The holiday season is un-officially officially here with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony mere hours away.
This means that the folks over at Bedrock and Quicken Loans Community Fund have been busy getting the Downtown Detroit Winter Markets ready for the holiday shopping season.
This year the Downtown Detroit Winter Markets will run from Thursday ,November 15 through Sunday, January 13.
While this year’s Market is similar to last years there are a few changes and additions that are pretty exciting.
The biggest addition is the pop up roller skating rink inside 1001 Woodward. It is called the Rainbow City Roller Rink and will be open in the next few weeks.
Santa will be returning to his home away from home at 1 Campus Martius. This year the backdrop is a bit larger, and feels even more cozy.
The esplanade built last year down the middle of Woodward will feature an evergreen tunnel. It is magical, and will probably be one of the hot spots for engagement season.
The 2018 Downtown Detroit Market will have more than 30 small businesses popping up throughout downtown. Of those businesses more than 90% of them are minority owned, and 75% of them are owned by women.
Like last year the glass huts have popped up in Cadillac Square and Capitol Park. The new kid on the block is the 1441 Woodward Collective. Considering 1001 Woodward will have a roller rink inside, there wasn’t much room for shops.
You’ll be able to find out more information about all of the happenings downtown here.
Now that I’ve gone through all of the details let’s get on with the tour.
Our first stop is the 1441 Woodward Collective.
The space serves as a retail incubator space and provides a brick and mortar location for small businesses.
There are thirteen small businesses set up inside the 1441 Woodward Collective.
Elaine B Jewelry not only has beautiful jewelry that is handmade in Ferndale, but she also sell these cool air plants.
Camelle Watson the owner of W. Vintage Vibe takes inspiration from the well dressed man from a bygone era. She carries mens accessories like tie bars, ties, and pocket squares. W. Vintage Vibe also carries women’s and children’s clothing and will popping up in one of the glass huts later in the season.
Detroit GT has returned to the market this year. You’ll be able to find Detroit themed clothing, stickers, and the new line to GT Home items.
If you’re in need of some cozy warm items for yourself, or someone on your gift list be sure to check out Avabelle. I could have really used one of those hats today on the tour. That snow was no joke.
You’ll also find retailers like Glamorous Planning, BluMitten, Trinkets & Such, Reup Design, Fly Behavior, David Vintage, MATURE, Front & Scenter, and 12th & VIV.
Our second stop is Cadillac Square.
Much like last year, Cadillac Square features the little glass huts filled with shops. This year there are thirteen huts throughout the park.
One of the new things this year is Nostimo Kitchen which is owned by Chef Toni Sova. It is a large greenhouse and it is filled with all kinds of food goodies. It is also serving as Detroit’s Pantry. Try the samples if they’re available.
The shop will have a curated selection of Michigan-made goods, cook books and olive oils.
Rock Paper Scissors has also returned to Detroit. The Ann Arbor based store carries cheeky gifts and stationary. Some items might be a bit blue, but at Rock Paper Scissors they embrace it.
While you’re in Cadillac Square be sure to check out; Ashely Gold, Beirut Souk, Dolly Rocker’s Handmade and Vintage, ILERA Apothocary, Kiloh + Co, POST, True Desserts, and Hello Dog Marketplace.
While we’re talking about Cadillac Square, the Cadillac Lodge has also returned this year. Which is great news because it is an awesome place for families to come and hang out.
This year Parc will be overseeing the food and drinks menu.
The layout is also a bit different this year, and it makes it feel more open.
Our last and final stop is going to be Capitol Park. Let’s go!
One of the key things you’re going to notice when you get to Capitol Park is all of the outdoor seating. The planners did this intentionally to encourage people to enjoy the space.
If you’re saying, but it’s winter out and who wants to sit in the cold?
They have multiple fire pits so people can warm up.
If you’re looking for some sweet children’s clothing be sure to check out the pop up space for Little High Flyers. The Midtown based shop will have a satellite store in Capitol Park. 
DCreated Boutique will also be popping up for the next few weeks in the Local Retail Vendor. Her clothes are handmade and darling.
If you’re looking for some fancy chocolates, be sure to stop into Guilt Chocolates. I was tempted, but I stayed strong.
Greystone Gardens is back with Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decor.
You’ll also find 248Studio, Mitten Crate, and Tiani Body Care.
The final thing you might notice in Capitol Park is the new Capitol Inn.
The Capitol Inn will feature bar snacks, cocktails, and Munich-inspired beer and wines. Jeremy Sasson from Prime + Proper and Townhouse will be overseeing The Capitol Inn.
It’ll be a nice cozy place to warm up this winter.
Well, there you have it. Happy shopping!