Shop Small, Shine Bright: How Downtown Farmington businesses bring heart to the holidays

Downtown Farmington is glowing again. The moment the wreaths go up along Grand River and the marquee of the Farmington Civic Theater flickers on against the early sunset, something shifts. 

For the small businesses that line this walkable district, the holiday season is the connective tissue of the year, part tradition, part economic lifeline, and entirely personal to the heart. It’s the time when longtime customers return with grown children, when out-of-towners discover local gems, and when neighborhood pride shines brightest.

At Tre Sorelle International Gifts and Home Decor, one of the district’s beloved boutiques tucked inside Apothecary, owner Patrica Williams says the season brings its own kind of magic.

“Holidays are about family and friends, gathering and appreciating special moments,” Williams says. “Shop(ping) small is meaningful giving. It’s finding that perfect gift that tells someone they’re special to you. And it means supporting the merchants and families who invest in your community.”

Tre Sorelle is bustling with familiar holiday favorites, including international gifts, cozy home décor, beautifully curated books, local artisan pieces, and plenty of Michigan-made treats, such as Cherry Republic items that people return for year after year. The team has been part of Farmington’s fabric since 2006, and they’ve watched kids who once tugged on their parents’ sleeves now return as adults searching for thoughtful, meaningful gifts for the people in their lives.

“We’ve enjoyed seeing people over the years, families bringing in relatives who are visiting, kids who have grown up and returned,” Williams says. “It’s a true sense of community. We’re grateful for it every day.”

That sense of community is mirrored and anchored by the historic Farmington Civic Theater, just a block away. One of Michigan’s oldest continuously operating cinemas, the Civic has weathered decades of change, from the slow transition to digital projection to the economic fluctuations of the pandemic. Under the leadership of new General Manager Clare Cooney, the theater is embarking on a new chapter of creativity, accessibility, and local storytelling.

Cooney grew up in the area but spent time in Chicago and Los Angeles working as a filmmaker and actor. When she returned home, she hoped to find a role anchored in the arts, something rooted in community, creativity, and connection. Taking over the Civic about five months ago, she’s set her sights on honoring the theater’s historic charm while energizing it with new programming.

“They’ve done a beautiful job championing this theater over the years,” Cooney says.

“My goal is to keep the tradition going, playing new releases and first-run movies, but also to bring in older films, family classics, and independent titles people can’t find at big chains.”

Cooney has also been weaving more Michigan-made films into the mix, often inviting filmmakers themselves for talkbacks and Q&As. 

“There’s a burgeoning film scene here, and people want to support it,” she says. “Farmington loves local storytelling. When we bring in Michigan films, the support is amazing.”

Cooney sees it every day from behind the concession stand. “The Civic is part of the city’s identity,” she says. “When people think of Downtown Farmington, they picture our marquee. It’s a place where the community gathers, shares experiences, and feels connected.”

She also sees the theater as an essential gathering place—“a third space,” as she calls it. Not home, not work, but a space where people share experiences, meet neighbors, and sink into stories that offer escape, reflection, or comfort.

“It’s good for us to get out of the house, sit in a quiet theater, eat some popcorn, and engage in something outside our daily stresses,” she says.

From curated gift shops to specialty food stores, long-time favorites, and creative spaces like Road Less Traveled Bookstore, these places feel like the kind you wander into on a whim and end up staying longer than planned.

Shelves are stacked with new releases and beloved classics, and it is a true third space, equal parts bookstore, gathering spot, and community hub, where families stop in for storytime, teens browse graphic novels, and grownups lose track of time flipping through staff favorites with a cup of coffee.

During the holidays, the shop becomes an easy go-to for thoughtful, affordable gifts. Paperbacks and journals are wrapped in warm light from the front windows, puzzles are stacked neatly for curious browsers, and children’s books fly off the shelves as grandparents and proud aunts hunt for the perfect read-aloud treasure.

“For kids, interestingly enough, a lot of retro toys (are popular), like the horse with the stick, for example, so now those are coming back around,” says Charles Allore, owner of Road Less Traveled.

What sets Road Less Traveled apart is how intentionally it nurtures connection. Soon to celebrate a year since opening in Downtown Farmington, this bookstore isn’t just about buying a book; it’s about sharing stories, celebrating curiosity, and providing a place for people to slow down.

“The bulk of our customers are from the neighborhood. Everyone says, ‘It’s so good to have a bookstore in the neighborhood. This was the missing piece,” Allore says.

In a holiday season that often feels rushed, Road Less Traveled offers a welcome reminder to savor the quiet, meaningful moments that make this time of year special.

“With the holidays and gift-giving times, we try to pair things up. If you don’t know what you’re after, we’ve got a book and something that relates to it—like a puzzle,” Mary Buchanan, manager of Road Less Traveled, said. “If you’re a dog lover, how about this book, this puzzle, this plush, this bookmark. We have a lot of related things, so it can become a whole gift package, and of course, Journals—people love the journals.”

As the holiday season unfolds, each purchase is both a gift for someone you love and an investment in the neighborhood that gives the season its charm. Downtown Farmington shines brightest not because of the decorations, but because of the people who choose, year after year, to show up for one another.

“The community really makes an effort to shop locally during the holidays and enjoy the feeling of Christmas in our beautiful city;  it’s hard to resist, with so many great merchants in the Farmington area,” Williams says.

Your Downtown Farmington Holiday Shopping Loop – 10 Stop Walkable (Short Drive) Adventure

Ready to sleigh your holiday shopping list and enjoy a cozy stroll through Downtown Farmington? Lace up your comfiest boots, grab a warm drink, and follow this playful loop, packed with local treasures, good vibes, and plenty of Insta-worthy stops.

Start: Farmington Civic Theater

33332 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336

Kick things off under the iconic marquee. Snap a pic, grab popcorn to-go (because holiday shopping is a sport), and head east down Grand River.

STOP 1:

Road Less Traveled Bookstore

33300 Thomas St, Farmington, MI 48336

Step into this beloved third space, equal parts bookstore, community hub, and cozy hideout. Browse holiday picks for the perfect stocking stuffer, scoop up puzzles and journals, and find the perfect storytime surprise for the littles.

STOP 2:

Tre Sorelle International Gifts and Home Decor

23366 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336

Wander into this chic, beautifully curated boutique for Michigan-made gifts, Cherry Republic goodies, candles, and globally inspired décor that feels like a tiny getaway.

STOP 3:

The Vines Flower & Gifts

33245 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336

Turn the corner for a burst of festive color. Think winter arrangements, ornaments, and sweet little hostess gifts that make you look very thoughtful.

STOP 4:

Cannelle Farmington

33304 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336

Follow the aroma of butter and warm sugar to one of Farmington’s beloved neighborhood bakeries. Cannelle’s cases are filled with delicate pâtisserie classics, think flaky croissants, alongside fresh, crusty loaves that disappear fast. It’s the perfect spot to grab a little fuel for your shopping loop or to bring home something beautiful, like the Pistachio Raspberry Tart, for a holiday evening table.

STOP 5:

Brunch Break: Blueberry Brunch

23336 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336

Need a mid-loop recharge? Pop into this cheerful brunch spot for pancakes, omelets, or a classic breakfast sandwich. Perfect for keeping spirits high (and tummies happy) during a full day of small-business love.

STOP 6:

Dolcetto, Cheese, & Specialty Goods

33041 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336

Upgrade your gifting (and your snacking) with artisan cheeses, gourmet crackers, jams, and charcuterie must-haves. A host’s dream stop.

STOP 7:

Bodhi Yoga

33047 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336

Walk toward calm. Pick up candles, aromatherapy sprays, crystals, and wellness goodies that encourage a deep breath during the busy season.

STOP 8:

Heights Brewing

23621 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336

Detour a few steps west to Farmington’s hometown brewery. Grab a holiday pint, pick up a 4-pack for the beer lover on your list, or snag branded merch like hoodies, glassware, and stickers—perfect stocking stuffers with local flair.

Bonus Warm:

Up Stop: Blue Hat Coffee

23715 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336

Before you dive into the loop, swing by this inviting, art-forward café just steps from the action. Grab a latte, matcha, or hot chocolate to fuel your festive stroll—consider it your official holiday shopping starter kit.

Final Stop: Back to the Civic

End your loop with a holiday classic on the big screen—or grab a gift card for someone who loves a cozy, nostalgic night at the movies. For Showtimes visit: https://www.thefct.com/now-playing.