For Detroiters, there’s something magical about the holidays downtown, with the lights glowing down Woodward, the smell of roasted nuts in the cold air, and the memories of generations who made their way to Hudson’s every year to shop and celebrate the seasons.
That familiar joy is coming back this season, as Bedrock announced a lineup of holiday events at the new Nick Gilbert Way at Hudson’s.
Nick Gilbert Way is a new public plaza connecting Woodward Avenue to Farmer Street, where the community can gather to enjoy holiday pop-ups, live entertainment, good food, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. The outdoor space sits between the Hudson’s Block Building and Hudson’s Tower, creating a festive hub that revives the traditions that once made the original J.L. Hudson Department Store the heart of Detroit’s holiday season.
For decades, Hudson’s wasn’t just a store—it was an experience. Families came downtown to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, shop for gifts, and marvel at the famous window displays. For many Detroiters, especially those who grew up when downtown was buzzing with department store shoppers and Christmas lights, Hudson’s was where holiday dreams came to life. Bedrock said its revival aims to bring that same spirit to a new generation.
Nick Gilbert Way, named in honor of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s late son, officially opened on Nov. 6, kicking off a season-long celebration filled with sights, sounds, and tastes of the holidays. The plaza will host programming through early January, giving people yet another reason to head downtown, reconnect, and make new memories.
One of the most striking sights this season is The Flag at Hudson’s, a massive American flag raised on the Woodward Avenue façade. Measuring 141 by 85 feet, the banner is a nod to the historic Hudson’s flag that first appeared in 1923 and once held the title of the largest American flag in the world. This new version will hang proudly through the end of November, serving as a bold and beautiful backdrop to Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27.
The holiday spirit continues with a mix of local shopping and seasonal fun along Nick Gilbert Way. Visitors can browse vendor carts and kiosks packed with keepsakes, ornaments, postcards, and puzzles, as well as goods from Detroit-based small businesses like POST and Halie & Co. It’s a perfect opportunity to support local entrepreneurs while picking up unique gifts that reflect the creativity and craftsmanship of the city.
One special item sure to capture attention is The Bear at Hudson’s – a plush collectible that pays tribute to Hudson’s long history as a family favorite. The bear is both a nostalgic keepsake and a charitable gesture, with a portion of proceeds benefiting NFX and The Gilly Project in memory of Nick Gilbert.
Un Deux Trois—a French-inspired café truck operated by Café Sous Terre—will serve hot drinks and sweet treats. Visitors can warm up with Parisian hot chocolate, espresso drinks, and pastries, or snack on fresh donuts, roasted nuts, and other festive bites while strolling through the plaza.
Families will also find plenty of interactive fun woven into the experience. Children can “mail” letters to Santa at a special post box, meet Mrs. Claus and her cheerful elves, and enjoy the playful charm of Lucia, a life-size ballerina box installation created by artists Anne Lagacé and Gonzalo Soldi.
Of course, no Hudson’s holiday would be complete without the return of the iconic window displays that once lined Woodward Avenue. In partnership with the Detroit Historical Society, Hudson’s Detroit is bringing that tradition back, unveiling historic displays that showcase artifacts from the earliest days of the J.L. Hudson Co., spanning from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. These windows—filled with vintage details, holiday scenes, and a touch of Detroit history—serve as a bridge between past and present, reminding visitors of the city’s rich retail and cultural legacy.
Adding to the festive lineup, General Motors has created its own holiday windows at Entrance One, the new public showroom space. These two large displays blend the nostalgic holiday style of Hudson’s with GM’s automotive heritage, offering visitors a glimpse of Detroit’s deep connection between creativity, craftsmanship, and community pride.
Those exploring Hudson’s Detroit will also discover new retail options, with stores like ALO and Tecovas opening their doors just in time for the season. From stylish athleisure to handcrafted boots, these shops add to the growing energy downtown, creating a mix of modern retail alongside classic holiday cheer.
Hudson’s for the Holidays will run now through January 4, with regular hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 4-8 p.m., Saturdays from 12-8 p.m., and Sundays from 12- 6 p.m. Extended hours begin December 15.
For many in the city’s Black community, Hudson’s carries deep personal meaning. It serves as a reminder of family trips downtown, of seeing the city shine bright, and of Detroit’s power to reinvent itself without losing its heart. The new Nick Gilbert Way hopes to provide that spirit of renewal, turning a once-empty stretch of downtown into a place filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable energy of Detroit during the holidays.
