Ann Arbor Farmers Market Special Events and Local Goods Create a Holiday-shopping Headquarters

Special to WLAA
November 12, 2019, 5 years ago

November 6, 2019 – The Ann Arbor Farmers Market (AAFM, 315 Detroit St.) is giving shoppers plenty to look forward to this holiday season. Along with opportunities to shop local for holiday needs, AAFM is offering a variety of special events for all ages. In addition, market vendors will be offering customer appreciation specials in November and December at the Wednesday markets, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. — “Day Before Thanksgiving” Wednesday Market. Shoppers, especially those preparing a Thanksgiving feast, will be able to find all of their last-minute holiday needs at AAFM. Traditionally one of the biggest market days of the year, this Wednesday market will offer an incredible assortment of fall produce, fresh turkeys, orchard fruits, cider, fresh cut flowers, table centerpieces, fresh baked breads, pies, unique artisan gifts and much more. Make it an extra special celebration this year with local Thanksgiving ingredients and décor.

Friday, Dec. 6 — KindleFest, 4–10 p.m. This year, KindleFest coincides with the annual Midnight Madness event throughout the business districts of Ann Arbor. The KindleFest Market, or Christkindlmarkt as known in Germany, features artisans, farmers and retailers selling their holiday wares plus traditional food, mulled wine and beer. Kerrytown District retail businesses will be open late on this evening as they participate in the festivities, offering special holiday bargains. There will be pretzels, bratwursts, roasted nuts, Glühwein (a mulled wine) and beer, fire pits to keep warm and for s’more roasting, caroling, strolling musicians, Santa, lots of lights and more. The event is expanding this year to 4th Avenue with a special Winter Beer Festival and food trucks. Early-bird shopping begins at 4 p.m. with dozens of artisans and crafters offering handmade products. The Kid Zone will be open 4–6 p.m. in the big tent at the AAFM. The Kid Zone will feature fun crafts, games and entertainment. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6 p.m.!

Saturday, Dec. 14 — A Holiday Farmers Market, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Join a great shopping experience in a fun and festive atmosphere at the special Holiday Market! There will be truckloads of fresh produce, farm-raised meats and eggs, orchard fruits, handmade pies and other foods available to make your holidays local and special. Unique, handmade artisan gifts will also be sold directly from their makers, making this a true holiday, one-stop shop! Shoppers can enjoy free hot chocolate, a bonfire, kids activities and more throughout the day.

Other important dates

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. — Final Wednesday market of the year. Wednesday markets will return in May 2020.
Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. — Saturday market before Christmas. Don’t miss this last chance to shop the market before Christmas!
Starting Jan. 4, 2020, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. — Saturday market winter hours begin. The Saturday market continues all year long. The community can support local farmers all winter as they bring fresh produce and more to the open-air, pavilion-covered market.

More events will be shared as they are added to the schedule on the AAFM website www.a2gov.org/market and on Facebook and Instagram @A2Market.