Detroit is known for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant arts scene, and the revitalization of its downtown area. During the Christmas season, the city comes alive with festive decorations, lively events, and several bustling Christmas markets with seasonal entertainment.
In this guide, I’ll share essential details you’ll need to explore Detroit Christmas Market, including 2023 dates, opening times, locations, and local specialties that you won’t want to miss.
Christmas in Detroit is a lively time of year, marked by the glow of festive lights illuminating the city’s iconic skyscrapers and neighbourhoods.
Detroit Christmas Market 2023
Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square and Campus Martius Park are central to the city’s festive celebrations.
Inside Cadillac Square, you’ll find 20 vendors in transparent, heated booths showcasing a diverse selection of retail, craft, food, and other holiday-themed items.
The Cadillac Lodge sits at the heart of this market, providing a cosy retreat with plush couches, fireplaces, games, and warm winter beverages and snacks.
Meanwhile, Campus Martius Park invites visitors to skate under the twinkling lights of a magnificent 60-foot, Michigan-grown Norwegian spruce, adding a touch of magic to the winter festivities.
The combination of shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities makes the Christmas market in Detroit a unique and lively holiday destination.
Dates and Location
Detroit Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 16th November 2023 to 1st January 2024.
Location: Cadillac Square and Campus Martius Park.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at The Rink at Campus Martius Park.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Unique heated vendor booths, plush Cadillac Lodge retreat, 60-foot Norwegian spruce, ice skating at Campus Martius Park, diverse street food.
Recommended tour: Architectural beauty and hidden gems walking tour.
Specialities: Detroit-style pizza slices; Paczki pastries; Vernor’s ginger ale; Coney dogs; Mackinac Island fudge.
Where to stay: Sonder The Randolph is a highly-rated hotel near the Christmas market.
Hotels near Detroit Christmas Market
Downtown is a convenient and lively option when considering where to stay for the Christmas market in Detroit. The area is not only close to the market festivities, but it is also rich in dining and entertainment options.
For accommodation, I would recommend Sonder The Randolph, as it’s perfectly located for easy access to the Christmas market.
Location of Detroit Christmas Market
Eastern Market in Detroit
In the heart of Detroit lies Eastern Market, a beloved locale that dons its festive best during Christmas.
Among its historic sheds and vibrant murals, you’ll find over 150 vendors selling an array of holiday goods, ranging from artisanal crafts to homemade pies.
You can enjoy live music performances and indulge in local food specialties during your visit.
Eastern Market dates: Likely dates: 19th November to 24th December 2023.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Location: 2934 Russell Street, Detroit, Michigan.
Christmas in Detroit
The video presented below provides a vivid visualisation of what the Christmas market in Detroit feels like. It captures the vibrant atmosphere, rich array of stalls and fun ice skating.
Christmas Specialties in Detroit
Detroit-style Pizza: Unlike your regular pie, this rectangular deep-dish pizza, born and bred in Detroit, takes indulgence to a new level. Its crispy, almost caramelised cheese crust contains toppings layered inversely, with cheese spread directly onto the dough, followed by other toppings and a generous ladling of tomato sauce on top.
Paczki: These Polish pastries have found a home in Detroit and are a popular treat around festive times. Resembling a doughnut, Paczki is deep-fried pieces of dough filled with sweet fillings like jams, custard or cream, then glazed with icing or dusted with powdered sugar.
Coney Dogs: An iconic Detroit snack, Coney Dogs comprise a beef frankfurter in a bread bun, smothered in an all-meat, beanless chilli, diced onions, and a squiggle of yellow mustard. Despite their name, they’re a staple of Michigan rather than New York’s Coney Island.
Vernors Ginger Ale: Not your typical ginger ale, Vernors is a sweet, mildly ginger-flavoured soda with a robust fizz. Originally a medicinal tonic, it’s now a beloved drink in Detroit, often used in cooking or enjoyed straight up.
Mackinac Island Fudge: Originating from the small Mackinac Island in Michigan, this creamy, rich fudge is a sweet lover’s delight. Made with cream, butter, and sugar, it’s whipped to a thick, smooth consistency and available in an array of flavours from chocolate to maple.
Better Made Potato Chips: A Detroit institution since 1930, Better Made Potato Chips are a crispy, salty snack perfect for munching. These chips are locally made, using Michigan potatoes and a range of seasonings.
Michigan Salad: The Michigan Salad is a local favourite for vegetarians. It typically includes mixed greens, dried cherries (another Michigan specialty), blue cheese, and a vinaigrette, often topped with candied pecans or walnuts.
Traverse City Cherry Pie: Traverse City, referred to as the Cherry Capital of the World, is renowned for its cherry pies. This scrumptious dessert consists of a flaky pastry crust filled with tart Montmorency cherries, sugar, and a touch of almond extract, then baked until golden.
Food at the Christmas Market
German Bratwurst: Amid the flurry of festive activity, you’ll come across traditional German Bratwurst at the Detroit Christmas Market. These pork sausages are often grilled to perfection, served with mustard and nestled in a crispy bread roll. It’s a warming, hearty snack perfect for a winter’s day at the market.
Roasted Chestnuts: A staple of Christmas markets worldwide, roasted chestnuts are both a delicious treat and a way to keep your hands warm! Chestnuts are scored and roasted until their skins crack open, revealing the sweet, nutty flesh inside. They’re typically served in a paper cone, piping hot and ready to be savoured.
Pretzels: Pretzels, particularly soft ones, are another staple of the German market tradition. They are dense, doughy, twisted into their signature knot shape, and sprinkled with coarse salt. Freshly baked, their chewy texture and salty crust make them a satisfying snack as you peruse the market.
Hot Apple Cider: Keeping the chill at bay, hot apple cider is a beloved beverage at the Downtown Christmas Market. Made from pressed apples and spiced with cinnamon and cloves, it’s served steaming hot for a sweet, warming drink that encapsulates the flavours of the season.
Glühwein: No Christmas market is complete without Glühwein, a traditional German mulled wine. Red wine is slowly heated with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus, then served warm. It’s a festive tipple that will surely make you feel all aglow from the inside out.
Detroit Sausage Roll: Paying homage to Detroit’s diverse food culture, local stalls often serve a unique take on the British sausage roll. It features locally-sourced sausage meat encased in a flaky, buttery pastry, then baked to a golden finish. It’s a handheld delight that bridges international culinary traditions.
European Pastries: A medley of European pastries finds its way to the Detroit Holiday Market. Among these, you might find Dutch Stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffle cookies), Belgian Liege waffles (dense, sweet waffles with embedded sugar crystals), or Italian Cannoli (crisp pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta). Sampling these international sweets adds a delightful dimension to your Christmas market experience.
What to Buy
Michigan-Made Goods: A host of vendors at the Downtown Market present locally made products, celebrating the craft and spirit of Michigan. You’ll find diverse items, from handmade soaps and candles to craft beer and regional wines. These items make for thoughtful souvenirs and gifts that give a true taste of the region.
Artisanal Chocolates: Detroit’s burgeoning food scene extends to chocolates, with local chocolatiers setting up stalls at the market. Exquisite boxes of truffles, bars studded with Michigan cherries, or chocolates infused with local spirits showcase the creativity and finesse of Detroit’s chocolate makers.
Detroit Branded Apparel: The local pride in Detroit extends to apparel, and the Christmas market at Cadillac Square is an ideal place to find Detroit-branded clothing. Hoodies, T-shirts, hats and more featuring the Detroit logo or city-themed designs allow you to wear your love for the city on your sleeve.
Hand-blown Glass Ornaments: A special gift idea is hand-blown glass ornaments, a staple at some Christmas stalls. These delicate, vibrant ornaments, often made in the shape of snowflakes, stars, or traditional Christmas figures, add a sparkle to any Christmas tree. Each piece is unique, reflecting the individual craftsmanship of the glassblower.
Local Children’s Books: Local children’s books are a popular item at the market for younger ones. Often featuring Detroit or Michigan-based themes and characters, these books are a delightful way to introduce children to the city’s culture and history. They are a gift that is not only fun but also educational.
To help you plan an exciting holiday trip around the United States, you can refer to my guide, featuring an array of best Christmas markets across the country, full of detailed tips and local knowledge.
For reliable and detailed information about your visit to the city, I suggest checking out Winter in Detroit, a valuable resource that provides a wealth of knowledge about attractions, accommodations, and local happenings in winter.
Sustainable Christmas Tips
Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Detroit at Christmas.
Opt for Green Energy Providers: Detroit is home to several hotels and accommodations that source their energy from renewable sources. Make it a point to stay at such environmentally conscious establishments, contributing to the effort of reducing carbon emissions.
Reduce Food Waste: Many eateries in Detroit are part of the food waste reduction movement. Choose to dine at these places that practice portion control or donate unsold food to shelters, contributing to a less wasteful city. Be mindful of how much you order at the holiday markets.
Support Ethical Consumption: The Downtown Detroit Markets are teeming with vendors selling locally produced, ethically sourced products. By buying these, you’re supporting the local economy and promoting ethical consumption practices.
Follow a Sustainable Diet: Detroit’s food scene is diverse, and many restaurants and stalls offer plant-based options. These vegetarian or vegan choices broaden your palate and align with a more sustainable diet.
Use Sustainable Transport: The city has an extensive public transportation network, including buses and the Detroit People Mover. You can also rent bicycles for short trips. By using these modes of transport, you’re reducing your carbon footprint while exploring the city.
FAQ
The Detroit Christmas Market dates are from 16th November 2023 to 1st January 2024.
The main Christmas market in Detroit is held in Cadillac Square and Campus Martius Park, located in the city centre. There’s also the Eastern Market, which can be found just north of downtown.
Downtown Detroit Markets open around 11am to 8pm, but the exact time can vary.
Yes, Detroit is safe for tourists in winter. As in any city, it’s always wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places like Christmas markets.
Visitors to Detroit’s Christmas markets can enjoy local food specialties like Detroit-style pizza and Coneys. There’s also a great selection of international Christmas market snacks, such as gingerbread and mulled wine.
Visiting Detroit in winter is a chance to experience the city’s vibrant energy wrapped up in a snow-kissed landscape. The city becomes a swirl of lights, sounds, and tastes with the arrival of the Christmas markets.
If you would like to leave a review of Detroit Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Detroit, United States. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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