Dec. 5-6, 2026
from 11am-6pm
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.
Take a break in our Market Square and warm up near the fire, grab a drink and roast a marshmallow or two! Bench seating, blankets, and fire pits will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Saturday, December 5
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11:30am: Santa arrives by boat at the Town Dock
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12:00pm: Meet Santa one-on-one in Market Square!
The big guy heads into Occoquan by boat on Saturday, December 5. Watch him float into town at the town dock around 11:30am, then parade up to market Square in the Holiday Artisan Market (corner of Commerce & Union Streets), where you can take photos and meet Santa!
*Note: no photographer will be on site, please bring phone or camera to take your own free photos with Santa!
December 5-6
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. 6 in the Market Square (time TBD!).
Want to enter the contest? Sign ups will open in November!
November 21 - December 14
Write a letter to Santa and drop it in our North Pole Express mailboxes at Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street) and Hitchcock Paper Co (125 Mill Street) between Saturday, November 21 and Monday, December 14. Include an address and Santa will write you back!
Design and write your own or draw one with us during the Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 from 11am-6pm.
