Occoquan Holiday Artisan Market
Visitors can shop from artisans in the heart of Occoquan's historic district and relax around fire pits with drinks and roasted marshmallows in Market Square. The weekend features a chance to watch Santa arrive by boat at the town dock and meet him for photos. Guests can also vote for their favorites in the annual gingerbread contest and write letters to Santa.
What to Expect
Holiday shopping with fire pits, marshmallow roasting, and Santa arriving by boat.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Occoquan
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Visit Occoquan, Inc.
Food & Drink
Visitors can grab a drink and roast marshmallows.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free entry to all events during the Holiday Artisan Market.
- Hours: 11am-6pm.
Tips & Advice
- Bring your own phone or camera for Santa visits, because no photographer will be on site to take pictures.
- Come on Saturday to watch Santa float in at the Town Dock, then follow him up to Market Square to meet him one-on-one.
- Grab a bench and blanket by the fire pits in Market Square when you see one open, since seating is first come, first served.
- Have kids put a return address on their letters to Santa so he can write back to them.
- If you want to enter the Gingerbread Contest, watch for sign-ups opening in November and pick the Traditional, Reproduction or Youth category.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa arrives by boat at the Town Dock on Saturday, December 5, then meets visitors one-on-one in Market Square
- Gingerbread Contest awards on Sunday, December 6 in Market Square
- Letters to Santa: North Pole Express mailboxes at Town Hall and Hitchcock Paper Co from November 21 to December 14
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there somewhere to warm up during the market?
Yes. Market Square has fire pits, bench seating and blankets, and you can grab a drink and roast marshmallows there. Seating, blankets and fire pits are first come, first served.
How does Santa arrive?
On Saturday, December 5, Santa comes into Occoquan by boat at the Town Dock. He then parades up to Market Square at the corner of Commerce and Union Streets, where kids can meet him one-on-one.
Will there be a photographer for Santa photos?
No. Bring your own phone or camera to take free photos with Santa.
How can I enter the Gingerbread Contest?
Anyone in the community can enter. The categories are Traditional (any structure), Reproduction (a copy of a historic Occoquan building) and Youth (designed for younger kids). Sign-ups open in November, and the awards are held Sunday, December 6 in Market Square.
Can kids write letters to Santa?
Yes. Kids can design and write a letter at the market on both days. They can also drop one in the North Pole Express mailboxes at Occoquan Town Hall or Hitchcock Paper Co between November 21 and December 14. Include an address and Santa will write back.
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