During the holiday season, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti transform into enchanting winter wonderlands filled with festive cheer. As the holiday spirit envelops these two Michigan cities, streets come alive with the buzz of gift-giving. Quaint boutiques, vibrant markets, and local gems create an unforgettable shopping experience that celebrates both unique crafts and timeless traditions.
If you’re looking for artisanal treasures, cozy winter essentials, or delightful surprises for your loved ones, this guide will highlight essential shopping destinations for your holiday adventure in this charming part of the Midwest. Amid the twinkling lights and beautifully decorated windows, you’ll find not just gifts but a joyful experience—a perfect blend of shopping and winter activities that capture the spirit of this vibrant community.
Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links. I gathered this information while visiting Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti in collaboration with Destination Ann Arbor.
The Best Holiday Shopping in Ann Arbor
Catching Fireflies
Catching Fireflies is a delightful boutique in Ann Arbor, Michigan, known for its charming and eclectic selection of gifts, home decor, and accessories. This shop features a variety of whimsical, one-of-a-kind products that make perfect gifts or personal treats year-round. Their collection includes stationery, home decor, stylish accessories, and handcrafted jewelry, along with uniquely crafted holiday ornaments to celebrate the season.
The name “Catching Fireflies” is inspired partly by the favorite artist of the leadership team, but it also evokes a sense of nostalgia for carefree childhood memories. Their mission is to bring bright smiles to every customer, warming both hearts and homes.
Explore Kerrytown Market & Shops
Kerrytown Market & Shops is a historic part of Ann Arbor that retains its original charm from the late 1960s when the building was renovated into a series of shops and markets. The brick structure features exposed beams that enhance its timeless appeal. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional chime that rings on specific days of the week.
One lovely store in Kerrytown Market is 16 Hands, which specializes in original artisan-made items for home, office, and garden. They offer an array of jewelry, fashion accessories, and handmade cards. During my visit, I spotted stunning hand-painted glass ornaments on sale which would make perfect gifts. Pairing a holiday card from their collection with a glass ornament creates an ideal present for coworkers or family!
Another fantastic shop within Kerrytown is Found: A Curated Collection. This creatively stocked store features products from local artisans and offers a delightful range of items, including jewelry, gifts, and home decor. Their selection focuses on simple designs highlighted by natural textures and vibrant colors. During my visit, I noticed a wonderful mix of seasonal and year-round goods. Celebrating 18 years of business, Found strives to make shopping a unique and enjoyable experience.
Rock Paper Scissors
Rock Paper Scissors is a charming gift shop in Downtown Ann Arbor that is owned and operated by a women-led team. Open since 2012, this store offers a fun selection of unique, ready-to-ship gifts. The lively atmosphere often hosts events, such as the “Swiftie Saturday” that I experienced during my visit. I particularly enjoyed the holiday-themed T-shirts and mugs adorned with quotes from beloved holiday movies. They also feature cool Ann Arbor and “Midwest”-themed apparel that’s hard to find elsewhere. An exceptional highlight is their diverse selection of holiday ornaments, which are truly one-of-a-kind. Additionally, they collaborate with brides to create custom wedding stationery and showcase some of their designs in-store.
Shinola
Shinola, a well-respected brand hailing from Detroit, has a lovely store in downtown Ann Arbor. Renowned for its high-quality watches, leather goods, and accessories, each item is crafted with utmost precision, focusing on durability and excellence. Their beautifully designed watches are especially popular, along with premium leather products, including bags and wallets that are made with meticulous attention to detail. The Ann Arbor Shinola location boasts a welcoming environment, complete with a cozy café in the basement—an ideal spot for those looking for a serene place to work while savoring excellent coffee.
Nickels Arcade
Nickels Arcade is a charming shopping district in downtown Ann Arbor, built in 1918 and registered on the National Historic Places list since 1987. This covered arcade features a beautifully tiled corridor and aims to provide an upscale shopping experience through a diverse mix of shops, from clothing stores to quaint cafes.
One standout shop within Nickels Arcade is Elmo’s T-shirts and Gifts, a printing shop that actively supports local organizations and businesses. With three locations in Ann Arbor, Elmo’s opened its first shop in a one-car garage in 1977. I enjoyed shopping at Elmo’s and picked up some thoughtful gifts for myself and my family.
Winter Activities and Must-Try Restaurants in Ann Arbor
Breakfast at Songbird Cafe
Songbird Cafe is a creative American restaurant serving espresso drinks, soups, sandwiches, and freshly baked goods. They offer a weekend brunch until 3 PM at their North Side location. Although the café is nestled in a strip mall, you would never know once inside—the ambiance is warm and inviting. I tried the Lavender Latte, which was delightful, along with a breakfast sandwich and avocado toast, both of which were scrumptious. I highly recommend stopping by Songbird Cafe for breakfast or brunch, as it’s also a great space for working while enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Ice Skating at Yost Ice Arena
Yost Ice Arena, an indoor hockey facility located on the University of Michigan’s campus, is home to the Michigan ice hockey team and hosts public skating sessions. This is a fantastic opportunity to skate at one of the most iconic rinks in college hockey. I joined a public skating session during my visit and had an amazing time! The admission fee is quite reasonable and includes the option to rent skates. The event was well-organized, and despite the crowd, my experience was enjoyable. If you visit Ann Arbor in winter, don’t miss this fantastic activity!
Lunch at First Bite
First Bite is a health-oriented cafe in Ann Arbor that offers breakfast and lunch made from scratch, featuring plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Their philosophy, “Positive Food, Positive Life,” communicates their commitment to supporting local farms and sourcing ingredients from like-minded vendors, even if it means higher costs. Their goal is to enhance the well-being of customers, vendors, and team members while protecting the environment.
During my visit, I sampled their bacon grilled cheese, sweet potatoes, and a health bowl, all of which tasted remarkably fresh and delicious. I can definitely see myself returning to First Bite for a healthy meal in the future!
Admire the Painted Windows
If you’re in downtown Ann Arbor during winter, prepare to be amazed by the stunning painted murals adorning many storefront windows. This artwork isn’t produced by the individual businesses but rather by the Brush Monkeys. Their holiday window painting tradition has been flourishing for over 15 years in downtown Ann Arbor, originally started by a local artist collaborating with the Main Street Area Association. Each year, more storefronts join the festive painting fun.
Thanks to increased demand, the Brush Monkeys now feature a rotating cast of over ten local and regional artists contributing their creativity. Although they stay busiest during winter, they delight in creating window art for events all year round. Make sure to appreciate this impressive artwork during your holiday shopping spree in Ann Arbor!
Stay at the Bell Tower Hotel
Bell Tower Hotel is centrally located on the University of Michigan’s campus, right in downtown Ann Arbor. This hotel offers a fitness center, complimentary continental breakfast, and valet service for $25/day. Owned by Dahlmann Properties, a local family business, this hotel is a short walk from a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
After recently completing renovations, the hotel boasts updated rooms alongside 75 years of service. I was fortunate to stay in a Queen Corner Suite, which offered stunning views of the campus. The bathroom was beautifully updated, and the entire room was impeccably clean. The exceptional service from check-in to valet made my stay even more enjoyable. I highly recommend Bell Tower Hotel as one of the best accommodation options in downtown Ann Arbor!
Top Holiday Shopping Destinations in Ypsilanti
The Rocket Gifts
Located in downtown Ypsilanti, The Rocket offers a wide range of wrapped and unwrapped bulk candy, famous for its novelty and nostalgic selections. Additionally, they carry various novelty toys, kites, and books. The store specializes in humor, making it a fantastic destination for white elephant gifts or funny items for friends and family who seem to already have everything!
Stone & Spoon
Stone & Spoon is a charming retail space in Ypsilanti, featuring home, kitchen, and garden goods. Above the shop sits The Gallery, Ypsi’s latest creative hub, currently showcasing “Minumental: A Celebration of Tiny Art.” On December 23rd, Stone & Spoon will also host a Vegan Holiday Market from 11 AM to 3 PM, with vegan businesses like Craveable Food Trailer and Zella’s Bakery offering holiday favorites. Don’t miss the chance to finish your holiday shopping at Stone & Spoon while supporting local businesses!
Unicorn Feed & Supply
Unicorn Feed & Supply is a joyful space that sparks creativity and optimism, established by Jen in 2018. The shop is filled with gifts, cards, games, and decorations designed to help you celebrate, collaborate, and manifest your inner sparkle. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a giant unicorn, and the store is adorned with twinkling decorations that evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Rather than being a typical “feed” store, Unicorn Feed & Supply nurtures your “unicorn”—that magical, happy place within each of us.
Things to See and Do in Ypsilanti this Holiday Season
Warm Up with Coffee at Cafe Liv
Cafe Liv is a cozy neighborhood coffee shop that aims to serve delightful drinks in a charming setting. Housed in a former auto repair shop, elements of its automotive past are creatively integrated into the decor. The cafe features classic espresso selections and specialty lattes, complemented by pastries from local vendors like Bird Dog Bakery and Milk + Honey. I truly enjoyed my coffee experience at Cafe Liv, which provided a lovely atmosphere to warm up on a rainy Sunday morning!
Explore the Ypsilanti Artisan Holiday Market
The Ypsilanti Artisan Holiday Market takes place at the historic Ypsilanti Freighthouse, showcasing over 40 local crafters, artisans, and food vendors. It’s an ideal spot to find handmade gifts just in time for the holiday season, featuring items like candles, specialty teas, handmade jewelry, and more! Visitors can enjoy delicious coffee and boba tea from on-site vendors. This market is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local makers and support the Ypsilanti artisan community.
Enjoy Lunch at Bobcat Bonnie’s
Bobcat Bonnie’s is a Detroit-based gastropub serving inventive dishes, creative cocktails, and dedicated service. Owner Matt emphasizes a personable, inclusive culture in each of his seven restaurants, reflecting the diverse communities he serves. Some of their signature dishes include a unique cereal flight inspired by favorite breakfast cereals. I tried the chicken and waffle sandwich, which had a fantastic combination of flavors. I’m looking forward to visiting the new Bobcat Bonnie’s location in Grand Rapids!
Check Out the Decorated Storefront Windows
Similar to downtown Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti boasts beautifully decorated storefront windows. While some are painted by the Brush Monkeys, many others reflect the creative spirit of each individual shop, thanks to the Ypsilanti Holiday Storefront Competition. Local residents can vote for their favorite window display and win prizes while supporting local businesses. Although the contest ends soon, don’t miss the chance to stroll through downtown Ypsilanti to appreciate the unique holiday designs!
Conclusion
Holiday shopping in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti offers a delightful mix of experiences, with each town showcasing its unique charm during the festive season. In Ann Arbor, shops like Catching Fireflies and Rock Paper Scissors deliver whimsical offerings, featuring eclectic gifts, artisanal crafts, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Meanwhile, Shinola Detroit seamlessly combines craftsmanship with modern design, reflecting the heritage of Detroit in a neighboring town.
In Ypsilanti, destinations like the Artisan Holiday Market provide a local flair, celebrating the skills of local artisans and inviting visitors to explore a cozy atmosphere for finding special gifts. Both towns foster a sense of community, hosting events and uplifting local artists, enriching the holiday shopping experience.
Whether you’re in search of handcrafted goods, locally sourced products, or distinctive presents, the holiday shopping experience in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti blends creativity, community spirit, and unique finds, ensuring that this season remains festive and joyful.
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