From shopping to festive activities, to whimsical displays, Bedrock’s Decked Out Detroit brings holiday magic back to the city

Archive images, courtesy of Bedrock, linked HERE

Detroit, MI [October 22, 2026] – Bedrock’s Decked Out Detroit unveils Holidays at Nick Gilbert Way inclusive of festive pop-ups, live entertainment, photo-worthy moments, food and beverage offerings and interactive installations. Featuring new and returning favorites, Decked Out Detroit’s seasonal activations will be live from November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027 and located at Nick Gilbert Way, the public plaza at Hudson’s Detroit.

“Downtown Detroit has always been a destination for the holidays, and we know that Nick Gilbert Way will once again be the backdrop for the city’s festive traditions,” said Francesca Eid, Senior Vice President of Hospitality Experience at Bedrock. “There’s something for everyone to experience at Nick Gilbert Way and throughout downtown Detroit, whether it’s shopping, dining or entertainment. We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors to enjoy all that the city has to offer.”

New This Holiday Season

This holiday season, Bedrock will debut a variety of new, complimentary attractions, including:

• Winter Wonders at Entrance One in partnership with General Motors. Visitors can take photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves, as well as old-fashioned, holiday-themed General Motors cars, holiday window displays and more.

• Just steps from Entrance One, guests can ride the magic holiday carousel.

• The Holly Trolley will make its grand return to downtown Detroit in partnership with Grand Trolley Company, offering festive transportation with stops at Nick Gilbert Way, Campus Martius Park, Capitol Park and Book Tower.

Magical Moments and Festive Fun

The giant Hudson’s Bear will return, welcoming visitors to Nick Gilbert Way at Woodward Ave. There will also be a series of things to do, see, shop and experience throughout the holiday season, including:

• A French-inspired café truck with coffee and espresso beverages, Parisian hot chocolate and pastries operated by Café Sous Terre.

• Specialty vendor carts with food and beverage items, customized ornaments and more from local businesses, including Scentana, Telly’s, Halie & Co., Detroit Can Co., Crones Ceramics and Lofty Treat Bar by Lofty Pops.

• A post box for letters to Santa.

• The Bear at Hudson’s, the nostalgic, plush keepsake available for purchase for collectors and children alike. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to NFX and The Gilly Project, celebrating the life and legacy of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s late son, Nick Gilbert.

• Beginning November 27, the 2026 holiday collector’s mug, designed by local artist Michael Eugene, will be available. Visitors who spend $35+ at participating businesses can redeem the mug at a designated booth in Nick Gilbert Way through December 24, 2026 or until supplies last. Mug redemption is offered Friday to Sunday.

Can’t-Miss Holiday Events at The Department

During the holidays, The Department at Hudson’s will host two seasonal events — Thanksgiving Brunch and Cookies + Cocktails. Limited reservations are available for:

• Thanksgiving Brunch will be hosted on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offer views of America’s Thanksgiving Parade® along Woodward Ave., photo opportunities with the parade’s Big Heads, and gourmet dining options ranging from Belgian waffles to prime rib.

  • Tickets start at $85 for adults and $45 for children ages four to 12, and complimentary for children under three.

  • Reservations can be made here.

• On December 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited for Cookies + Cocktails featuring passed appetizers and an interactive cocktail-making and gingerbread cookie-decorating demonstration with The Department’s culinary team.

  • The event is for guests 21+ with tickets priced at $75.

  • Reservations will open on October 29.

In addition to the happenings at Nick Gilbert Way, Bedrock and College for Creative Studies (CCS) will team up again to celebrate Detroit’s artistic community for Windows on Woodward. The design initiative has again tapped local CCS students to collaborate and install custom, holiday-themed window displays at select Bedrock retail tenants. The displays will debut on November 18 along Woodward Ave. and remain until January 4, 2027. For a complete directory of Bedrock’s retail tenants and places to shop downtown, details may be found here.

For those looking for even more festive offerings, please visit the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge on Cadillac Square.

Holidays at Nick Gilbert Way will be live November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027, Wednesdays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Extended holiday hours will launch on Monday, December 14.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit deckedoutholiday.com and follow Decked Out Detroit on Instagram and Facebook, and Bedrock on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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About Bedrock
Bedrock is an award-winning real estate developer focused on comprehensive city building initiatives in Detroit and Cleveland. Its work includes creating iconic cityscapes, rehabilitating historic properties and making space for the community—all with the philosophy of operating for more than profit.

Since 2011, Bedrock has invested and committed more than $9.2 billion to develop and restore more than 127 properties, totaling over 22 million square feet of office, retail, residential, hospitality, industrial, data centers and parking. In 2024, Bedrock was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company.

For additional information about Bedrock, please visit bedrockdetroit.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About Decked Out Detroit
Bedrock’s Decked Out Detroit (DOD) amplifies the downtown experience with a series of events, activations and programming for residents and visitors alike. Follow @DeckedOutDet and #DeckedOutDetroit for the most up-to-date schedule to explore the city, get involved and support local businesses throughout the year.