Thank You! 2012: A Success

Patrons and participants loved our new look with more space and simple decor and the mild weather helped contribute to huge crowds. 

Those returning from last year expressed that they appreciated the changes.  One especially popular decoration was our Santa Bear Tree, featuring a sample of every Hudson's Santa Bear from the time they started making them until the merging of the chain.

Many of those that came down the first weekend returned with family members the second.  People from all over the country expressed that this event helped them to see Detroit as a healthy city that is growing and rediscovering itself.

Once again we demonstrate that there is a craving for shopping in downtown Detroit.  Stores take notice!  The patrons are here.

Detroit does not have as many of the "chain stores" as many big cities. What we do have is hundreds of small businesses offering unique products and personal attention.  You could say it's old fashion, but we say it's the coming thing.  In Detroit's boutique stores you get the attention and care that cyberspace will never offer.

Plans for next year's event will be announced early in 2013.  In the meantime feel free to contact us with any questions and suggestions.

We would especially like to thank Quicken Loans and Campus Martius Park for helping to create the upgraded look of the market.  Without their support we could not hope to grow into the regions newest holiday tradition.

Mark Loeb, Producer of the Christmas Wonderfest

A True Wonder

In 2011 WonderFest attracted worldwide attention. Articles across the Country and on five continents.  In 2012 we grew even bigger!

The WonderFest is patterned after traditional European Christmas Markets with a Detroit twist.

Sure we have the great taste treats like strauben, short bread, cookies and other pastries.  Of course we have distinctive imported gifts. Add to that our Motor City Marketplace, featuring ten great Michigan Museums and you have a WonderFest.

But that was not enough. There are more than thirty artists showcasing their one of a kind works just for Christmas giving.  Detroit centric stores like Detroit Mercantile and Detroit Surf Company bring you many approaches to Detroit labeled gear.

The Wonderfest is proud to feature E.G. Nicks as its prime restaurant with new twists on classic favorites.  Next-door is the Cheer Garden- craft beers and cocktails.

We did not forget the kids. Look for free and inexpensive activities and projects with the assistance of Arts and Scraps.  Even the big man himself, Mr. Claus will be in attendance.

Come enjoy Detroit shopping the way it used to be.

More and Better Watch us grow!

The Christmas WonderFest is stretching to bring you even more. Come see our tent going up on Cadillac Square across from the tree.  The tent is much larger than last year's and that's still not enough.  We've added ten traditional market stalls in front of the tent and added another 1200 foot of tent to the rear!  That plus EG Nicks Wonderfest Eaterie and the fabulous Cheer Garden! 

So what is there to see?

How about over 60 Michigan artists with hand made, one of a kind gift items. (Yes, you deserve a gift too).

How about tasty treats like roasted chestnuts, strauben (European funnel cakes), small batch short bread and more?

Stores with Detroit and Michigan focused gear.

The Motorcity Marketplace with gift items from Museums and more.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas down at Campus Martius.

Food? You want Food?

Food is a huge part of the holiday experience. In 2012 we featured:

Roasted Chestnuts

Kettle Corn

Strauben (European Funnel Cakes)

EG Nicks

Craft Beers

Fudge

Cookies

and much more.

Yep. We've got the treats.

Wow!

The 2011 Wonderfest was amazing. Thank you all for coming down to Campus Martius and enjoying the Christmas Wonderfest.  What a fabulous event.  Over 1000 kids made ornaments to post on the tree donated to Oakwood Health System. Tens of thousands skated, rode the Ferris wheel or enjoyed the carousel.  Our Motor City Marketplace raised over $10,000 for local museums.  Most importantly people from across the region and beyond enjoyed their time in the city.

We listened to your feedback.  In 2013 we are adding more international shopping, more artists and one of a kind items.  More art activities for children. 

We have some space available for holiday themed, Detroit themed, artistic gifts or other appropriate vending.  Special pricing for one of a kind artists and non-profits.

If you would like to join us, or have ideas for improving the event, please contact me  right away!

Thank you for supporting this new Detroit tradition.

Mark Loeb