Greetings!
It was wonderful to see the joy and optimism as our community and friends come together at two of my favorite events of the year! Even more special is to share with you highlights and photos, as well as express my gratitude as we prepare for the Thanksgiving break.
Detroit Tree Lighting and Detroit Aglow were truly examples of the importance of tradition, unity and the privilege of being part of such a dynamic city.
I’m extremely proud of our DDP team, volunteers and sponsors for the hard work in planning these two events after a year hiatus while doing our best to make them as safe as possible for attendees.
In this issue we also want to recognize the many shopping and dining opportunities in our fine city. There is no better time to support these entrepreneurs, and our Downtown, than the holidays.
Finally, I want to extend my appreciation to the Downtown Detroit Partnership Board who tirelessly contribute to the energy, growth and excitement that defines our city and our region.
I hope this issue has you in the holiday spirit! We’ll have more to share as we head into the New Year but for now, wishing you a healthy, happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
This year’s Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony was memorable in so many ways. The weather was cool but dry and the clear midwestern night sky provided the perfect backdrop so the more than 100,000 gatherers could witness the lighting of the tallest tree ever to grace Campus Martius Park. The 65-foot Norway Spruce and “Swing Bells” are among the one million lights that will shine bright for downtown visitors throughout the holiday season.
The crowd was incredible, and the entertainment was among the best we’ve seen. Special thanks to DTE Foundation, our partners at the City of Detroit, Detroit Police Department for their support of the event, and WXYZ-TV for producing the one hour “Light up the Season” special.
Check out these photos from the event and remember there is still plenty of time to grab your friends and family members and see it in person. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays and our city.
For more on all of Detroit’s fabulous festivities, check out the DDP’s Winter in the Parks brochure.
What a night! Cam Anthony, winner of NBC’s The Voice, headlined the evening and attendees reminded us of the joy to be had when we come together for the holidays and every day. A special thanks to the following board members and sponsors for this year’s Aglow – Cindy Pasky, Strategic Staffing Solutions; Dave Meador, DTE Energy; Sandy Pierce, Huntington; David Tsai, MGM Grand Casino; Wright Lassiter III, Henry Ford Health System and Rachel Tronstein of Gardner White.
A heartfelt thanks everyone who joined us at MGM Grand Detroit for this tradition to support the Downtown Detroit Partnership and its programs. We couldn’t do it without you.
View photos from the event here. You can also watch the video recap below.
Now more than ever, Downtown Detroit shopping offers the best of both worlds – unique local business and national brands. We asked DDP’s Small Business Engagement Manager Kitty Whitfield to share some of her favorite spots and where to find some great gift ideas. Read Kitty’s recommendations here.
Want more ideas? Here are four more resources to get you into the shopping spirit.
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation has put together a shop small directory that celebrates the entrepreneurs and business owners who keep our neighborhoods humming. The directory also includes special offers that you’ll want to check out.
Don’t forget the Downtown Detroit Markets are open. These popups are only here until December 31, but they make Downtown shopping even more robust and festive.
Still can’t decide on the perfect gift? Give the spirit of Detroit buy purchasing a Spirit Card. This gift card supports Detroit’s small business community and can be used at many of your favorite businesses and restaurants. If you know of a business that would benefit by being part of this program, we have a special promotion now through December 15. Every merchant who signs up will receive a $100 Spirt Card for their own use.
