Festive Fun
in Eastern Market
Capitol Hill BID Tree Lighting
11/22/25
5:30PM
The 17th Annual Tree Lighting takes place on Saturday, November 22nd starting at 5:30pm. The "Men in Blue" will serve hot chocolate and doughnuts while local musical groups perform.
All festivities will be held at the tree known as "Sonny" in the SW Quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Plaza (Corner of 7th and D St SE). Members of the Didden family will flip the switch to illuminate the tree that was planted to honor the late George Didden III for his many contributions to the Capitol Hill community.
Entertainment: Joyous Voices, Washington Men’s Camerata, Capitol Hill Chorale, and Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s Suzuki Strings
Masters of Ceremonies: Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood
Special Guests: Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and ANC Commissioner David Sobelsohn
Eastern Market’s Holiday Time Machine promises to be a homegrown, historic antidote to the impersonal shopping experience of Black Friday: a festive gathering of local makers and artists, plus the introduction of delicious, social-media ready hot chocolate drink by Melt by Hippie Sippin.’ Republic Restoratives, a small batch, women-owned distillery will be at the event, offering samples of their award-winning spirits.
The event on November 28, co-hosted by local blog The Hill is Home, is a preview of the entire holiday experience. Shoppers can also look forward to “meeting” seasonal personalities that will be available at the market throughout the holiday season, such as Santa Claus, who will appear Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Market, as well as iconic cryptid Betty the Yeti, who will appear Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. From beautiful candles to indulgent body care to beautiful, handmade jewelry, you are sure to check off your list twice over.
For only $30 at the door or $25 for early-birds who buy online, you can attend a holiday party you actually want to go to, with a chance to shop, sip, experience and enjoy. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
What an incredible way to kick off the holiday season in the Heart of the Hill!
Start your holiday shopping with an indulgent evening of wine tasting! Visit some of your favorite Capitol Hill retailers in Barracks Row and Eastern Market and receive a free sample of wines chosen by our local beloved DCanter. It's shopping and a mini wine class all in one!
Outside on 7th St. SE and NC Ave. SE
Eastern Market Main Street is bringing you more great, local jazz!
During the outdoor market on Sunday, November 23, shoppers can find our green bistro tables and chairs at the north end of 7th St. SE. Enjoy your morning coffee or lunch while fabulous musicians set a relaxing tone to this kickoff holiday weekend.
10am-12pm Herb Scott
1pm-3pm REDWOOD
This event takes place the day after the Capitol Hill BID Tree Lighting at the Metro Plaza, if you want to make it a great weekend!
November 29th is Small Business Saturday, which in our humble opinion is far superior to Black Friday or Cyber Monday. On Small Business Saturday, come out and support all your favorite small and local businesses that make your community so special! Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and enjoy a great meal at a local restaurant. Grab coffee at your local favorite coffee shop. The possibilities are endless for a great Saturday!
Participating locations in the Better Together Gift Card Exchange program will also have gift cards to give out to other local businesses on Capitol Hill!
Your favorite local businesses are getting all decked out for the holidays! Starting Monday, November 24th through midnight on December 21st, you get to enjoy the sights and vote for your favorite online!
Map of participating locations here!
Vote for your favorites here! (Votes before November 24th will be discounted.)
Welcome back local favorite holiday cryptid Betty the Yeti! This year, as our favorite frosty friend emerges from her hibernation and parades down 7th St. SE, we'll all be joining her!
Children of all ages are welcome starting at 10:30am on November 30th in the North Hall of Eastern Market to make their very own Yeti masks. Once Betty wakes up at noon and comes out of her cave, all the Yetis big and small with join her in her holiday parade!
This year's favorite caroling marathon will be spread out over the course of several weekends throughout December. Groups will carol up and down 7th Street SE and C St. SE from 11am-12:30pm at the outdoor market to add holiday joy.
The Annual Menorah Lighting, co-hosted by the BID and Hill Havurah, celebrates Hanukkah on the front steps of Reformation (212 East Capitol Street NE). This year's celebration will take place on the second night of Hanukkah.
The 9-foot Menorah was gifted to the Capitol Hill Community in 2014 by the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District in honor of past Chairman of the Board and Community Leader, Paul L. Pascal, Esq. The “Men in Blue” will serve jelly donuts and hot cocoa.