Shop small at these holiday markets & craft fairs across Michigan

For a festive vibe you just can’t find online, browse these merry and bright Michigan holiday markets and craft fairs to get your shopping done this year.  

My family just texted me today, wondering if my kids had finalized their holiday wish lists. I admit that I haven’t even so much as thought about Christmas yet (other than to wonder how on earth we’re going to afford it this year), but there’s no way around it: The holiday season is officially underway.

As you plan out your own purchases, sure, you can always grab a gift online or send a digital gift card, but isn’t there something much more magical about shopping for holiday gifts in person? And okay, maybe grappling for the last video gaming system at the store isn’t quite the festive vibe you’re going for. But shopping small at a beautifully decorated holiday market, full of twinkly lights and decked out with greenery and garland as you browse charming booths and tables with a cozy drink in hand, will certainly make you feel merry and bright.

If you haven’t checked out Michigan holiday markets and craft fairs before, the holiday season is a wonderful time to get started shopping small. Holiday markets aren’t just a way to shop, but also a way to get into the holiday spirit. Here are nine of the best (and most festive!) Michigan holiday markets and craft fairs to start checking off your list.

1. Cadillac Square

Where: Detroit, Michigan

When: All season long

Some say that downtown Detroit is never as alive as it is during the holiday season, with festive decor, cozy drinks, lively vendors, and family-friendly activities like Grinch meet-and-greets or ice skating.

Shop local at all of downtown Detroit’s holiday markets and then, when you need a warm-up, stop into the iconic Cadillac Lodge to have a warm drink by the fire and play some board games with the family. (Fun fact: the Cadillac Lodge is one of the most-photographed spots in all of Michigan, so be sure to snap a pic while you’re there!)

2. Olde World Canterbury Village

Where: 2359 Joslyn Ct, Orion Township, MI 48360

When: All season long

My family and I normally visit Crossroads Village during Halloween or Christmas, but this year, we decided to try a new venue and are planning a trip to Lake Orion’s Olde World Canterbury Village. I am so excited because the village is set up like a historic step back in time, and during the holidays, it comes alive with carolers, roaring fires, twinkling lights, reindeer, and even a giant snow castle.

Canterbury Village is free to visit, and anyone can enjoy shopping or just browsing. Find everything from home decor to clothing to chocolate, as well as seasonal events every weekend. (Some of the weekend events may be ticketed, so check the event calendar before planning your visit!)

3. Christkindl Markt at Grand Rapids Downtown Market 

Where: 435 Ionia Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

When: All season long

Where else can you find ice curling rinks, private (heated) igloos, West Michigan’s largest traditional European Christmas Village, and what may arguably be the real Santa and Mrs. Claus? At the third annual Christkindl Markt in Grand Rapids, of course.

The market features over 60 artisan and gift vendors with shoppable goods that include everything from artisan foods, decor, clothing, textiles, ornaments, jewelry, German-style beverages, and more. But the shopping is just the start—the market is a full-on holiday event, with dining, children’s activities, a German beer tent, and live holiday entertainment. Most of the events (curling will cost you, sorry) are free, and the entertainment calendar changes daily, so plan ahead if you can!

4. Marquette Holiday Craft Show

Where: NMU Superior Dome 1205 Presque Isle Ave Marquette, MI 49855

When: December 5-7, 2025

Make the trek to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to visit over 250 crafters and vendors under the Northern Michigan University Super Dome to kick off your holiday shopping. Who knows how much snow the UP will have by then, but not to worry—you’ll stay warm and cozy indoors under the dome while you do your shopping. Even better, food and beverages will be on hand as well.

5. Webberville Holiday Christkindl Markt

Where: Bella Vista Winery 1145 N. Dietz Rd Webberville, MI 48892

When: December 5-6, 2025

The Christkindl Markt at Bella Vista Winery in Webberville combines two beloved Michigan pastimes: wine sampling and shopping! Explore the festive environment, shop for holiday presents like gift baskets and handmade items, take Christmas pictures with the family, and sip and sample new wines.

When you’ve got your shopping list checked off, you can warm yourself by the outdoor fires, enjoy the food trucks, and relax and listen in as holiday music fills the air.

6. East Lansing Winter Arts and Crafts Show

Where: Grounds of the MSU Union 49 Abbott East Lansing, MI 48824

When: December 6-7, 2025

The East Lansing Winter Arts and Crafts Show is an annual event that locals and visitors alike look forward to. The craft show features over 125 crafters and artisans who sell items that range from toys and jewelry to homemade sculptures.

Join 8,000 other annual shoppers all looking for something quality and handmade (wholesale and reselling is not allowed at this market, so you get the assurance of a locally made item!). Another perk of the show is that it’s all free, from admission to parking to on-site entertainment.

7. Manor House Holiday Market

Where: W.K. Kellogg Manor House 3700 East Gull Lake Dr. Hickory Corners, MI 49060

When: Various December weekends

If you ever hoped for a holiday-themed stroll through the summer home of Michigan cereal mogul W.K. Kellogg, you’re in luck, because the mansion opens up each season for tours and holiday shopping. With a $5 admission fee, you are treated to a tour of the Manor House, followed by an opportunity to shop for goods from local artists and vendors.

And, to top off your shopping, guests are treated to a cup of hot spiced tea before departing home with their treasures. (Strange it’s not a bowl of cereal, but I guess Frosted Flakes aren’t quite as festive, huh?)

8. Kerstmarkt 

Where: 8th Street Marketplace, Holland, Mich.

When: November 21-December 20, 2025

Known for its decidedly European vibes (and annual tulip festival), the town of Holland, Michigan, comes alive every holiday season with its famous Kerstmarkt outdoor holiday market. Attracting visitors from as far as Texas, the event is worth the trip because it features new and rotating vendors every single weekend, as well as a variety of festive events.

For instance, you’ll find carolers, dog sled race demos (oh, and dog lover alert: you’re allowed to meet the dogs and take pictures with them!), handbell concerts, and of course, Santa Claus himself. There will be plenty of traditional Dutch food as well as the classic holiday glühwein (hot mulled wine) available for purchase. Parking and admission are free.

9. Kerrytown District KindleFest event

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: December 5, 2025

You’d better make sure your hot cocoa has caffeine in it, because the Kerrytown District KindleFest is a late-night holiday shopping event. The festive outdoor event sees downtown businesses and restaurants staying open late to usher in the holiday season (and serve customers with tidings of food cheer, of course).

Shop ’til you drop, and bring the whole family for fun that includes live music, crafts, balloon animals, kids’ events, and local food trucks and vendors. Santa will be there, of course, and the evening tops off with some warm mulled wine for those who want to rest their weary heads.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related: 7 Michigan Cities that Always Go Big for the Holidays