Without local artisans, the Heurich mansion wouldn’t exist. Its owner and namesake Christian Heurich, a local entrepreneur himself, commissioned Baltimore sculptor Hans Schuler to design fixtures for the Conservatory, craftsman August Grass to carve the opulent fireplace mantels, and local artists to create the masterpieces hanging on its walls. That was back in 1894; today, the Christkindlmarkt at the Heurich House Museum keeps Christian Heurich’s support for small businesses alive every holiday season.

Each December, the Castle Garden hosts more than 30 vendors from around the area for a weekend of holiday cheer. This year, the European-inspired market is returning for in-person shopping after it went virtual in 2020. Grab a ticket and come to the garden on December 3rd, 4th, or 5th to buy one-of-a-kind gifts, ranging from gourmet food products to handcrafted jewelry and decor. In honor of Christian Heurich, who was a renowned craft beer brewer, one of his most famous brews, the Senate Beer, will be re-released for a limited time with tastings and an exhibit in the brewer’s honor. It’s all located outside in the fresh air, just moments from your West End apartment in DC.