Holiday Shopping in Muskegon: Hidden Gems and Local Delights

Small shopping chalets are decorated with pine and red ribbon. Snow frosts the decor.

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping!

Grab your list and your favorite shopping buddies for a delightful outing in Muskegon County. With walkable shopping areas and unique options, there’s something for everyone.

Shopping Areas with Social Districts

mitten covered hand holds beverage up against glowing holiday lights

Muskegon County boasts three pleasant walkable shopping areas. As a matter of fact, each possesses a distinct personality and offers a treasure trove of gift options. Furthermore, they all have social districts! This means you can enjoy your beverage while moving between shops.

Start your adventure in Downtown Muskegon, presently adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. From stylish fashions to vintage finds and handmade crafts, you’re sure to check items off your list. Don’t miss the diminutive and charming Western Market Chalets.

Next, head to the Lakeside Business District, nestles next to Muskegon Lake. Here, you’ll discover even more locally owned stores, an art gallery, and the historic Wasserman’s Floral and Gifts, all beautifully decorated for the holidays.

For a small-town charm, make your way to Montague and Whitehall, collectively known as White Lake. Boutiques to antiques, and everything in between, promise hidden gems.

Shop Small, Shop Sustainable, Shop Muskegon

blue mug with text that reads "visit muskegon" sits on "shop small" bag among small pines and berries. holiday lights glow in background.

If sustainable shopping is your style, Muskegon has you covered. All in all, the County is an undeniable treasure trove of antique, vintage, and thrift shops. Given that “Treasure Alley” boasts four vintage shops it is a must-stop. Likewise, they are conveniently located near and next to each other. Find them on Pine Street in downtown Muskegon.

Enter Through the Gift Shop

green and red felted gnome characters with long white beards sit on shelf in art museum gift shop

Equally exiting are Muskegon’s museum gift shops! The Hackley and Hume Historic Site, Muskegon Museum of History and Science, Muskegon Museum of Art, and USS Silversides Museum are stocked with Santa-worthy goodies.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Remember, holiday shopping is not just about finding gifts but also creating cherished memories. Support local businesses and connect with the community while enjoying this festive season.

 

 

Fewer Chills, More Thrills with Holiday Shopping in South Haven

It’s never too early to form a shopping game plan— especially when it comes to avoiding long lines, excruciating traffic, and delayed shipping dates. Forego any retail woes and satisfy everyone on your shopping list with these important dates:

 

Dine On Us
November 1, 2022 – May 15, 2023
Participating Lodging Members & Restaurants

Dine on us

Discover South Haven’s winter charm and local flavor with a $25 DINE ON US card, available when you book a stay at select lodging properties. Certain restrictions apply, Click the link above for a full list of participating locations and upcoming events.

Offer valid November 1, 2022, through May 15, 2023. Some restrictions may apply.  Exact details of promotion vary at each participating lodging member property; check for details.  Must book directly with lodging property and mention the Dine on Us promotion to receive a card.  Not valid with any other promotion.  Not valid during Holidays and special event days or special event weekends. 


 

2nd Annual Women’s Shop ‘Til You Drop Saturday
Saturday | November 12th | 10 am – 6 pm
Over 30 Participating Locations
After-Party at Harbor Light Brewery | 6 pm

Womens Shopping Saturday

Tag the girls: Women’s Shop ‘Til You Drop Saturday is back with over 30 participating locations offering exclusive deals, fun activities, crafts, complimentary treats, and drinks! Spend $15 at a participating shop and receive (1) stamp on your Shopping Passport. Turn in your card with six stamps to be entered in a drawing for awesome gift baskets at the after-party! Gift baskets contain 5-6 gifts valued at $40 or more. Visit the Facebook Event to browse promotions and live updates.

 


 

36th Annual Mistletoe Market
Preview: November 18th | $20 Members / $25 Non-Members | 6 pm
Free Admission | November 19th – December 11th
South Haven Center for the Arts

Mistletoe Market SHCA

This holiday-based consignment shop transforms the SHCA into a fine art market from November 19th through December 11th. Get a sneak peek at vendors and artist-curated showcases during the Mistletoe Market Preview Party on November 18th. The evening includes live music, good food & wine, a raffle, and fun while supporting the arts!


 

Small Business Saturday
November 26 | Downtown South Haven

Small Business Saturday

Looking for a more relaxed pace of holiday shopping? Visit downtown South Haven on Small Business Saturday where you’ll find unique gifts and deals at boutiques, antiques, toy stores, and candy shops, not to mention fabulous dining options where you can relax after crossing the final name off your “Nice” list.

 

Visit Muskegon Depot to Depot Fall Color Tours

Experience Michigan’s Beautiful Autumn; and a Fun Fall Tradition.

Visit Muskegon presents the 18th Annual “Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour”

This October we invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of our woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour; stretching from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station.

Wind your way along Lake Michigan. Travel the historic West Michigan Pike BywaySoar over a canopy of fall colors. And see the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory.

See the sites, snap some “selfies” and discover our local shopsrestaurantsattractions and more.

Depot to Depot Details

🍁 Depot to Depot 2022 takes place October 1 – 31, 2022
🍁 Stop in to the Muskegon Union Depot and White Lake Train Depot to pick up a map
🍁 Maps will also be available to download
🍁 White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will have refreshments and donuts. There will also be pumpkins for the little ones throughout the month of October (while supplies last)
🍁 Contest photo entries can be submitted through this link: https://bit.ly/SubmitD2DPhotosHere
🍁 At the end of October there will be drawing for for an overnight stay at the Shoreline Inn in Downtown Muskegon (standard room, blackout dates apply based on availability)
🍁 This event is FREE

Click HERE to Download Map of Suggested Scenic Routes 

Instructions to Enter the Contest

  • Snap photos or selfie at your favorite scenic stops, businesses and attractions
  • Share the photo with a check-in on Facebook and/or Instagram. Include the hashtag #D2D22
  • Submit your favorite photos of scenic stops, businesses and attractions through this link https://bit.ly/SubmitD2DPhotosHere
  • Contest begins October 1, 2022
  • Entries must be received by November 1st, 2022
  • Include location of photo and photo credit preference
  • Each entry should should include one photo attachment. If you would like to submit multiple photos entries, please enter each separately.
  • Winner will be drawn November 2, 2022
  • Prize must be claimed by November 9, 2022

2022 Depot to Depot Specials

Many local attractions and businesses are offering samples, specials and discounts throughout the month of October to those participating in the self-guided tour. Simply present your paper or downloaded 2022 Depot to Depot map to receive your offer.

Click HERE to Download Special Offers And Map 

Peak Leaf Peeping

🍁Click here to view the interactive Pure Michigan Fall Color Map; anticipating peak colors for Michigan.

Historic Depots

🍁  Muskegon Union Depot
Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
610 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 am – 3 pm

🍁  White Lake Train Depot
White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
124 W Hanson, Whitehall, MI
Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm

#VisitMuskegon  🍁  #D2D22  🍁  #LiveWhiteLake

At The Present Time – A 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Support small businesses this year and check off your holiday shopping list with must-haves that don’t come from a mall. A host of specialty boutiques and independently-owned galleries and storefronts line the walkable streets of our downtowns, giving you the opportunity to find distinctive gifts in a more relaxed shopping experience.

For the…

Arts Lover

Home to over 20 galleries and artist studios, there is no shortage of places here to shop for incredible artwork. Stop by the Jeff Blandford Gallery for unique and original plates, bowls, and vases to delight everyone on your list. Check out this artist’s intriguing glow glass pieces, made from phosphorescent glass and inspired by bioluminescent species, for a one-of-a-kind gift. Be sure to visit J. Petter Galleries, the largest fine art gallery in the area, which also offers extraordinary wine-themed gift and other items that make for the perfect host/hostess gift. Extraordinary ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and other handcrafted treasures can be found at Capizzo StudioFernwood 1891Armstrong De Graaf International Fine ArtButton GalleryMixed Media Gallery, and the Water Street Gallery, just to name a few of our galleries. For a complete listing of all our galleries and studios, click here. With many galleries offering gift cards, like Amazwi Contemporary Art Gallery, you can be sure your recipient will get exactly what they want.

Smaller, but just as meaningful, art gifts can also be found throughout the area. James Brandess Studios & Gallery is offering beautiful 2022 Calendars and Hand-Deckled Cards that are suitable for framing. And don’t forget to stop by The Laffing Glass to treat yourself and everyone else to a handcrafted, whimsical glass ornament or nightlight.

If experiencing the arts in a myriad of ways is what you’re looking for, gift someone with an SCA Art Pass. Passes can be used for performances, classes, concerts, or camps hosted by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

For the…

Foodie & Entertainer

Please someone’s palate with Michigan-made edible gifts from Crane’s Pie PantryThe Butler Pantry, and American Spoon. A seasonal favorite to share with friends is American Spoon’s Holiday Jam, a festive limited release made from a merry blend of figs, sour cherries, tart cranberries, and holiday spices. For the freshest, most aromatic herbs, spices, and teas available from around the globe, explore all the exotic offerings from Spice & Tea Merchants. Or, for a selection of small-batch and artisan extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world, stop by The Olive Mill. Your favorite gourmand is sure to appreciate a food gift basket from Isabel’s Market + Eatery or a gift card that can be applied to their specialty food items or demonstration cooking classes.

For the craft beer connoisseurs in your life, purchase a six-pack (or two) from Saugatuck Brewing CompanyGuardian Brewing CompanyWaypost Brewing Company, and The Mitten Brewing Company. Or pick up a bottle of Michigan wine or cider from Fenn Valley WineryCrane’s WineryVirtue CiderModales, or Michigan Wine Company. And don’t forget to pick up a gift certificate from one of our many fabulous restaurants for a memorable stocking stuffer.

For the…

Fashion-Forward

For unique Saugatuck apparel and a wide selection of men’s and women’s outerwear and activewear, be sure to stop by Landsharks. Stylish men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, all imported directly from France, are featured at My French Marta boutique dedicated to cultivating affordable French style. Carefully curated West Coast-inspired styles for both men and women can be found at Coastal Society, which also features a craft cocktail lounge on-site for the ultimate shopping experience. 

For the fashionista in your life, Articles Boutique offers a selection of classic modern styles with an urban edge, while TOTU Boutique features European-inspired fashion and accessories. Other on-trend clothing and accessories can be found at Brass Anchor Co.Gina’s Boutique, and Glik’s, while more classic styles can be found at Saugatuck Traders. And for a unique accessory that also makes a sustainability statement, check out Sea Bags for a wide assortment of stylish bags made from used sails.

For the…

Jewelry Lover

Make someone’s eyes sparkle with handcrafted fine jewelry from Koorey Creations for a blend of stunning originality and timeless design that’s sure to become a family heirloom. Find unique and beautiful artisan-made jewelry in precious metals and stones at Good Goodsalong with a variety of other beautiful handmade items. Or, for Southwestern-inspired jewelry, stop by Santa Fe Trading Co.  For inspiring and unique sterling silver necklaces, earrings and rings entwined with beautiful opals and semi-precious stones, explore the Blue Wildwood Jewelry Boutique.  Handcrafted fair trade jewelry can be found at Lucia’s World Emporiumwhile other covet-worthy statement pieces await your discovery at Endora BohemianArt Glass Alcove, and Urban Found.

For the…

Home Decorator

Plant lovers will love receiving a handcrafted traditional English-style terracotta pot or a beautiful pre-potted Kokedama moss ball garden from Puddingstone. Home décor enthusiasts will appreciate eye-catching finds, both vintage and new, from Upscale Mercantile. Stop by Brackett & Company to find urban contemporary, French country, and elegant estate quality home and garden accessories and furniture for the discerning decorator. While known for their stunning array of contemporary fine art, Roan & Black also offers beautiful home furnishings and accessories that are sure to spark delight.

For an eyeful of holiday inspiration, make Kindel & Company a must-visit on your shopping excursion. Dubbed as a “Lifestyle Mercantile,” this boutique is recognized for its creative decorating ideas, which are demonstrated on full display throughout the store. Looking for some holiday décor? Stop by It Is What It Is for festive and fun home accessories along with other handmade treasures and unique gifts. And don’t forget Tuck’s of Saugatuck, a year-round Christmas shop that features stunning collectible ornaments from Old World Christmas, Christopher Radko, Kurt S. Adler, and more.

For the…

Furry Members of Your Family

Spoil your beloved pet with a new collar, chew toy, or whimsical holiday hat from Lakeshore Pet Boutique, which also offers pet-themed items for humans and their homes. Or find a new bandana, food bowl, or specialty treat at LUXE of Saugatuck.