Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially kicked off the holiday season in the heart of the nation’s capital with the opening of the DowntownDC Holiday Market. This festive hub, held in collaboration with the DowntownDC BID and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), has opened its doors to the public providing a vibrant array of shopping options from 119 small and local businesses, alongside 15 food vendors and live entertainment. As reported by officials, the market not only bolsters the local economy but also serves up a dedicated Made in DC booth, where the city’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are on full display through locally crafted products.
In an effort to further uplift these local enterprises during the prime holiday shopping period, Mayor Bowser announced the early release of applications for the Robust Retail Grant, starting next Monday. This initiative is especially designed to quickly provide local small businesses with the capital necessary to not just survive, but indeed to thrive amidst the season’s rush. “The DowntownDC Holiday Market is one of DC’s favorite holiday traditions—a place to gather, celebrate, and support small and local businesses,” Mayor Bowser said in a statement obtained by officials. “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.”
The program, which has been running since 2019, extends up to $10,000 in reimbursements for eligible expenses like wages, rent, inventory, and more to qualifying small businesses. This round has earmarked a total of $500,000, with the potential to assist up to 50 storefronts. “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,” she shared with officials.
Alongside providing financial aid, the DowntownDC Holiday Market seeks to support Mayor Bowser’s vision of a bustling city center that connects people through housing, jobs, and entertainment. Drawing in over half a million visitors each season, the market is a key player in driving footfall to surrounding eateries, museums, and shops, underlining its pivotal role in maintaining the vibrance of Downtown DC. For those keen to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, the market is open daily since Friday, November 21, through December 23, excluding Thanksgiving Day, as detailed on the event’s website.
But the festivities don’t stop at the market. Downtown is also hosting other holiday attractions like Frosted at Franklin Park and the National Mistletoe activation at Anthem Row. Residents and tourists alike are invited to enjoy these seasonal offerings as they take in the sights and sounds of the city during this most festive time of the year.
