With downtown Christmas trees lit and festive events happening almost daily, the West Michigan holiday season is in full swing! No matter what you’re celebrating this month, there’s a good chance you’ll be doing some shopping in preparation. If, like myself, you take pride in giving unique and personal gifts but sometimes struggle to find them, look no further than your local artisan market, shopping district, or main street! We’ve put together a list of shopping destinations in West Michigan to help you shop small and support local businesses this holiday season.

Holiday markets make for great weekend activities and feature endless festive finds. From handmade jewelry, upcycled clothing, pottery, and more, shopping at artisan markets means giving someone a one-of-a-kind gift and helping an artisan make a living from their passions! This list includes markets throughout the region, so you’ll be able to find one near you no matter where you are in West Michigan.

Holiday Markets:

West Michigan’s main streets are a great place to find unique and eclectic gifts, especially for those who love where they live! The list below includes some of the area’s most popular shopping districts, each with a unique vibe and character. My favorite spots on this list are the Uptown district in Grand Rapids (Rebel and Urban Exchange are two of my favorite stops) and Downtown Saugatuck – which can easily be made into a festive day trip! Both have a combination of trendy, sustainable, and whimsical shops where I can count on finding great gifts!

Shopping Districts:

If you’re not already planning to shop small this holiday season, remember that by doing so you’re brightening not just one, but two people’s days- the one receiving the gift and the small business owner whose business you’re supporting!