Editor's note: This article was published in Grand Traverse Scene magazine's Holidays 2019 issue. Pick up a free copy at area hotels, visitor's centers, chambers of commerce or at the Record-Eagle building on Front Street. Click here to read GT Scene in its entirety online.

Holiday shopping is always charming in the Grand Traverse Region’s charming cities, towns and villages decked out for the season with twinkling lights and a cloak of snow. But it’s especially fun when area for these special events designed to encourage visitors to come, shop and stay a while.

ACME

Nov. 16 — Traverse City Shop & Sip Craft Market

Shop handmade at this show featuring 75 vendors, a VIP preview, free parking with valet and shuttles, cash bars and tarot card readings. From 1-7 p.m. at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Governors’ Hall Ballroom.

BEULAH

Dec. 14 – Christmas Magic

Enjoy shopping, breakfast with Santa, a cookie sale, a light parade, visits with Santa, kids’ activities and festive decorations by downtown businesses. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Beulah.

ELK RAPIDS

Nov. 30 — Winter Fantasy Art & Fine Craft Show

Get a jump on holiday shopping at this show featuring mixed-media art, fine crafts and specialty goods by local artists and artisans. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall.

EMPIRE

Nov. 30 — Empire Artisan Marketplace

Kick off your holiday shopping with an array of handcrafted items, including jewelry, fiber arts, fine art, pottery and photography. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Empire Township Hall.

GLEN ARBOR

Nov. 29 — PJ Party

Dress in your coziest attire for once-a-year-worthy specials during this “better than black Friday” shopping experience. Specials from 6:30-9 a.m. in downtown Glen Arbor.

Nov. 29-30 — Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace

Shop for handcrafted, locally made goods from more than 30 artisans plus a variety of holiday greenery for sale at the Glen Arbor Town Hall. From 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30.

FRANKFORT

Nov. 30 — Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair

Shop handmade pieces by 100 artists, then enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frankfort Junior/Senior High School.

Dec. 14 — Mistletoe Magic

Join oliday specials, nibbles and beverages at participating downtown businesses from noon to 7 p.m., free screenings of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at The Garden Theater and gift-wrapping in the theater lobby.

LELAND

Nov. 27 — Light Up Leland for the Holidays

Come for the shopping and stay for the tree lighting at Christmas Tree Corner beginning at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony is followed by a parade ending with Santa riding in a fire engine to the Village Green for community treats and caroling.

Nov. 30 — Small Business Saturday Scavenger Hunt

Shop to support local retailers and be entered in a drawing for a scavenger hunt gift basket by visiting selected stores to collect build-a-snowman ornament pieces. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Leland.

NORTHPORT

Nov. 30 — Christmas in the Village Artisan Market

Shop holiday gift items from fine arts to crafts. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Arts Building.

TRAVERSE CITY

Dec. 8 — Downtown Cocoa Crawl

Spend the day shopping and sample free hot cocoa at participating retailers. Vote for your favorite cup on the official ballot. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Traverse City.

Dec. 12 — Ladies Shopping Night

Shop this special night just for women that features discounts, treats and gift-shopping assistance starting at 5 p.m. in downtown Traverse City.

Dec. 19 — Mens Shopping Night

Shop this special night just for men that features discounts, treats and gift-shopping assistance starting at 5 p.m. in downtown Traverse City.

Dec. 13-15 — Christmas in the Village

Enjoy a weekend-long celebration filled with music, visits with Santa Claus, carriage rides and shopping specials, including $20 stocking stuffers, at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

SUTTONS BAY

Nov. 23 — Suttons Bay Saturday – The Holiday Edition

Shop during this holiday party and give back to the community at the same time. Local merchants will show off their new holiday merchandise, offer refreshments and snacks, and donate up to 10 percent to your favorite area cause.

Dec. 7-8 — Holiday in the Village of Suttons Bay

Bring the family for shopping, library crafts, a “Polar Express” screening, caroling at the corner of Jefferson at M-22 and Santa’s arrival by fire truck, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday in downtown Suttons Bay. Shop again on Sunday and enjoy a cookie sale from noon to 3 p.m. and a community choral concert at 2:30 p.m.

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