The holiday season in Birmingham, Michigan, brings the community together for festive traditions, local markets, and family-friendly gatherings that highlight the charm of this Oakland County city. From the annual Winter Markt in Shain Park to visits with Santa and carriage rides through the decorated downtown, these celebrations mark a special time of year for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, exploring the holiday events in Birmingham is a great way to experience the city’s welcoming spirit and vibrant downtown atmosphere.
Winter Markt and Tree Lighting
The centerpiece of Birmingham’s holiday season is the Winter Markt, held in Shain Park each December. This event captures the essence of the holidays with local vendors, European-inspired food, live entertainment, and cheerful community gatherings. The festival kicks off with the lighting of the city’s 41-foot LED Christmas tree, a ceremony that draws families, friends, and visitors to downtown Birmingham.
During the three-day celebration, the park transforms into a festive market filled with handcrafted goods, holiday decorations, and seasonal treats. Shoppers can browse local artisan booths for gifts and enjoy warm beverages while listening to carolers perform classic holiday songs. The event’s European market theme gives it a unique local flair, combining old-world charm with the small-town warmth Birmingham is known for.
The 2025 Winter Markt is scheduled for December 5 through December 7. The opening night includes the tree lighting ceremony around 6:00 p.m., followed by live music and community festivities that continue throughout the weekend. Hours are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
For families, the Kinderhaus children’s area offers kid-friendly activities, while ice carving demonstrations and horse-drawn carriage rides bring a touch of tradition to the event. The Winter Markt is organized by the Birmingham Shopping District and takes place in the heart of downtown, making it easy to enjoy local dining and shopping before or after visiting the market.
During the three-day celebration, the park transforms into a festive market filled with handcrafted goods, holiday decorations, and seasonal treats. Shoppers can browse local artisan booths for gifts and enjoy warm beverages while listening to carolers perform classic holiday songs. The event’s European market theme gives it a unique local flair, combining old-world charm with the small-town warmth Birmingham is known for.
The 2025 Winter Markt is scheduled for December 5 through December 7. The opening night includes the tree lighting ceremony around 6:00 p.m., followed by live music and community festivities that continue throughout the weekend. Hours are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
For families, the Kinderhaus children’s area offers kid-friendly activities, while ice carving demonstrations and horse-drawn carriage rides bring a touch of tradition to the event. The Winter Markt is organized by the Birmingham Shopping District and takes place in the heart of downtown, making it easy to enjoy local dining and shopping before or after visiting the market.
Santa House in Shain Park
Another cherished Birmingham tradition is the Santa House, located in Shain Park during the holiday season. Open on select days in December, the Santa House provides children with the chance to visit Santa and share their wish lists in a welcoming and festive environment. Admission is free, and families are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the moment.
The Santa House typically operates alongside the Winter Markt weekend and continues through mid-December. The experience is designed to be relaxed and family-friendly, allowing children to enjoy a personal visit with Santa without long waits or crowds. The surrounding park, decorated with lights and holiday displays, creates a perfect backdrop for seasonal photos.
In addition to Santa visits, downtown Birmingham often features roaming costumed characters such as holiday princesses and carolers. The area’s combination of classic décor and community spirit makes it a highlight for families looking to enjoy the holidays close to home.
The Santa House typically operates alongside the Winter Markt weekend and continues through mid-December. The experience is designed to be relaxed and family-friendly, allowing children to enjoy a personal visit with Santa without long waits or crowds. The surrounding park, decorated with lights and holiday displays, creates a perfect backdrop for seasonal photos.
In addition to Santa visits, downtown Birmingham often features roaming costumed characters such as holiday princesses and carolers. The area’s combination of classic décor and community spirit makes it a highlight for families looking to enjoy the holidays close to home.
Holiday Carriage Rides
During the Winter Markt and on select weekends in December, Birmingham offers free horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown. These rides allow visitors to see the city’s festive decorations from a new perspective, passing by storefronts illuminated with holiday lights and displays. Each ride lasts several minutes and departs from Shain Park.
The carriage rides are a simple but memorable way to enjoy the season. For couples, families, or out-of-town guests, they’re an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty of Birmingham’s downtown district during the holidays.
The carriage rides are a simple but memorable way to enjoy the season. For couples, families, or out-of-town guests, they’re an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty of Birmingham’s downtown district during the holidays.
Community Spirit and Local Shopping
The holiday season in Birmingham is not just about events—it’s about the sense of community that comes with them. Local businesses participate in decorating contests and extended shopping hours, making downtown a lively destination throughout December. Many boutiques offer special promotions and complimentary gift wrapping, helping shoppers find thoughtful gifts while supporting local merchants.
The Birmingham Shopping District also organizes initiatives that encourage residents to “shop small,” reflecting the city’s strong community ties. Cafes and restaurants join the celebration by offering seasonal menus, festive drinks, and special dining experiences that complement a day spent at Winter Markt or shopping downtown.
The Birmingham Shopping District also organizes initiatives that encourage residents to “shop small,” reflecting the city’s strong community ties. Cafes and restaurants join the celebration by offering seasonal menus, festive drinks, and special dining experiences that complement a day spent at Winter Markt or shopping downtown.
Regional Holiday Highlights
While Birmingham’s Winter Markt and Santa House are key local traditions, nearby communities in Oakland County host additional holiday events that Birmingham residents often enjoy. Neighboring towns offer parades, holiday concerts, and seasonal craft fairs that extend the festive atmosphere throughout the region.
For example, local choirs and community groups host concerts featuring holiday classics, and nearby farmers markets sometimes transform into holiday pop-up shops offering homemade baked goods and handcrafted ornaments. Many residents appreciate the convenience of enjoying both Birmingham’s events and other Oakland County festivities within a short drive.
For example, local choirs and community groups host concerts featuring holiday classics, and nearby farmers markets sometimes transform into holiday pop-up shops offering homemade baked goods and handcrafted ornaments. Many residents appreciate the convenience of enjoying both Birmingham’s events and other Oakland County festivities within a short drive.
A Memorable Season in Birmingham
Birmingham’s holiday events bring together the best of community celebration and small-town character. The Winter Markt, Santa House, and carriage rides create a festive atmosphere that invites everyone to participate—whether it’s families starting new traditions or longtime residents revisiting familiar favorites.
These annual gatherings highlight the warmth and togetherness that define the Birmingham community. As lights fill Shain Park and carolers sing in the downtown streets, it’s clear that the city’s holiday celebrations are about more than entertainment—they’re about connection and shared joy.
For anyone considering a move to the area, these holiday traditions also reflect what makes Birmingham such a desirable place to live. The city offers a balance of vibrant community life, beautiful neighborhoods, and convenient access to both local culture and the greater Detroit metropolitan area.
These annual gatherings highlight the warmth and togetherness that define the Birmingham community. As lights fill Shain Park and carolers sing in the downtown streets, it’s clear that the city’s holiday celebrations are about more than entertainment—they’re about connection and shared joy.
For anyone considering a move to the area, these holiday traditions also reflect what makes Birmingham such a desirable place to live. The city offers a balance of vibrant community life, beautiful neighborhoods, and convenient access to both local culture and the greater Detroit metropolitan area.
About the Meredith Colburn Real Estate Team
The Meredith Colburn Real Estate Team is dedicated to providing each client with a high-level, personalized experience in every transaction, regardless of price point. Their team culture is centered on relationships, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to achieving each client’s specific goals.
Meredith’s approach to real estate goes beyond simply helping clients buy or sell a home—it focuses on delivering exceptional service throughout every stage of the process. With years of industry expertise, she has developed a strong ability to manage complex transactions, offer insightful guidance, and create solutions tailored to time-sensitive clients.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Birmingham, MI real estate market, contact the Meredith Colburn Real Estate Team today.
Meredith’s approach to real estate goes beyond simply helping clients buy or sell a home—it focuses on delivering exceptional service throughout every stage of the process. With years of industry expertise, she has developed a strong ability to manage complex transactions, offer insightful guidance, and create solutions tailored to time-sensitive clients.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Birmingham, MI real estate market, contact the Meredith Colburn Real Estate Team today.
