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 14 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. Shipshewana on the Road Gift, Food, and Craft Show
Where: Oakland Expo Center, 2212 Mall Drive E, Waterford, MI 48238
When: November 22-23, 2025
As a native Southeastern Michigander, I grew up hearing commercials for Shipshewana on the Road, but I admit that I’ve never actually gone to one of the shows. This weekend could be my chance, however, as the show is hitting Michigan for two weekends only before Christmas. (The second weekend is in December in Monroe, Mich.)
Shipshewana on the Road is a ticketed event that brings together trinkets and treasures and one-of-a-kind items from local artists and vendors. You can pre-purchase tickets online or at the door. Entry costs $5 for one day and $8 for both days, with free admission for kids 12 and under.
5. Brother Dan’s Handmade Holiday Craft Show
Where: Emmet County Fairgrounds 1129 Charlevoix Avenue Petoskey, MI 49770
When: November 22, 2025, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown Petoskey, Mich., makes for a lovely holiday destination, but if you want to shop even smaller, be sure to stop by Brother Dan’s Handmade Holiday Craft show on November 22.
Local vendors showcasing handmade items for unique holiday gifts will fill the Emmett County Fairgrounds, and a $2 admission or a non-perishable food item supports Brother Dan’s Food Pantry. Shopping for a cause, it’s what the holidays are all about!
6. Day After Thanksgiving Craft Show and Christmas in Indian River
Where: Inland Lakes High School 4363 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
When: November 28, 2025
Talk about tradition—Indian River will be hosting its 46th annual Christmas Craft Show at Inland Lakes this Black Friday. The show is one of the largest Craft Shows in Northern Michigan, with over 150 crafts and vendors showcasing homemade items and holiday gifts.
A $3 admission gets you into the craft show, and the weekend also includes other festive events such as a kids’ Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt, crafts and cookies at the library, an annual Christmas parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, tree lighting, and warming fire stops with free soup stations. (Honestly, you had me at the soup station!) If that wasn’t enough, the night closes at the Northland Brewery After Party with a live band.
7. Saint Nick’s Warehouse
Where: Henry Ford II High School 11911 Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
When: November 29-30, 2025
I’m not sure you can get more “holiday market” than a holiday market called Saint Nick’s Warehouse, but if you want to check it out for yourself, head on over Thanksgiving weekend to Sterling Heights, Michigan, for the 45th Annual Arts and Craft Show.
The market has over 250 vendor booths with a variety of arts and crafts, including unique handmade gifts perfect for holiday shopping. There is a $5 entrance fee, and the show is wheelchair and walker-accessible.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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?)
12. Dimondale Holiday Craft Show
Where: Chief Okemos Sportsmans Club 4667 N. Gunnell Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821
When: November 21-22, 2025
Small-town Michigan is what you’ll find in this local craft show featuring 30 vendors. Shoppers will be treated to a variety of hand-crafted items from artists, authors, bakers, beaders, crocheters, and more, along with free refreshments, free gift wrapping, and free kids’ crafts.
Bring the whole family and even pen a letter to the Big Guy in Red himself at the Santa letter-writing station.
13. Frankenmuth Christkindlmarkt
Where: Heritage Park
When: November 28-30, 2025
You didn’t really think we could get through a list of Michigan holiday markets and not mention Frankenmuth, did you? The town, practically known for all things Christmas, also hosts Frankenmuth Christkindlmarkt, the largest Christmas market in Saginaw County.
Frankenmuth Christkindlmarkt is designed to follow the tradition of an open-air European Christmas market like you would find in Bavaria, with vendors set up outside selling everything from food to gifts. And of course, as is customary, the items are handmade by local small businesses. If you can’t make the official Christmas market Thanksgiving weekend, Frankenmuth has plenty of holiday shopping and spirit all season long.
14. 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.
15. 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.
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