This month’s edition is a collaborative holiday edition Downtown Hot Spots post produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s (DDP) Marketing and Communication’s team. We curated a list of local shops, restaurants, experiences and entertainment options for all to enjoy. To view a full list of Downtown destinations and services, visit our Downtown Business Directory.
Downtown Detroit Retail
By Sharon Garcia, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Explore Unique Shops in Downtown Detroit This Holiday Season! Downtown Detroit transforms into a vibrant wonderland during the holiday season, offering shoppers an array of unique retail experiences. Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind gifts or indulging in festive treats, these special shops are worth visiting:
- Downtown Detroit Markets: A seasonal gem that brings together some of the city’s most creative and passionate entrepreneurs. During the holiday season, Cadillac Square is transformed into a festive shopping destination filled with small businesses offering a diverse array of goods and gifts. The Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge are funded by Gilbert Family Foundation, managed by DDP, with support from Bedrock and TechTown. This initiative aligns perfectly with the DDP’s mission to create vibrant and engaging public spaces that support local businesses and contribute to a thriving Downtown economy.
- Shinola Hotel: Known for its craftsmanship, Shinola is a Detroit staple. Their hotel store features luxury watches, leather goods, and home accessories. Treat someone special (or yourself) to a timeless piece that embodies Detroit’s spirit of innovation and quality.
- The Detroit Shoppe: Step into The Detroit Shoppe at the Renaissance Center to find gifts celebrating the Motor City. The store is packed with memorabilia, locally crafted products, and even iconic Faygo sodas. It’s a treasure trove for Detroit enthusiasts.
- Bon Bon Bon: This artisanal chocolate shop is a sweet treat for any holiday itinerary. Bon Bon Bon’s handcrafted chocolates are made with locally sourced ingredients and feature playful, unique flavors. Their festive holiday boxes make a delicious gift for anyone on your list.
- The Lip Bar: For beauty lovers, The Lip Bar’s flagship store on Griswold Street is a must-visit. This Black-owned brand offers vibrant, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup products that make for fabulous stocking stuffers or gifts.
- Pewabic Pottery: Detroit’s historic Pewabic Pottery studio is a cultural gem. Shop their collection of handcrafted tiles, ornaments, and ceramics that bring a touch of artistry and history to your holiday decor or gift-giving.
- Workshop Detroit: This community-driven boutique offers handmade, sustainable goods and artisan-crafted items. From home decor to clothing, every purchase supports local and independent creators.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, Downtown Detroit’s retail scene is bursting with charm and character. Explore these shops to find gifts that are as unique and diverse as the city itself.
Downtown Detroit Restaurants/Dining
By Anjana Schroeder, Director of Marketing
Gathering to break bread is one of my favorite things to do with my family, friends, and coworkers. While every restaurant I visit leaves a wonderful impression, both Downtown and the neighborhoods, the ones listed below have a special place in my heart, especially during the holiday season.
- BESA: This is a place where the service lives up to the name. “Besa” is Albanian for “our guest before ourself” and dining at this beautiful restaurant is a unique experience that will not disappoint.
- 7Greens Detroit Salad Co.: This spot is a “go-to” for many of us at the DDP, not only because it is near our office, but because it is a healthy option without compromising taste. Every meal I’ve eaten at 7Greens is delicious, from the salad and smoothies to burritos and soup. Be sure to stop by when you’re down here!
- Jose’s Tacos: This is also a favorite lunch spot. It is a little less healthy but popping with flavor! My favorite is taco birria with guacamole on the side. This neighborhood spot feels like you’re walking into someone’s home – the staff are incredibly friendly, kind, and the kitchen is quick! Pro tip: call you order ahead, and the wait is minimal.
- Frita Batidos: This restaurant has a special place in my family because it was where my husband and I first shared a meal…kind of! NOTE: technically it was another restaurant (Café Havana, which closed, unfortunately) in Ann Arbor, but we celebrated our 1-year anniversary at Frita Batidos and haven’t looked back since. It is a great spot to have a quick bite before/after a show or game, but also a place to sit down and connect with friends and family new and old.
Downtown Detroit Entertainment
By Talitha Johnson, Director of Communications
The holiday season is a great time to catch up with family and friends. One of my favorite ways to spend quality time is to enjoy the variety of entertainment options in my hometown. Whether connecting with folx visiting for the holidays or enjoying a deserved night on the town, here are some of the places on my calendar this season.
- Concert: R&B singer Lloyd will be performing at Motor City Casino on New Year’s Eve. This would be a great way to vibe into the New Year. I’d also enjoy a Staycation and rent a room at Motor City Casino, order room service, and sleep in the next day.
- Sports: I’m a hometown girl and enjoy attending local sporting events. The Detroit Lions are making us all proud. Always rooting for the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings!
- Comedy: I love a good laugh. The Detroit House of Comedy has a good lineup. I’m really looking forward to checking out their “Home for the Holidays,” show on Dec. 27 and 28, featuring all Michigan-native comedians. Can’t wait to check out Mike Epps’ One Mike Detroit, featuring Alexander Zonjic’s Jokes and Jazz series on Dec. 21.
- Theatre: One of my favorite theatricals of all time is coming to town! I’m excited for “Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” show at Fox Theatre from Dec. 20-31. Their performances are captivating, and every performance leaves me suspended in excitement and anticipating the next show. Choreography, costumes and Motown hits will all come together at The Music Hall Center for Performing Arts for this highly acclaimed show “A Magical Motown Christmas,” on Dec. 20.
- Holiday Spirit: One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is listening to holiday music at Campus Martius Park. It has the complete holiday vibe – holiday shopping, ice-rink, food, warm beverages, Detroit’s Christmas tree, and the all-new, must-see CHALET 313 lounge.
Downtown Detroit Experiences
By Emma Oresky, Integrated Marketing Coordinator
Even before I joined the DDP team in the beginning of September, I absolutely loved all the winter experiences Downtown. Whether you want to create unforgettable moments with family, friends, or a date, Downtown is magical and full of memory-making experiences you need to try yourself. Here are my top Downtown experiences to bring some extra joy into your holiday season.
- Detroit’s Christmas Tree: Stop by Campus Martius Park, voted No. 1 Public Square in the nation, to view the stunning 66-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce tree. This is the perfect spot for a photo, and our amazing Ambassadors are always ready to lend a hand. Be sure to tag #DowntownDet in your post – our team wants to see your beautiful faces!
- The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit: Also located in Campus Martius Park is my favorite ice rink. Over the years, I’ve skated my fair share of circles around the Rink, and this year I am determined to become a pro. With Detroit’s Christmas tree dazzling next to you, and festive music playing, you’re sure to feel like you’re in a holiday movie.
- CHALET 313: After getting a good skate in, warm up in the brand-new CHALET 313. Sip on hot cocoa and enjoy a snack while you take in the 360-views from the two-story, glass-enclosed lounge. You won’t want to miss this new addition to Campus Martius Park!
- Holiday Carriage Rides: If you’re Downtown on a Friday or Saturday, end your night with an enchanting ride through the city in a horse-drawn carriage. There’s no better way to take in the over one-million sparkling lights across Downtown.
