Shop these 20 Festive Michigan Christmas Markets
Visiting Christmas markets in Michigan is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and start your holiday shopping. In fact, it’s one of the pure Michigan holiday traditions for many Michgan holiday shoppers.
If you’re a fan of Michigan-themed gifts and/or artisan-made items, these markets are a great place to find special goods and even find the perfect gift. You’ll find more than shopping, too, in the form of food, mulled wine and fun outdoors activties like ice skating or even a ride in a horsedrawn carriage at some of these markets.
Michigan Christmas Markets: A Holiday Event
Holiday shopping can be stressful, but these quick Michigan Christmas markets make it easy to find gifts! Visiting these cozy spots has become one of my favorite annual activities, and I make a day of it with family and friends: it’s perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Whether you’re bundled up and enjoying a bustling outdoor holiday market or browsing an indoor market, visiting an amazing Michigan Christmas is one of my favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit.
Read on for 20 Amazing Top Michigan Christmas Markets.
Michigan Christmas Markets (Holiday Markets, Too)
Where: The Dennos Museum Center, Northwestern Michigan College Campus,
1410 College Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
When: 11/4-5
Engage with over 30 artists, shop unique gifts and fine art and stroll through our exhibits during these free museum days. From traditional paintings to eye-catching ceramics and accessories made from textiles, metals, glass and more, there is truly a gift to be found for everyone.
The Holiday Artist Market features the work of the artists in a museum setting, and you can stroll through and look at sthe exhibits as you shop.
Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Market in Brownstown
Where: 21311 Telegraph Rd, Brownstown Twp, MI 48183-1314
Date: 11/5
Time: 10am-3pm
Roughly 50 local vendors sell personally crafted projects and treasures at Brownstown’s Annual Holiday Market. After eight years of hosting this amazing event, Brownstown knows how to throw a magical festival for everyone. Giveaway prizes happen every half an hour and a small portion of the purchase proceeds are used to help buy toys for children.
Christmas Market – Mason, MI
Where: Ingham County Fairgrounds
Date: 11/6
Time: 10am-4pm
Vintage dealers, boutique trucks, local artisans, and food trucks create a festive atmosphere in Mason for the county’s amazing Christmas Market. Shop home décor, antiques, desserts, and more. From the rustic vintage pieces to the upscale hand-made gifts, there’s a wide variety for shopping. Fill your tummy with delicious treats from food trucks and vendors and spend the day at Mason’s Christmas Market.
Downtown Detroit Markets in Cadillac Lodge
Where: Cadillac Lodge Square, Detroit
Date: 11/10/22 – 1/1/23
Time: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays – 11am-8pm; Fridays and Saturdays 11am-11pm
With 18 different local vendors to explore, this Downtown Detroit Market in Cadillac Square is sure to fill house and home with clothing and home décor for everyone. Lounge by the fire on a comfy couch while enjoying a nice co*cktail, cocoa, or cider. This is one of my favorite Christmas events in Detroit, and it’s easy to find: just look for the bright light and crowds of happy shoppers on holiday nights.
Snacks are available as you shop and holiday lights fill the square, including a large Christmas tree for everyone to enjoy. From books to toys to food, these shops won’t disappoint.
Detroit Eastern Market’s Holiday Markets
Where: 2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207
Dates: 11/22 (Tuesday before Thanksgiving ); Sundays 11/20 – 12/18
In addition to the Saturday Market at Eastern Market that operates year-round, there are seven additional markets (free & all ages welcomed) for all your holiday shopping needs in 2022. The Tuesday market date focuses primarily on food vendors and is a perfect place to find everything for your holiday meals.
The Sunday dates feature plenty of Michigan-made gift options including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products, and more. On Christmas Eve, the Saturday Market will be open from 6 AM – 1 PM for last-minute shopping for gifts and holiday meal ingredients.
Mistletoe Market Gala – South Haven
Where: South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven
When: 11/19 – 12/11
Begin your holiday shopping at this fun holiday market in one of my favorite Michigan beach towns, South Haven. Local artists display their jewelry, paintings, photography and more at this holiday market benefitting the South Haven Center for the Arts.
More Michigan Christmas Markets
Holland Kerstmarkt – Holland, MI
Where: 150 W. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423
Date: 11/19 – 12/10
Time: Times vary, see event website for details
With Holland’s Dutch heritage, “Kerstmarkt” or “Christmas market” is a holiday adventure you don’t want to miss. An outdoor market with holiday gifts, amazing food, and lots of art helps support locals in their specialty businesses and talents. Since 1997, the City of Holland has been putting on this magical market for all locals and visitors to experience.
Holiday Glow and Christmas Market – Brighton, MI
Where: Main Street, Downtown Brighton
Date: 11/19
Time: 1pm-7pm EST
A perfect way for any family or group of festive friends to celebrate, Holiday Glow and Christmas Market in downtown Brighton offers a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, visit a holiday petting zoo, reindeer games, miniature Christmas trains, pictures with reindeer and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. You can also enjoy performances from local artists, and more! Delicious holiday snacks and drinks will help keep everyone warm and shopping will help fulfill the Christmas present shopping list.
Village of Ashley Country Christmas
Where: Ashley Michigan in Mid Michigan
Date: Begins 11/9 and runs through the holidays
The entire Village of Ashley is a living, breathing Christmas market starting the week before Thanksgiving. You can stroll the brightly decorated downtown streets and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas, and watch as Michigan’s own “Polar Express” pulls into town. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride through this Christmas Wonderland, watch a juggler and visit Santa in the Santa House while shopping for unique Christmas gifts.
Merry Makers Market Place in Traverse City
Where: Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City
Date: 11/18 -11/19; 12/2-12/3
Time: Saturdays 11am – 6pm; Sundays 10am-3pm
Merry Makers Marketplace is a festive holiday art fair featuring original and handcrafted gifts! Browse and shop 30 artists and artisans, and enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies in wonderful Traverse City.
Frankenmuth Christmas Kindlmarkt
Where: 534 North Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Date: 11/25-27, 12/2-4, 12/ 9-11
Time: Fridays and Saturdays, 11am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-4pm.
Enjoy the 2022 Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt the weekend following Thanksgiving and the two weekends: it’s a perfect way to get in the holiday mood. held in the Frankenmuth Farmers market, This Christmas market is modeled after those held in Frankenmuth’s sister region of Germany, and brings a touch of magic to the city each year. It’s full of artisans selling handmade gifts and goods.
Kris Kringle Market – Downtown Rochester
Where: Downtown Rochester MI
Date: 12/2 -12/3
Times: Friday, 4- 10 pm; Saturday, Noon-10 pm
Inspired by the 700-year old tradition of the open-air Christmas markets throughout Europe, the Kris Kringle Market is a don’t miss event in southeast Michigan. The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths and handcrafted gifts for the holiday.
Even More Christmas Markets
KindleFest – Ann Arbor, MI
Where: Kerrytown District
Date: 12/3
Open all day and late into the night, multiple vendors, restaurants, and local artisans offer everything from traditional German Christmas foods to hand crafted treasures. Holiday lights shine bright on this holiday market as musicians stroll around and kids await the arrival of Santa. Firepits for making s’mores or keeping warm are scattered about and kids will love the Kid Zone of crafts and entertainment.
Monroe Christmas Craft and Vendor Market
Where: Knights of Columbus, 202 W Front St, Monroe MI
Date: 11/26
Time: 10am-3pm
Get ahead on your Christmas shopping or fill your home with beautiful holiday creations from this amazing market. Past years have included almost 40 different vendors. Locals enjoy the day spent shopping for the perfect gift (even if it’s for yourself).
Wayne Open-Air Christmas Market
Where: 344 Wayne Rd, Wayne MI 48184
Date: 11/18 – 20
Time: TBD
From dance performances to quartets to shopping with the family, the city of Wayne promotes t a three day long festival under a heated tent. Take a photo with Santa at no cost or explore the different ice sculptures that are on display. With lots of shopping, food, and drinks, these three days will be packed with holiday excitement and fun. Christmas classics play from different concert performers. Make this your next favorite family tradition!
Christmas in the Village
Where: Antique Village, U.P. State Fairgrounds, Escanaba
Date: 12/2-3
Time: 11am – 7 pm
The Christmas Market at Antique Village is a cheery place, with actual chestnuts roasting on open fire while surrounded by lights, holiday greenery and carols playing. You’ll find a wide selection of unique handcrafted items from a variety of local artisans and craftsmen, and Santa will be there, too.
Market at the Museum – Harbor Springs
Where: Harbor Springs Historical Museum, 349 E. Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
When: 11/19 and 12/17
Time: 9am-1pm
The Harbor Springs Farmers Market and Harbor Springs Area Historical Society are excited to present two indoor Holiday Markets! Join us at the History Museum the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday before the Christmas weekend to stock up on local foods, gifts and artisan goods. The Historical Society will have a booth for kids to create holiday crafts
Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace
Where: Glen Arbor Township Hall, 6394 W Western Ave, Glen Arbor MI
When: 11/25 – 26
Holiday shopping in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes? Yes, please. Beautiful Glen Arbor is the perfect place to shop for holiday gifts and more during the holiday marketplace. Watch the festive tree lighting while munching on donuts from the iconic Art’s Tavern, one of my favorite Glen Arbor restaurants.
More than 24 artisans will be on hand, featuring an amazing breadth of handcrafted, locally made goods from dozens of artisans. Be sure to visit with Santa on Saturday from 11:30 – 1:00; bring your camera for some great pictures!
Marquette Holiday Market
Where: Marquette Commons
Date: 12/3 – 12/17
Time: Recurring weekly on Saturday
Marquette’s weekly market comes alive with the Christmas spirit during the holidays. Everything is made or grown by those selling it, and you’ll find everything from fresh-cut Christmas trees to homemade soaps and jewelry that make perfect gifts!
Bronners Christmas Wonderland – Frankenmuth
Where: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Date: Ongoing
The “Largest Christmas Store in the World” is the perfect location for finding all your Christmas decorating needs. With thousands of ornaments, holiday decorations, and collectibles, this holiday fun filled market is open 361 days of the year and has been a part of history since 1945.
Kids will have fun walking around the magical store as parents’ shop. At a site of 45-acres, this store is sure to have whatever Christmas needs you find yourself looking for.
Small Business Saturday in Michigan
Small Business Saturday is always the Saturday immediately following Black Friday, and it’s a great opportunity for suppoting your local businesses while holiday gift shopping. Sure, online shopping is fun, but there is something about gettting out into the community and discovering unique items up close and personal. Small Business Saturday is scheduled for Saturday November 26.
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About the Author-
Content Writer Anna is currently a fourth-year student at Grand Valley State University studying Writing and Psychology. She has been writing for years and hopes to continue writing for many years as a creative outlet and potential career. Currently, she is working on finishing her Bachelor of Arts degree and figuring out what career field she wants to enter after graduation in the spring of 2023.
