Get ready for a festive weekend of great shopping and small-town holiday vibes! The Holiday Artisan Market is back this year in historic Occoquan, taking place in the heart of the historic district on Union and Commerce Streets.
FREE entry to all events during the Holiday Artisan Market.
unique Holiday Shops & vendors
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 12pm-8pm
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11am-4pm
Between our curated artisans & vendors and our year-round town shops, Occoquan is the perfect spot to find unique holiday gifts, decor, goodies, and the ultimate small-town holiday vibes. The Market and most Occoquan businesses will be open late on Saturday, December 6, until 8pm or later.
A vendor list to be announced closer to date.
Explore the market:
Saturday, December 6
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11:30am: Santa arrives by boat at the Town Dock
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12:00pm: Sing a carol or two with the big guy in the market area
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1:00pm: Meet Santa one-on-one at Town Hall
The big guy heads into Occoquan by boat on Saturday, December 6. Watch him float into town at the town dock around 11:30am, then parade up to the opening of the market at 12:00pm, where he will invite families to do a sing-a-long in the middle of our festive Artisan Market (corner of Commerce & Union Streets).
Next up, Santa will head to Town Hall from 1:00-2:00pm to meet with kids one-on-one! He will greet and take photos with his favorite people at Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street).*
*Note: no photographer will be on site, please bring phone or camera to take your own free photos with Santa!
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5pm-8pm
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1pm-4pm
Take a break in our Market Square and warm up near the fire, grab a hot drink from the Tembo Coffee Truck, warm roasted nuts from Totally Nutz, or roast a marshmallow or two! Bench seating, blankets, and fire pits will be available on a first come, first served basis.
FREE marshmallows, s'mores & glow sticks, as supplies last!
EVENT SPONSOR
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 12pm-8pm
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11am-3:30pm
Vote for your favorites creations in the annual Gingerbread Contest! The community can enter the contest in categories of:
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Traditional (any structure)
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Reproduction (structure replicating a historic building in Occoquan)
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Youth (no specific age, but designed for younger kids).
The Gingerbread Contest Awards will be held Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3:45pm in the Market Square.
Want to enter the contest? Sign up here!
ENTRY INFORMATION: Gingerbread creations will be accepted at Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street) on Friday, Dec. 5 from 10am to 4pm. Submissions can also be brought Saturday, Dec. 6 between 9am-12pm. The Gingerbread Contest tent will be located in the Market Square, on the corner of Union & Commerce Streets. This area is inside the Artisan Market. You will need to carry your creation into the market area, as vehicles will not be permitted.
Shuttle service
Shuttle service will be provided into historic Occoquan, Virginia:
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Saturday, December 6 from 9am-9pm
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Sunday, December 7 from 9am-6pm
Roundtrip shuttle tickets are $5 per person (kids ages 12 & under ride free).
In-town drop off: Depart the shuttle in the middle of Occoquan at Mamie Davis Park (200 Washington Street).
In-town pick up: Catch the shuttle back to your vehicle at the corner of Ellicot & Commerce Streets in the Holiday Artisan Market area.
FAQ
Where do I park?
Park for free at the commuter lot at the corner of Old Bridge Rd & Rt. 123. You can opt to walk into town (0.5 miles) or look for the black shuttle, to catch your ride into town ($5 shuttle fee roundtrip).
Are strollers permitted on shuttles?
Yes! We recommend folding them up before the bus arrives to conserve space.
Are pets allowed on shuttles?
Service animals are welcome on our shuttles. Therapy dogs and other pets are not permitted on shuttles due to our rental contract.
parking
Most parking in the business district of Occoquan will be open. We will post a map that highlights 4 hour and 8 hour parking options, closer to the event date.
All public parking in town is FREE.
