
Winter produce, cheeses, artisan foods, honey, preserves, and specialty holiday items
Handcrafted Gifts
American‑grown and American‑made gifts, including baked goods, lavender products, wool blankets, cotton goods, and handcrafted items
Premium Meats
Premium meats from American ranchers
Warm Drinks
Warm holiday drinks to carry through the market
Farm Animals
Farm animal interaction for visitors of all ages
Carolers & Family Fun
Roaming carolers and family‑friendly activities throughout the market
Evening Performances
Evening performances of Christmas favorites
Apply Now to Join the Great American Christmas Market
USDA welcomes American farmers, ranchers, artisans, and small businesses to apply to participate in this festive celebration.
Vendors offering American‑grown or American‑made holiday items are encouraged to apply, including:
How to Apply
Create an account or log in on Manage My Market (opens in a new tab).
Select “Apply to Market” from the left‑hand menu.
Search for “The Great American Christmas Market” and click Apply.
Complete all required fields and upload any necessary permits.
Apply to Be a Vendor (opens Manage My Market in a new tab)
Vendor applications are open for two weeks and space is limited.
Good to Know
- The event is free and open to the public
- Bring reusable shopping bags
- Restrooms and heated tents available
- Family‑friendly activities throughout both days
- Accessibility information Coming soon
- Check back for updates as the event approaches
See You on the Mall
Free and open to the public, 3:00–9:00 p.m. both evenings on the USDA Front Lawn.
