Holiday happenings: What’s up at Eastern Market and a rundown of DSO performances

Eastern Market transforms into uniquely Detroit holiday shopping experience

One of Detroit’s most beloved holiday traditions returns as Eastern Market’s Holiday Market series transforms the sheds into a festive hub for local shopping, food and community spirit through the week of Dec. 21. 

The holiday series kicks off with the Thanksgiving Market on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering everything needed to fill the holiday table including fresh produce, farm-raised meats, baked goods, flowers and artisan specialties sourced from Michigan growers and makers. 

These weekly holiday markets complement the year-round Saturday markets, which also offer holiday dining, entertaining and gifting goods. Christmas tree vendors are outside Sheds 5 and 6, open seven days a week with fresh Michigan-grown trees and greenery for Detroit homes and businesses. 

After Thanksgiving, there will be four Sunday Holiday Markets bringing Detroit’s creative and small-business communities together for a month of local gifting and gathering. Visitors can expect handcrafted goods from Detroit-based artists, growers and food producers, including everything from jewelry and clothing to seasonal treats and home décor. 

“Our Sunday Holiday Markets are the best place to find unique gifts and meal trimmings,” said Lonni Thomas, Director of Markets at Eastern Market Partnership. “You can buy the tree and the gifts to go underneath it. It’s truly a one-stop shop for all your holiday needs.” 

Holiday Markets Schedule: 

The Tuesday Market (Nov. 25, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) will focus primarily on food vendors and is a perfect place to find everything for your holiday meals.  

The Sunday Holiday Markets will feature Michigan-made gift options including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products, and more. 

• Sunday, Nov. 30 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 
• Sunday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 
• Sunday, Dec. 14 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 
• Sunday, Dec. 21 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Eastern Market’s district businesses also will have holiday sales during and outside market day hours. View the full Eastern Market Business District Directory on our website to plan a full holiday shopping experience at the market.  

Eastern Market has been a driving force in Detroit’s food economy for more than 130 years and the Holiday Markets are part of Eastern Market’s year-round commitment to supporting local growers, food producers, and entrepreneurs while creating meaningful gathering spaces for Detroiters and visitors alike. All markets are free and open to the public. 

The market supports hundreds of farmers and small food businesses, helping to create a resilient local food system that serves Detroit and the surrounding region. As one of the nation’s largest public markets, Eastern Market attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is a hub of fresh food, community connection and entrepreneurship.

Source: Eastern Market Partnership

DSO spreads holiday cheer throughout Detroit

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) celebrates the holiday season with a wide variety of performances at Orchestra Hall and throughout Detroit. In this season of giving, the DSO is offering many opportunities to share in the musical magic of the holidays.

Throughout Detroit, the DSO celebrates the holidays with its community partners: On Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., Beacon Park will host a DSO string quartet for a sugarplum-themed evening. For events at Beacon Park, admission is free, but registration is encouraged. The DSO will also be at HOLIDAYFEST with NW Goldberg Cares at 12 p.m. Dec. 6, and this event shares traditions and experiences celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more. The event is free, but registration is required. Click here to register. To round out the holiday events, the DSO will perform at Holidays Around the World on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. in partnership with Candela Detroit and COMPÁS powered by the DTE Energy Foundation. After the new year on Jan. 28 at 5:45 p.m., the DSO will return to Redeemer Presbyterian Church for Winterfest, a heartwarming evening of music, community, and celebration sponsored by General Motors.

And the sypmphony says there is something for everyone at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center this December, with family-friendly programs, movie experiences, the beloved Home for the Holidays program, and more. Visit dso.org/holiday for complete program information.

Holiday programming at the MAX

KRIS JOHNSON GROUP
Tiny Tots
The Cube
Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m.

WINTER WONDERLAND
Young Peoples Family Concert Series
Orchestra Hall
Saturday, December 6 at 11 a.m.
Chad Goodman, conductor

LOVE ACTUALLY
Special Event
Orchestra Hall
Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Lucas Waldin, conductor
Love Actually is a copyright of WT Venture LLC. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
PNC Pops
Orchestra Hall
Friday, December 12 at 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 14 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor
Alita Moses, vocals
Bloomfield Hills Chorale and the Jills, chorus

HOLIDAY BRASS
Special Event
Orchestra Hall
Thursday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Ingrid Martin, conductor

TRISHA YEARWOOD
Special Event
Orchestra Hall
Friday, December 19 at 8 p.m.
Jason Seber, conductor

From Black Friday to Cyber Monday (12:01 a.m. on Nov. 28–11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1), the DSO is offering two deals — 50% off Create Your Own Subscriptions for new subscribers only using the promo code CYO50, and 50% off single tickets for current subscribers using the promo code 2025SUBSCRIBER50. These deals are redeemable online only at dso.org.

Source: Detroit Symphony Orchestra