Downtown Shopping
Holiday shoppers are already making plans to take advantage of the glittering variety and tempting prices in Traverse City’s many boutiques, gift stores and galleries. The hotspot for holiday shoppers, naturally, is our downtown business district, which is putting on a whole series of events to brighten your winter experience:
Nov. 21-22
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
This extravaganza of art and artworks is held by ArtCenter Traverse City under the dome at the Park Place Hotel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday, Nov 28
Santa's Arrival
Families and friends gather at the town Christmas Tree at 5 p.m. for a community sing-along of favorite holiday carols featuring the Cherry Capital Chorus. Santa arrives by fire truck to join the singing, receives the key to his house from the city mayor, helps light the tree, and spends the rest of the evening chatting with the little ones. Meanwhile city firefighters will be giving rides aboard the antique 1936 La France Fire Engine.
| Thursday, Dec. 11 Ladies' Night Extended store hours for the ladies to shop in Downtown Traverse City. Participating stores will offer food and refreshments from 5 to 9 pm. Enter to win prizes. |
| Friday, Dec. 12 Holiday Open House & Midnight Madness Downtown's Annual Holiday Open House will combine with Midnight Madness for an evening and night celebration. Shop at participating stores until midnight. Sales, specials and prizes offered. Horse & Carriage rides, caroling and live entertainment will be available throughout the evening, and the State Theatre will offer a late night special feature. |
| Thursday, Dec. 18 Men's Night There’s no need to panic, men! An evening of shopping has been designated just for the male of the species in Downtown Traverse City. Participating stores will offer sales, specials, refreshments and food from 5 to 9 pm. |
Great Lodging Deals
Looking for a great deal on lodging while you shop? Take advantage of low room rates and big savings on shopping, dining and fun by enjoying one of the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau’s popular “Fab Fall” getaway package, which were extended and are now available until Dec. 21. Starting as low as $25.00 per person/per night midweek (plus tax and based on double occupancy) and $32.50 per person/per night on weekends (plus tax and based on double occupancy) they also include discounts at downtown shops, local restaurants, spas and casinos. Fab Fall Packages must be booked through the Bureau’s special toll-free number, 1-800-TRAVERSE (872-8377) and cannot be directly booked through hotels. For specific information about the Fab Fall Packages, click here.
Picturesque neighboring villages like Suttons Bay, Bellaire, Leland and Alden are also wonderful places to enjoy holiday shopping adventures. On Nov. 23, Suttons Bay holds its Holiday Open House, where shops and businesses will be open from noon to 5 p.m., with refreshments and activities during this traditionally festive afternoon. And the weekend of Nov. 28-29, Glen Arbor holds its annual Pajama Party Sale, Tree Lighting & Caro Sing -- stores in the village offer specials to shoppers in pajamas on Friday evening, followed by a tree-lighting and carol sing at the township hall. On Saturday, the town holds its annual Holiday Market Place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
