Christmas Markets in Ann Arbor: Festive Guide for Holiday Shopping

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Ann Arbor transforms into a festive wonderland each December with a range of charming Christmas markets, bringing holiday cheer and unique shopping experiences to locals and visitors alike. These markets highlight the city’s vibrant community spirit, showcasing handmade goods, local artistry, and delicious seasonal treats. Popular markets include the historic Kerrytown Kindlefest, which offers a European-style holiday experience with German-inspired foods, mulled wine, and beautifully decorated stalls. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up provides a cozy outdoor setting filled with local crafts, holiday décor, and family-friendly activities, while Briarwood Mall’s Holiday Market offers a convenient indoor option where shoppers can find both artisan items and popular brands. Downtown Ann Arbor’s Holiday Market invites visitors to explore the city’s bustling streets, enjoy live music, and discover unique gifts across various storefronts and pop-up stalls. Meanwhile, the Ann Arbor Made Holiday Market, hosted by the Art Center, showcases the city’s talented artisans with eco-friendly and sustainable holiday goods. Each market offers a unique setting and festive atmosphere, making them perfect spots to find one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy holiday events, and soak in the holiday magic. Ann Arbor’s Christmas markets are must-visit destinations that capture the warmth and joy of the season. Explore other festive destinations like the Baden Christmas Market for an enchanting holiday experience

1. Kerrytown Kindlefest

Kerrytown’s Kindlefest is one of Ann Arbor’s most celebrated holiday markets, offering a German-inspired Christmas experience filled with warmth, light, and festive cheer. Held annually in the historic Kerrytown District, Kindlefest brings together artisans, crafters, and food vendors to create a European-style holiday market. Attendees can browse through stalls featuring handmade holiday gifts, decorations, and delicious treats such as bratwurst, mulled wine, and gingerbread. With live entertainment and festive lights illuminating the market, Kindlefest creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors of all ages. This market also includes an array of kid-friendly activities, making it ideal for families. Kindlefest celebrates the magic of the holiday season with the spirit of giving, creativity, and community, capturing the heart of the season in one of Ann Arbor’s most charming districts. Local residents and visitors alike come to Kerrytown each year to kick off the holiday season, find unique gifts, and soak in the joyful ambiance.

Kerrytown Kindlefest

Address: Kerrytown District, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Dates: December 6, 2025

Opening & Closing Times: 5 PM – 10 PM

Entrance Fee: Free entry

Where to Buy Tickets: No tickets required for general entry

Nearby Transportation

  • Nearest T Stations:
    • Ann Arbor Amtrak Station: About a 10-minute walk from the market.

Events

  1. Holiday Tree Lighting: Join the festivities as the market lights up its holiday tree.
  2. Live Music Performances: Local artists and musicians bring holiday cheer with seasonal tunes.
  3. Kids Crafting Station: A space for children to make their own ornaments and holiday crafts.
  4. Warm Beverage Stand: Enjoy mulled wine and hot cocoa to keep warm.
  5. Gift Wrapping Station: Complimentary gift wrapping for market purchases.
  6. For more Details: Visit Here

Famous Shops & Stalls

  1. Local Artisans Booth: Find unique, handcrafted jewelry and ornaments.
  2. German Treats Stand: Offering bratwurst, pretzels, and gingerbread for an authentic taste.
  3. Winter Woolies: Cozy hats, scarves, and mittens for winter.

Special Spots Not to Miss

  1. Holiday Archway: A beautifully decorated arch perfect for holiday photos.
  2. Warm Fire Pit: Gather around with friends to enjoy the warmth.
  3. Photo Booth with Santa: Capture holiday memories with Santa.
  4. Craft Corner: A family-friendly crafting area.
  5. Historic Kerrytown Decor: Admire the festively decorated buildings of Kerrytown.

Parking and Fees

  • Parking Options: Nearby public parking garages with rates around $1.20 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

  1. Graduate Ann Arbor
  2. Bell Tower Hotel
  3. Residence Inn by Marriott

Nearby Restaurants

  1. The Lunch Room
  2. Miss Kim
  3. Zingerman’s Deli

2. Ann Arbor Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market transforms into a holiday wonderland each December, featuring a Holiday Pop-Up Market with local vendors, artists, and specialty food makers. This outdoor market in the heart of the city’s historic district allows visitors to shop for unique holiday gifts, handmade crafts, and gourmet treats. With beautifully decorated stalls and holiday music playing in the background, the market offers a cozy, festive shopping experience. Here, visitors can find a wide range of holiday-themed goods, from artisanal foods to handcrafted jewelry and decorations. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy seasonal foods and warm beverages, perfect for staying cozy while browsing. The Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up is a wonderful spot for holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and businesses, making it a favorite among residents and tourists alike.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up

Address: 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Dates: Every Saturday in December 2025

Opening & Closing Times: 9 AM – 3 PM

Entrance Fee: Free entry

Where to Buy Tickets: No tickets required for entry

Nearby Transportation

  • Ann Arbor Amtrak Station: Approximately a 10-minute walk.

Events

  1. Christmas Carolers: Enjoy live carolers singing festive tunes.
  2. Hot Cocoa Stand: Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or cider.
  3. Gift Wrapping Services: Complimentary gift wrapping available for purchases.
  4. Ornament-Making Workshop: Kids and adults can make their own ornaments.
  5. Cooking Demonstrations: Learn holiday recipes from local chefs.

Famous Shops & Stalls

  1. Handcrafted Candle Stall: Beautiful, hand-poured candles perfect for gifts.
  2. Local Artists Booth: Unique, hand-painted ornaments and holiday decor.
  3. Gourmet Food Stand: Sample local treats like cheeses and jams.

Special Spots Not to Miss

  1. Holiday Photo Wall: Festive backdrop for holiday photos.
  2. The Winter Wreath Stand: Beautiful handmade wreaths for sale.
  3. Artisan Alley: A collection of the most popular artisans.
  4. Vintage Finds Corner: A cozy spot with vintage holiday decor.
  5. Kids Craft Zone: A place for children to enjoy holiday-themed crafts.

Parking and Fees

  • Parking Options: Public parking available nearby at $1 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

  1. Burnt Toast Inn
  2. Weber’s Boutique Hotel
  3. Hyatt Place Ann Arbor

Nearby Restaurants

  1. Spencer
  2. Vinology
  3. Knight’s Steakhouse

3. Briarwood Mall Holiday Market

Briarwood Mall’s Holiday Market offers a festive shopping experience in a cozy indoor setting. Perfect for holiday shoppers looking for convenience, the market includes a mix of artisan vendors and mall retailers, allowing visitors to find both unique handmade gifts and popular brand items. From local craft stalls selling holiday decor and winter accessories to specialty food booths offering seasonal treats, Briarwood Mall’s Holiday Market has something for everyone. In addition to shopping, the mall also hosts events like photos with Santa, holiday-themed storytime for kids, and a gift-wrapping station for easy gifting. Briarwood Mall’s festive decorations, holiday music, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination during the Christmas season.

Briarwood Mall Holiday Market

Address: 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Dates: December 1 – December 24, 2025

Opening & Closing Times: Daily, 10 AM – 9 PM

Entrance Fee: Free entry

Where to Buy Tickets: No tickets required for entry

Nearby Transportation

  • Ann Arbor Amtrak Station: Approximately a 10-minute drive.

Events

  1. Photos with Santa: Capture holiday memories with Santa Claus.
  2. Kids Storytime: Holiday-themed stories read for young visitors.
  3. Gift Wrapping Station: Complimentary gift wrapping for purchases.
  4. Live Holiday Music: Seasonal music performed on select days.
  5. Cookie Decorating Workshop: Fun holiday activity for children.

Famous Shops & Stalls

  1. Winter Wonderland Candles: Handcrafted candles with festive scents.
  2. Holiday Knitwear Stall: Cozy hats, scarves, and gloves.
  3. Gourmet Chocolates Booth: Delicious holiday chocolates and treats.

Special Spots Not to Miss

  1. Christmas Tree Display: Beautifully decorated holiday trees.
  2. Holiday Fountain Light Show: Colorful fountain lights synchronized with holiday music.
  3. Children’s Play Area: A holiday-themed area for young kids.
  4. Santa’s Sleigh Photo Spot: Perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
  5. Gift Shopping Corner: Dedicated to holiday gifts and decor.

Parking and Fees

  • Parking Options: Free parking available at the mall.

Nearby Hotels

  1. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor
  2. Courtyard by Marriott Ann Arbor
  3. DoubleTree by Hilton Ann Arbor

Nearby Restaurants

  1. Bravo! Italian Kitchen
  2. California Pizza Kitchen
  3. PF Chang’s

4. Downtown Ann Arbor Holiday Market

Downtown Ann Arbor transforms into a holiday shopping haven during the annual Downtown Holiday Market. This market brings together local businesses and artisans, offering unique holiday goods and handmade items across multiple storefronts and outdoor stalls. From handcrafted holiday decor to seasonal gourmet foods, shoppers will find an array of festive goods in the heart of downtown. Beyond shopping, the Downtown Holiday Market offers holiday events, including caroling, ice sculpting, and family activities, adding to the city’s vibrant holiday atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the decorated streets, enjoy warm treats, and experience the charm of Ann Arbor’s downtown during the holiday season.

Downtown Ann Arbor Holiday Market

  • Address: Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  • Dates: December 7 – December 23, 2025
  • Opening & Closing Times: Daily, 10 AM – 8 PM
  • Entrance Fee: Free entry
  • Where to Buy Tickets: No tickets required

Nearby Transportation

  • Ann Arbor Amtrak Station: A 5-minute walk.

Events

  1. Ice Sculpting Show: Watch artists create holiday sculptures from ice.
  2. Carolers Performance: Live holiday music throughout the market.
  3. Cookie Decorating: A fun activity for kids and families.
  4. Hot Beverage Station: Enjoy hot cider and cocoa to stay warm.
  5. Street Performers: Festive entertainment by local artists.

Famous Shops & Stalls

  1. Handcrafted Jewelry Booth: Unique, locally made jewelry.
  2. Winter Knitwear Stall: Cozy winter accessories.
  3. Artisan Foods Stand: Sample gourmet jams, sauces, and sweets.

Special Spots Not to Miss

  1. Festive Street Decorations: Beautiful holiday lights and decor.
  2. Holiday Archway: Great for photos.
  3. Gift Wrapping Corner: Complimentary gift wrapping station.
  4. Outdoor Fire Pits: Warm up with friends around cozy fire pits.
  5. Santa’s Grotto: Kids can meet Santa and take photos.

Parking and Fees

  • Parking Options: Public parking garages nearby; rates around $1.20 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

  1. Ann Arbor Regent Hotel
  2. Bell Tower Hotel
  3. Residence Inn by Marriott

Nearby Restaurants

  1. Frita Batidos
  2. Sava’s
  3. Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery

5. Ann Arbor Made Holiday Market

Ann Arbor Made Holiday Market is an artisan market featuring local makers and artists, focusing on high-quality, handmade products. This market highlights Ann Arbor’s creative community, offering visitors a chance to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, from art pieces to eco-friendly decor. Located at the Ann Arbor Art Center, the market’s warm atmosphere and artistic vibe make it a unique holiday shopping experience. Shoppers can find everything from handcrafted pottery to locally made candles, with the chance to meet the artisans behind each piece. This market emphasizes sustainability, with many vendors creating eco-conscious holiday goods.

Ann Arbor Made Holiday Market

Address: 117 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Dates: December 9 – December 17, 2025

Opening & Closing Times: Daily, 11 AM – 6 PM

Entrance Fee: Free entry

Where to Buy Tickets: No tickets required

Nearby Transportation

  • Ann Arbor Amtrak Station: A 10-minute walk.

Events

  1. Art Exhibitions: Showcasing local artists’ holiday-themed works.
  2. Meet the Artists: Learn about the crafts and techniques behind each piece.
  3. Gift Wrapping Station: Complimentary wrapping services for purchases.
  4. Craft Workshops: Join workshops to create handmade holiday gifts.
  5. Live Music Nights: Enjoy acoustic music while you shop.

Famous Shops & Stalls

  1. Handmade Pottery Booth: Beautiful, one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces.
  2. Eco-Friendly Decor Stand: Sustainable holiday decor items.
  3. Artisan Candle Stall: Scented, hand-poured candles perfect for gifting.

Special Spots Not to Miss

  1. Artist Studios: Explore the working studios of local artists.
  2. Holiday Art Wall: A rotating display of seasonal art.
  3. Creative Kids Zone: A space for children to create their own art.
  4. Warm Beverage Stand: Enjoy hot cider or cocoa.
  5. Holiday Photo Booth: A festive spot for photos.

Parking and Fees

  • Parking Options: Public parking nearby; rates around $1 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

  1. Burnt Toast Inn
  2. The Kensington Hotel
  3. Weber’s Boutique Hotel

Nearby Restaurants

  1. Fleetwood Diner
  2. Zingerman’s Roadhouse
  3. Real Seafood Company
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