Shop locally, give back at Grand Rapids Downtown Market during Winter Wonderland

The Downtown Market kicks off the holiday season next Wednesday with a Winter Wonderland Open House from 4-8 p.m. on December 7, with festive activities for kids, families and adults, and an extra hour of shopping.

The Winter Wonderland Open House will have free activities to get kids, adults and families in the holiday spirit and provide holiday cooking and gift inspiration. Fun activities for children will include visiting with Santa, writing letters to send to the North Pole, coloring, cookie decorating and holiday movies. Roaming Dickens carolers and Holiday’s Cheer carolers will provide musical entertainment, and hourly food and beverage demos by Market chefs along with a holiday-themed bar will keep adults entertained.

For extra gift shopping options, more than 30 artisan vendors will participate in the Holiday Artisan Market on the second floor, with locally-made art, home goods, bath products, jewelry and accessories for sale.

All Market Hall businesses will be open an extra hour (until 8 p.m.), and some have special Winter Wonderland menu items or deals, including:

• Michigan Pantry - $5 off any $30 purchase and free gift wrapping

• Rocket Pies - $2 off all craft beer and wine all night, and $10 Margherita pizza and wine/beer

• Love’s Ice Cream – Peppermint Stick Ice Cream available (limited time only!)

• Field & Fire – T-shirts on sale for $10

• Malamiah Juice Bar – Holiday Apple Steamer available (limited time only!)

• Spice Merchants – Double punch bonuses for tea and spice purchases

Dégagé Clothing Drive

The Downtown Market is hosting a clothing collection for Dégagé Ministries, under the main stairwell on the first floor. Dégagé accepts clean, gently used clothing, coats, gloves, hats and mittens. All donations will help residents in the Heartside neighborhood who are in need of warm clothing this winter.