The holiday shopping season is rolling in fast, and if you’re looking to skip big box stores and score some sweet deals on locally made goods this year, look no further than a holiday market.
These seasonal shopping pop ups host a plethora of area small businesses selling everything from home goods and clothing to artwork, baked goods, and so much in between.
Here are 12 in and around Detroit to explore for the 2023 holidays.
Downtown Detroit Markets
This year’s market returns on Nov. 9 with more than a dozen small businesses and local vendors. Whether the loved ones on your list want clothing and fashion accessories, pet gear, beauty products, food, or games, this market has it all. Nov. 9-Jan. 7. Downtown Detroit Markets, Cadillac Square, Detroit; deckedoutdetroit.com.
Vintage, Repurposed & Handmade Holiday Market
More than 100 makers, boutiques, and small businesses set up shop selling their best work and goods. Get some of your holiday shopping and support these area businesses at this indoor market. Nov. 18. $5 for general admission. Macomb Sports & Expo Center, 14500 12 Mile Road, Warren; Eventbrite.com.
Ferndale Underground Market
Held in the basement level of the Ferndale parking structure, this first-ever event will include 85-plus “artists and makers, authors and bakers.” Shop uncommon and unique items for the edgier people in your life. Music, food, games, and art projects, too. Bring a food donation and be sure to visit the city’s Jingle and Mingle event while you’re there. Nov. 18-19. Ferndale ‘dot’ parking garage, 215 W. Troy, Ferndale; ferndaleunderground.com.
Eastern Market Holiday Market 2023
In addition to the regular Saturday Markets that operates year round, Eastern Market will host four additional markets to cater to the holiday shopping needs of as many people as possible. Find Thanksgiving food for purchase on Nov. 21, and Michigan-made gifts and Christmas tree vendors on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, and Dec. 10. Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St,, Detroit; easternmarket.org.
Kerrytown District KindleFest
The KindleFest Market closely mirrors Christkindlemarkts in Germany and features artisans and vendors selling holiday goods, traditional food, and more in a beautifully decorated and festive outdoor setting. Dec. 1. Kerrytown District area; kerrytowndistrict.org.
Kris Kringle Market
This 16th annual open-air market is back with an array of holiday décor, unique gifts, and seasonal food sold by over 35 hand-picked vendors. In addition to shopping, this market also offers photos with Santa, a child-sized gingerbread house for kids, and a s’mores station. It also coincides with The Big, Bright Light Show. Dec. 1-2. Downtown Rochester area, downtownrochestermi.com.
Winter Markt
Birmingham brings the magic of a European winter markt to life with holiday light displays, ice sculptures, live entertainment, carriage rides, and vendor booths featuring local artists and vendors. There’s a Santa House and children’s activity area, too. Dec. 1-3. Shane Park, Birmingham; allinbirmingham.com.
Detroit Urban Craft Fair
Michigan’s longest running indie craft fair is back for its 18th year! This year’s fair will feature more than 100 new and returning vendors selling one-of-a-kind artwork and crafts for the holidays. Among the available products are handmade soaps and candles, knit and crocheted items, toys and games for kids, home goods, artisan foods, journals, and so much more. Dec. 2-3. $5 on Saturday, $3 on Sunday, kids 12 and under are free. Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit; detroiturbancraftfair.com.
Mistletoe Market
More than 40 artisans will share Michigan-made arts, crafts, and culinary treats at this indoor-outdoor market in downtown Plymouth. New for this year, the market will expand beyond the walls of The Gathering pavilion to offer additional vendors lining Penniman Avenue. Visitors will also enjoy a festive performance from Plymouth’s own Synergy Dance Academy at no cost. Dec. 7-8. The Gathering, 736 Penniman Ave., Plymouth; downtownplymouthevents.com.
Tinsel & Treasures
This holiday market has been ranked as one of the top 200 Sunshine Artist shows for the last 10 years. Purchase high-quality seasonal décor and gifts as well as cocktails and concessions. Dec. 8-10. $4 for general admission, free for kids 12 and under. Embassy Suites Livonia, 19525 Victor Parkway, Livonia; hcshows.com.
Holiday Vintage Market
Rust and Retro Vintage Market brings more than 50 area businesses together for its fourth market. Find vendors selling a mix of vintage, antique, and handmade goods, along with local food. Dec. 9. $5 online or $8 at the door for general admission, $20 for VIP tickets, free for kids under 12. Springfield Oaks Activity Center, 12451 Andersonville Road, Springfield Township; rustandretrovintagemarket.com.
The Michigan Makers Holiday Craft Fair
More than 200 vendors will be on-site for this enormous holiday market at the Suburban Collection Showplace. Choose from thousands of giftable wares, including hand-poured soy candles, crocheted blankets and scarves, delicate artisan jewelry, hand- made ceramics, and even Michigan-made beer, wine, and spirits. Dec. 16. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; themichiganmakers.com.
Did we miss your favorite holiday market? Tell us about it in the comments so we can add it to our list.
