It’s time to shower your friends and family with locally found treasures – and find something special for yourself, too! Shopping locally spreads the joy of the holiday season to your community and offers you a chance to build connections with area businesses. Here are our suggestions for great downtown destinations to add to your holiday shopping plans:
East and West Downtown Dearborn
While shopping and eating in Dearborn year-round is a treat, those focused on an experience for the whole family should mark their calendars for December 14th. From 2pm to 6pm, local businesses and organizations will help create a truly community-focused event – the Jingle Bell Bash! Stop by Peace Park West for festive activities like interactive games, creative crafts, and ice sculptures. Live music and holiday treats set the scene, and don’t leave without a photo with Santa!
While registration isn’t necessary, it is highly recommended; make sure to let them know you’ll be at this free family event!
Main Street Ann Arbor
With a warm cup of coffee or tea in hand, shop and take in the sights at Main Street Ann Arbor, a downtown area with charming storefronts and twinkling lights welcoming you. Everything from that perfect unique find at a local boutique to cozy meals at iconic restaurants, this area has something for everyone. This season, the calendar is booked with festive parades, carolers, and more.
KindleFest Outdoor Holiday Market
For a once-a-year unique holiday event, make sure to head to KindleFest Market in the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in the Kerrytown District on December 6th from 5pm to 10pm. This free event hosts up to 50 artisans and vendors with a holiday focus. Find fiber arts, ceramics, prints, and paintings while you nosh on food truck fare and hot mulled wine, or simply enjoy a warmup by the campfires with s’more roasting. Not only will there be caroling and other live music, there will also be kid’s activities from 5pm to 7pm. So head down to 315 Detroit Street to find all the Michigan-made art and food you can stuff into your Santa bag!
So where are you shopping this holiday season? If you plan to make a trip up north, we have a shopping itinerary for you in Northwest Michigan, as well!