December’s here, and the Christmas hits are unavoidable at the grocery store, which can only mean one thing: it’s officially go time to start getting presents.

Michigan’s holiday shopping season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to get in the spirit than wandering through twinkly, cozy markets packed with locally-made goods.

And, if you ask me, giving someone a Michigan-made gift feels extra special in a way you just can’t get from ordering online.

From Detroit to the Upper Peninsula, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie has this list of nine holiday and craft markets to get your shopping done this holiday season.

Whitmers joins calls for EPA to monitor microplastics in drinking water (MI Advance): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and six other governors are urging the EPA to start monitoring microplastics in drinking water. They say nationwide data is needed to understand health risks and guide future regulation as microplastics continue spreading through ecosystems and into our bodies.

Conservative operatives get probation in robocall scheme (AP News): Two GOP operatives received a year of probation for 2020 robocalls that tried to scare Black Detroit voters away from voting by mail. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the pair used “every racist dog whistle” in the scheme. Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman also faced penalties in New York and Ohio over the same calls.

Detroit Zoo welcomes 3 lion cubs (Freep): The Detroit Zoo says first-time mom Amirah welcomed three healthy lion cubs and is quietly bonding with them in a private den. A fourth cub didn’t survive, but the zoo calls the successful births an important boost for a vulnerable species. The cubs are expected to be visible to visitors in a few months.

The famous outdoor Christkindl Markt at Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Christkindl Markt)

By Chaunie Brusie

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

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. Christkindl Markt at Grand Rapids Downtown Market

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!

3. Marquette Holiday Craft Show

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.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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