As the holiday season sparkles to life once again, the U.S. Naval Academy is getting ready to literally deck the halls. On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Academy’s beloved Brigade Holiday Market returns to historic Dahlgren Hall for its tenth year, bringing festive cheer, local craftsmanship, and community connection to the heart of the Yard. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this must-visit event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting small businesses and the Brigade of Midshipmen.
The Brigade Holiday Market is more than a shopping event: It’s a celebration of the Naval Academy community and the holiday spirit that unites it. Open to midshipmen, faculty, staff, sponsor families, and the public, the market turns Dahlgren Hall into a winter wonderland, with rows of beautifully decorated vendor tables that set the perfect backdrop for finding that just-right gift - or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
For the midshipmen, who balance demanding academics, athletics, and military training, the market is a rare opportunity to pause, connect, and experience a little holiday magic on the Yard. It’s a day filled with laughter, warmth, and gratitude (plus cookies and cocoa), as the USNA community comes together to celebrate both the season and the people who make it special.
This year’s market features 75 vendors, each bringing their finest handcrafted goods to Annapolis. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or yourself, you’ll find plenty of treasures and DIY Christmas gifts to choose from, each with its own story.
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Beyond the festive displays and Christmas crafts, what truly makes the Brigade Holiday Market special is its sense of connection. Visitors and vendors alike share in the joy and gratitude that define the Naval Academy experience. Sponsor families greet midshipmen they’ve hosted for years, alumni stop by to relive memories, and local residents discover the warm, welcoming spirit that makes the Academy such a cherished part of Annapolis.
Related: Make It a Holiday to Remember on the Yard!
If you’re anywhere near Annapolis this December, circle Tuesday, December 9 on your calendar and head to Dahlgren Hall between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a day of festive fun and meaningful shopping. Bring your friends and family (or just your holiday spirit) and discover why this event has become one of the most anticipated traditions at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Whether you’re picking up a few last-minute gifts, enjoying the holiday atmosphere, or simply taking in the beauty of the Yard during the holidays, the Brigade Holiday Market promises to make your season a little brighter. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and camaraderie - all wrapped up in one unforgettable day.
So come for the shopping, stay for the cheer, and leave with your heart (and your holiday bags) full.