The holiday shop small season is here. From now through the new year, neighborhood markets, business crawls and celebrations give you many reasons to shop with southeast Michigan’s businesses.
Bring your friends and family, meet the makers behind your favorite shops and find gifts you won’t see anywhere else. Here is your date-by-date guide.
November
Wednesday, November 11 through Sunday, January 3: Downtown Detroit Markets
Shop limited-time pop-ups from local brands at 60 Cadillac Square in downtown Detroit, with the ability to stop at Cadillac Lounge for food, drinks and lounging. The markets are open Wednesday through Sunday, with daily hours on the website. The Gilbert Family Foundation funds the markets, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership manages them with support from Bedrock, TechTown Detroit and Ask Jennyfer. See Downtown Detroit Markets hours and vendors.
Saturday, November 21: Small Business Saturday Celebration at 1211 Trumbull St.
Join the celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1211 Trumbull St. Vamanos shuttles will carry shoppers to nearby business corridors, so you can visit several shops in one afternoon. See details on the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation website.
Saturday, November 28: Holidays on Grand River
Kick off the season from 4-7 p.m. at the Grand Parklet with Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation. At 19800 Grand River Ave. in Detroit, you can meet Santa, see live reindeer and a sleigh, watch ice sculpting and dance to holiday music from a DJ. Buy a wreath from the Garden Bug booth and decorate it with free supplies. Shop with local vendors, then gather at 6 p.m. for the Christmas tree lighting. The event is free and open to the public, and it offers free parking. See Holidays on Grand River details on Eventbrite.
December
Saturday, December 5: Noel Night in Midtown
Kick off December in Midtown with one of Detroit’s favorite holiday traditions. Walk through Midtown and the Cultural Center to see live music, theatre and puppetry, art galleries, holiday shopping and artisan markets. Families can enjoy children’s programming, a tour of historic homes and churches and free access to many of Detroit’s cultural institutions. Noel Night is free to attend. Learn more on the Noel Night website.
Saturday, December 12: Eastside Winterfest
Celebrate the season with Eastside Community Network from noon-3 p.m. at 4401 Conner St. in Detroit. Enjoy a community chili cookoff, take a family holiday portrait with Santa and settle in for festive movies and popcorn. Santa’s Closet offers clothing and essential items to residents, and guests can pick up giveaways, winter safety tips and resources. The event welcomes all ages and offers free parking. See Eastside Winterfest details on Eventbrite.
Saturday, December 12: Parranda and Toy Drive
Come to 1211 Trumbull St., Detroit, MI 48216, from 4-8 p.m. Bring a toy to donate. Volunteers are welcome. See details on the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation website.
Want to add your event to this list? Email neicommunications@cfsem.org with the details and a flyer, if available.