Detroit is an epicenter of holiday spirit during the winter months. The yuletide calendar is filled with excitement and anticipation; the city street lights blink a bright red and green, and downtown is decked in holiday style. Strolling down Woodward Avenue, meeting smile after smile, you can almost feel magic in the air (and it’s not just because the Lions are doing so well). If you’re looking for a fun night out and need local insight into unique gifts and experiences, our holiday shopping guide is full of gifting ideas and seasonal events that are fun for everyone.
Also: Don’t forget to follow up with your favorite neighborhood shops during the holidays; many will participate in seasonal sales and promotions for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Skip the mass-produced commercialized big-box circus this year, support local, and invest in your creative communities.
Detroit
Downtown Detroit Markets in Cadillac Square
Campus Martius Park draws thousands of folks to the city to bask in the merriment of small shops, local eats and drinks, and holiday entertainment. Book a spin around the ice rink or indulge in a horse-drawn carriage ride under the lights of Detroit’s dazzling skyline. You can shop local gifts from vendors in Cadillac Square at the Downtown Detroit Markets and enjoy free holiday gift wrapping courtesy of POST. Featured shops include Yarn Nerds, 27th Letter Books, Preva Body, Conscious Living Brand, Asher & Arnold, Speedcult, Detroit Streetwear, and more.
Through Jan. 5; Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square; downtowndetroit.org. Free to the public.
Holiday Markets in Eastern Market
Holiday Markets will give shoppers the opportunity to explore over 500 local vendors and businesses during the holiday season. Eastern Market will continue to host its Saturday Markets, plus four additional Holiday Market dates in December. Find the perfect Michigan-made gifts from the market and discover other local shops while you stroll the sheds, venture to Viva La Vida Imports on Market Street or Vintage Eastern Market and Well Done Goods on Division. Need a spruced-up tree for the holidays? Christmas tree vendors will be in the parking lot outside Sheds 5 and 6, seven days a week. Dec. 1-22; Eastern Market; easternmarket.org. Free to the public.
Noel Night
This Midtown festival rings in its 50th anniversary this year with sidewalks bustling with music, marching bands, caroling, and Santa sightings. Numerous neighborhood businesses and organizations partake with cheery programming and holiday incentives, and iconic institutions like the DIA, the Charles H. Wright Museum, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Michigan Science Center, and the Detroit Public Library are open free of charge. The intersection of Cass and Canfield provides a plethora of Detroit-centered shopping including Shinola, Carhartt, City Bird, Nest, Bon Bon, Bon, Third Man Records, and just down Cass is Old Soul Vintage.
Dec. 7; Midtown, Detroit; noelnight.org. Free to the public.
Detroit Urban Craft Fair
This year marks the 19th annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair. This haven of handmade gifts features over 100 vendors and indie artists, a kids’ “crafty corner,” and a free DUCF swag bag to the first 50 shoppers on Saturday and Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free during event days after 1 p.m., so bring the whole family down for some holiday fun – Saturday’s fair also falls on the same day as Noel Night.
Dec. 7-8; Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit; detroiturbancraftfair.com. Tickets are $5.
Winter at the Station: Michigan Central Station in Corktown
Detroit’s newly reopened Michigan Central recently announced a lineup of seasonal programming with ticketed events. Gifts, apparel, and home goods will be available at the “Winter Bazaar,” a treasure trove of local and global brands, including Mama Coo’s, Source Booksellers, Halie & Co., and Detroit Rose candles. You can also stop into The Station retail shop for more curated gifts or Neighbor x Folk, a retail residency from Detroit’s Folk restaurant, as well as the newly opened Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts shop. If you haven’t seen Ford Motor Co.’s renovations to the former train station, this could be a good opportunity.
Through Dec. 28; Michigan Central; michigancentral.com.
Ann Arbor
Midnight Madness
Kick off your shopping season during the annual Midnight Madness holiday event in downtown Ann Arbor. Main Street, State Street, and Kerrytown form the foundation of a cultural and memorable holiday experience. Find one-of-a-kind gifts from small shops open late for the occasion, including Literati Bookstore, Rock Paper Scissors, The Getup, Vault of Midnight, and more. Drop off letters to the North Pole in the Santa mailbox outside Connor O’Neill’s and stick around for performances by Leim Irish Dancing. Kerrytown’s “KindleFest Market” or “Christkindlmarkt” is an outdoor market experience rooted in German heritage. Around the pavilion, you’ll find artisans and merchants selling holiday wares, spiced mulled wine, and tasty traditional bites. Take a lap around the “Merry Market” on Maynard, where you’ll find more community-focused goods and products from local vendors. Round out your evening with a screening of Love Actually at the historic Michigan Theater and check out their lineup of classic holiday films this season.
From 5 p.m.-midnight on Friday, Dec. 6; downtown Ann Arbor; annarbor.org. Free to the public.
Farmington
Holly Days in Downtown Farmington
The collection of local businesses surrounding Riley Park on Grand River come together to celebrate a “holly jolly day of festivities” in downtown Farmington. The Farmington Farmers and Artisan Market will host a “Greens, Gifts, and Giving Market” during the daytime, and kids can enjoy train rides, stories and crafts with Mrs. Claus, and photos with Santa. Get toasty at the “Sparkling Syndicate” warming tent and enjoy your drinks while you shop in the social district. During the evening, attendees can gaze at the glowing displays in the “Light Up The Grand Parade” and participate in the Warner Mansion’s tree lighting. (While in the Farmington area, be sure to stop and shop at Dearborn Music, KickstART Gallery & Artisan Shop, Plus Skateboarding, and The Lowry Estate for eclectic gifts for everyone on your list.)
Dec. 7; downtown Farmington; downtownfarmington.org. Free to the public.
Ferndale
Yule Witches Market in Ferndale
This magical market will host over 20 small businesses, artisans, and crafters, and Krampus will even be on site for photo ops. Tarot, Astrology, and Reiki services will also be available by advance appointment during event days. (You can also discover more funky Ferndale gifts at local hubs like Rust Belt Market, Found Sound, Brave Wimp Society, Vogue Vintage, Green Daffodil, The Plant House, and Not Sorry Goods.)
Nov. 30-Dec. 1; Boston Tea Room; 1220 Woodward Heights, Ferndale; bostontearoom.com. Free to the public.
Plymouth
Christmas in Plymouth and Mistletoe Market
Downtown Plymouth will host holiday-themed activities and events throughout the weekend, including musical performances, crafts and games for kids in the “Candy Cane Corner,” and free street trolly rides around downtown. The Mistletoe Market, located under the Gathering Building, will host over 55 Midwestern artisans with plenty of locally inspired gifts to sell. Across the street at Kellogg Park, you’ll find the LED Light Tunnel, ticketed train rides, and horse-drawn carriages. Drop into the Penn Theatre for a special showing of Elf or The Muppets Christmas Carol and browse the shops downtown around for more diverse gifts from local businesses like Earth Lore, Gigi’s Mode, Bohemian Home, Three Dog Bakery, and State of Comics.
Dec. 12-14; downtown Plymouth; christmasinplymouth.com.
Southfield
Potters Market in Southfield
The 47th Annual Potters Market lays claims to being the “largest pottery sale of its kind in the United States.” Holiday shoppers can peruse more than 30,000 pottery pieces available for purchase, all handcrafted by over 130 local and regional artists. Gift items include uniquely crafted vases, mugs, tiles, jewelry, sculptures, birdbaths, and more. Vendors will offer budget-friendly gifts with items ranging from $5 and up, depending on the piece. Free daily pottery demonstrations will also be featured during the event.
Dec. 5-8; 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; thepottersmarket.com. Tickets for Thursday’s “Preview Night” are $10; no cover Friday-Sunday.
Ypsilanti
Ypsi Artisan Holiday Market
Shop small this season and support the Ypsi Artisan Holiday Market, with more than 40 Ypsilanti businesses and crafters featured at the event. Folks can also explore Depot Town’s numerous shops and galleries; highlights include Twisted Things Boutique; Evenstar’s Chalice; This, That & the ODDer things; World of Rocks; and a2vintage.
Nov. 30-Dec. 1 & Dec. 21-22; The Freighthouse; 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti; ypsireal.com.
Krampusmrkt
Krampusmrkt is a two-day weekend shopping event promoting “holiday cheer with a dark twist.” Over 50 artisans and makers will be onsite, and you may even spot the mischievous spirit of the fabled Krampus. Festive meets frightening with unique handmade gifts.
Dec. 6-7; The Freighthouse; 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti; ypsireal.com.
Memento Merry: A Dark Holiday Artisan Market
If you’re searching for non-traditional gift items, you will find magnificent macabre-themed gifts from numerous local artisans. A sinister seasonal shopping experience for all!
Dec. 15; The Freighthouse; 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti; ypsireal.com.
