Holidays in the D!

It’s that time of year again! Fall is here and Halloween is over, and November is the beginning of the holiday season is approaching. At least that’s what I tell myself. The fall and winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and on November 1st I always think it’s ok to start the decorating and planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and even New Years.

Holidays in the city are my favorite. Not many cities are quite like Detroit, and I think during this time of year we really shine bright. There are tons of events that happen yearly, new events that spread more joy with ooohs and aahs, and the city shines bright as the stars.

One thing I always look forward to are the Holiday Markets in Cadillac Square and Capitol Park. The markets start Nov. 7 this year. The markets are a chance for you to shop with local artisans and small businesses that provide specialty items for your holiday gifts and treats. Just outside the markets in Cadillac Square is the Cadillac Lodge.

This year, the markets will have 17 pop up vendors who will be sponsored by the Gilbert Family Foundation and funded by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Here is a list of this year’s shops:

27th Letter Books ­

Asher & Arnold

Bags to Butterflies

Big Mitten Linocuts

Brave Wimp Society

Conscious Living Brand

Detroit Streetwear

Jetta’s Gourmet Popcorn

FOLK

For the Love of Cheesecake

Kiloh + Co.

Preva Body

Scentana Candle Co

Speedcult

Waffle Cabin

Whimsy & Wine

Yarn Nerds 

The Cadillac Lodge is a fun place to hang out, play board games, grab winter drinks and snacks for the whole family, and relax by one of the fireplaces. They have a ton of family events every year, including live music on the weekends and interactive activities to keep everyone engaged.

This year the Lodge will have festive specialty cocktails, yummy bites, Detroit style chili, and warm pretzels with beer cheese.

The fun stretches over to Campus Martius as well, where there is ice skating and the beautiful Christmas tree. There will be an Arctic Zone with a gingerbread house concession stand stationed next to the ice skating rink. The rink opens November 23, 2024 until March 2, 2025. Tickets are first come first serve, but there are tons of things to keep you busy if you have to wait.

Speaking of the tree lighting, the infamous Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 22nd from 4- 9pm in Campus Martius Park. There will be local and national talent, a visit from Santa, food trucks and more.

Needless to say, there is a lot to do in Detroit for the holiday season. The city shines bright and the businesses shine brighter. Throughout the many neighborhoods in the city, there are businesses to check out and support throughout the holiday season and beyond. In Midtown, there is The Peacock Room and City Bird. In New Center, there is Urbanum and The Ten. In Milwaukee Junction/North End neighborhood, there is Midnight Vault and Sepia Coffee Detroit. These are just to name a few, but we will share more as the season progresses. Check out the city during the holidays. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Feel free to share some of your favorite holiday memories and family traditions.