The European tradition of a Christmas Market has found its way to Michigan and created a spark of festive enjoyment. From holiday lights, local vendors, handmade gifts, spiced wines, and a festive atmosphere, there’s no way a Christmas Market has not made its to your list of holiday traditions or it will be on there after reading this! Add this to your gift shopping schedule and support local vendors this holiday season.

1. Ann Arbor KindleFest

Kindlefest has quickly become a popular holiday tradition in Ann Abor. The city brings their German heritage and holiday spirit to downtown with artisans and vendors, traditional food and hot mulled wine, festive lights and decoration, crafters, a Kid Zone, fire pits, strolling musicians, and Santa. The surrounding shops even stay open a little later to support shoppers. The event is now so large, they are splitting the festivities between two locations. You can find food trucks, traditional Glühwein, beer, and wine for sale at the Fourth Avenue location. At the farmers market, you can find kids activities, live music, fire pits with s’more kits (for a charge), and hot chocolate.

When: December 1st 5:00PM - 10:00PM

Fourth Avenue, Between Ann & Catherine

Ann Arbor Farmers Market

2. Downtown Detroit Markets

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The Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge have become an amazing tradition in Cadillac Square. This year the market with boast nearly 20 vendors in the cozy pop-up shops. In the Open-air Cadillac Lodge, you can enjoy family-friendly entertainment such as trivia nights and magician appearances, street food such as walking tacos and Detroit-style chili, or some warm beverages. Teaming up with Decked Out Detroit, Monroe Street Midway across from Campus Martius Park, will be providing winter bumper cars, an arctic slide, Puck-putt, Midway arcade, and food.
When: Nov. 9th, 2022 - Jan. 7th, 2024

Cadillac Square

3. Eastern Market Holiday Market

Holiday markets are back at Eastern Market! The All Things Detroit Holiday Experience has 200 local makers offering handcrafted and holiday-themed goods and treats. This event does have a ticket price, but it highlights locally-owned small businesses and has a mission to make shopping local simple and enjoyable. There will be an array of food trucks at this event.

In addition to the regular free Saturday Market that operates year-round, Eastern Market will be hosting additional free market days to support your holiday shopping needs. The Tuesday market date focuses primarily on food vendors and finding makings for your holiday meals and Sunday features Michigan-made gift options including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products, and more. The Christmas Eve market will be open from 6AM -1PM for any last-minute shopping gifts and holiday meal fixings! There will be no New Year’s Eve on Saturday, December 31st.

Christmas tree vendors will be set up outside of Shed 5 starting around Thanksgiving.

All Things Detroit Holiday Market: Nov. 5th 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Holiday Market: Tues. Nov 21, Sun. Nov 26, Sun. Dec 3, Sun. Dec 10

Eastern Market, Shed 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

2934 Russell St., Detroit, MI 48207

4. Frankenmuth Christkindlmarkt

Enjoy music, dozens of vendors, visits with Santa, hot spiced wine, and mid-Michigan’s largest open air holiday market in Frankenmuth. This traditional Christmas market brings the touch of holiday magic from Germany all the way to Michigan. You can find dozens of artists selling handmade gifts and goods!

When: Nov. 24-26; Dec. 1-3, 8-10

534 North Main Street Frankenmuth, MI 48734

5. Frankenmuth’s Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland

This one may not be the traditional open air market when you think of Christmas Markets, but it is the world’s largest Christmas store sporting 1 1/2 football fields in size! With over 50,000 trims and gifts, open 361 days a year, illuminated displays, and personalization options, there’s no way that Bronner’s is not on your list of Christmas markets. The massive array of baubles is sure to lift your Christmas spirits while you attempt to decide which one would look perfect on your tree.

25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734

6. Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace

A wonderful variety of artisanal goods can be found in the Glen Arbor Town Hall the weekend after Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 24th, the tree lighting ceremony and caroling will be held outside the hall at 6:15pm and the market will open 6:30PM - 8:00PM. On Saturday, November 25th, 24 vendors will be in the hall from 10:00AM - 4:00PM and Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at the M22 Wine Patio from 11:00AM - 1:00PM for photo opportunities and refreshments.

Gifts that can be found inside the hall include: maple syrup, baked goods, felted hats, scarves, gloves, woven rugs & blankets, pastel paintings, cards & postcards, logo merchandise, vintage style hand-painted signs, copper jewelry, silver & precious stone jewelry, fine art photography, fleece & denim items, holiday greenery, fiber art, sustainable gifts, books, tile art, homemade soaps, knit American Girl Clothing, and more.

When: Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving

Glen Arbor Town Hall

7. Greenville Merry Markets by Frugthaven Farm

This popular fall destination in West Michigan is bringing the joy of the holidays to their farm. You can find a festive photo booth, a well stocked Cidery, Pink + Frillos boutique, and other gift giving inspirations for the holiday season. This market is indoors so you will be toasty and dry while shopping, gathering, or enjoying a beverage.

When: Sat. Nov 11 (future dates to be announced)

11466 W Carson City Rd, Greenville, MI 48838

8. Holland Kerstmarkt

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Christmas Market pop ups are all over the Netherlands during the holiday season, typically offering a venue for local artisans and specialty shops to sell their products while customers enjoy traditional foods, drinks, entertainment, and the overall festive atmosphere. Holland, Michigan had a dream of bringing these festive markets to celebrate the city’s Dutch heritage. Starting out with just 10 booths in Centennial Park in 1997, the Kerstmarkt is now set up at the 8th street Market Place and boasts 18 traditional booths and the Farmer’s Market on select Saturdays.

When: Sat. Nov 18th 9am-6pm; Fri. Nov 24th 11am-8pm; Sat. Nov 25th 9am-6pm; Fri. Dec 1nd 3pm-8pm; Sat. Dec 2 9am-6pm; Fri. Dec 8th 3pm-8pm; Sat. Dec 9th 9am-6pm; Fri. Dec 15 3pm-8pm; Sat. Dec 16 9am-6pm

150 W. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423

9. Kalamazoo Holiday Craft Show

Kalamazoo’s biggest crafting show is back for the 2022 season! You can find over 300 booths of crafters and vendors from across the Midwest. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Admission is free.

When: Nov. 18th 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Nov. 19th 9:00AM - 3:00PM

Kalamazoo County Expo Center

10. Lake Orion Canterbury Village Markets

Well known for transforming into a Christmas wonderland, the Canterbury Village provides a festive setting for both markets and winter holiday strolls. With almost a million festive lights, you can catch a 7-minute light show choreographed to classic holiday songs. There are also professional carolers and live Christmas performances can be found throughout the season as well. While strolling, you can find boutique clothing and accessories, artisan jewelry, gourmet foods, Michigan Made designed items, uniquely made items, and so much more from the small businesses.

Holiday Stroll: November 22 - December 23

2359 Joslyn Ct. Orion Twp, MI 48360

11. Christmas Through Lowell

This is the 30th Annual Christmas Through Lowell even! With more than 60 homes and businesses participating, it makes for a unique shopping experience to kick off holiday shopping. It’s the largest shopping event held in the Lowell community with more than 350 artists, crafters, and businesses showcasing their unique gifts, handmade crafts and other wonderful holiday items.

While the city sets the event hours for the three days, each individual location sets their own hours - so be sure to check ahead of time if you have something particular on your list.

When: Nov.17th 9:00AM - 9:00PM; Nov. 18th 9:00AM - 7:00PM; Nov. 19th 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Participating businesses throughout Lowell

12. Rochester Kris Kringle Market

In its 15th year of the Big Bright Light Show, Rochester turns into a dreamy holiday experience. Surrounded by over one million lights, you can shop their open-air Christmas market featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths, and other wonders for the holiday.

When: Fri. Dec 1st from 4-10PM; Sat. Dec 2rd from 12-10 PM

West Fourth St. Between Main & Walnut

13. Traverse City Merry Marketplace

Now Extended! Traverse City used to host just two weekends of shopping, workshops, artist demonstrations, and fun. You can now find three markets on Friday, November 10th; Saturday, November 18th; Saturday December 9th. You can enjoy workshops to make your own ornaments, holiday decor, and other gifts. With 20+ new artists each weekend, you’re sure to find something different each time!

When: November 10th - December 9th

Crooked Tree Arts Center

322 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI

14. South Haven Mistletoe Market Gala

South Haven Center for the Arts invites their members and visitors to the art center every holiday season to shop Southwest Michigan’s artists and artisans. You’re able to find handcrafted jewelry, paintings, photography, and more.

When: Nov. 18th - December 15th

South Haven Center For the Arts

15. Wayne Open Air Christmas Market & Festival

Wayne’s biggest holiday event of the year returns for their open air Christmas Market & Festival downtown. This is their second year in a row with 3 days of holiday magic. You can find a large outdoor crafters market, live entertainment, food, drinks, kids crafting events, Santa, face painting, petting zoo, and other amazing holiday themed events.

When: Nov. 17th-19th

3144 S Wayne Rd., Wayne, MI 48184

15 Must Visit Christmas Markets in Michigan