Holiday events in downtown Birmingham

The holiday season is coming to downtown Birmingham, from the return of Birmingham’s Winter Markt and annual Holiday Tree Lighting to Santa visits, carriage rides and complimentary seasonal treats, presented by the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD).

Small Business Saturday and Santa Walk | November 28: Start the holiday season in downtown Birmingham with a festive day of shopping, dining and family fun. Small Business Saturday also features the Santa Walk, presented by Crain Homes. Families can register in advance to join Santa for a cheerful stroll through downtown, with stops at local shops along the way. The day also includes complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides in Shain Park, Santa House visits, free hot chocolate courtesy of Hazel’s, and free parking in municipal garages during the event. Santa Walk registration is now open at downtownbirmingham.com/events. 

Winter Markt and Holiday Tree Lighting | December 4: A favorite Birmingham holiday tradition returns to Shain Park. Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham Winter Markt will transform downtown Birmingham into a festive European-inspired marketplace from Friday, December 4, through Sunday, December 6. Explore more than 70 local artists and vendors offering holiday greens and décor, children's toys and books, apparel and accessories, apothecary, jewelry and more. Enjoy European-inspired food, live performances and free holiday activities for all ages, including marshmallow roasting, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and the Kinderhaus activity area. The weekend kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, December 4, with Birmingham’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting, presented by KW Domain. Join us as the holiday tree lights up Shain Park with more than 45,000 LED lights. See all the highlights at downtownbirmingham.com/wintermarkt.

Santa House and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Keep the holiday magic going with a visit to Santa House in Shain Park, where families can meet Santa and enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides on select dates during the season. Santa visits are available by appointment, and walk-up. Both Santa House visits and carriage rides are free. Guests who would like to give back can also make a donation to support local nonprofits at Santa House. Appointments are now open. Visit downtownbirmingham.com/events for more information. 

Complimentary Treats | Saturday, November 29, December 13 and 20: | Add a little sweetness to your holiday shopping. Stop by the BSD tent at the corner of Maple Road and Old Woodward Avenue for complimentary seasonal treats, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., available while supplies last.

• November 28: Hot chocolate, courtesy of Hazel’s

• December 12: Sweet Treats, courtesy of the BSD

• December 19: Sweet Treats, courtesy of the BSD