Across Michigan, holiday markets give people a chance to slow down and enjoy the season while supporting local businesses. They feel more personal than the usual shopping rush, with makers selling their own work, small-batch foods, and decorations that don’t look mass-produced.
Some markets are set up in greenhouses or old train stations. Others use downtown streets and add music or lights to the evening. The ones below show how different communities in Michigan shape their own version of a winter market and make it easy for people to enjoy the holidays without the usual pressure.
Christkindlmarkt | Grand Rapids
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This downtown event brings more than 60 small businesses together in an open-air setting from mid-November through December 23. You can shop for imported ornaments, local crafts, and baked goods, then reserve a heated dome or try curling on site. It’s one of Michigan’s only markets with full-scale winter sport rentals.
Downtown Holiday Markets | Detroit
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Inside Michigan Central Station, this newer holiday event mixes small business shopping with interactive design workshops. The station runs public programs alongside vendor booths and food pop-ups through December 28. Concerts are ticketed, but browsing is open to the public.
Kerstmarkt | Holland
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Wooden booths line the Civic Center area in Holland, set up in the style of traditional Dutch Christmas markets. The event runs on weekends through December 20, and depending on the day, you might hear carolers, try food stalls, or see dog-sledding demonstrations. The market draws on Holland’s Dutch heritage with regional holiday items and seasonal live music, including handbell choirs.
Christkindlmarkt | Frankenmuth
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Frankenmuth’s market operates over Thanksgiving weekend with a focus on German food, handmade gifts, and traditional drinks like glühwein. The event takes place at Heritage Park, just blocks from Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. Many visitors stop at both, since Bronner’s carries more than 6,000 ornament styles year-round.
Mistletoe Market | South Haven
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This holiday market runs from late November through mid-December in downtown South Haven and focuses on Michigan-made products. Dozens of vendors offer handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations, and specialty food items. Its extended season gives early shoppers time to plan ahead and also works for those looking to buy last-minute gifts.
KindleFest | Ann Arbor
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Kerrytown comes alive for one evening in early December as KindleFest brings together food trucks, art vendors, and live music. More than 50 outdoor stalls form the core of the event, and nearby shops stay open late for Midnight Madness. Beer and wine tents sit along the street, creating a lively but easy-to-navigate spot for people out picking up holiday gifts.
Holiday Glow and Christmas Market | Brighton
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This one-day event in downtown Brighton kicks off the local holiday season each November. Activities include reindeer photo ops, crafts for kids, and a holiday train ride. Shoppers browse booths featuring handmade goods, seasonal snacks, and regional gifts. The event has grown steadily since its launch in 2021.
Christmas Through Lowell | Lowell
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Running for more than 30 years, this three-day market brings together over 350 crafters and artists across the town. Visitors move through homes, halls, and local businesses offering handmade pieces, antiques, and holiday décor. The spread-out setup encourages people to wander through different parts of Lowell while buying directly from the makers themselves.
Olde World Canterbury Village | Orion Township
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Throughout November and December, this retail village promotes its own holiday game called Shopopoly. Shoppers collect stamps from participating businesses, and completed cards can be entered to win prizes. The grounds are decorated for the season and include a year-round Christmas store that stays open through winter, with a mix of vintage and themed decor.
A Very Merry Weekend | Alpena
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Alpena’s holiday event covers two full days, with tree lighting, parades, and pop-up vendor booths throughout downtown. Water Street Commons and Culligan Plaza become the main zones for shopping and activities. Businesses offer Small Business Saturday discounts, while the city schedules live performances and public programming to keep crowds engaged.