Sometimes we need to immerse ourselves in the shopping experience to help us get ready for Christmas. Thankfully, some of the best Christmas shopping destinations in the Midwest are in the heart of already bustling cities or attractions. Plan a vacation to any one of these destinations to put together an awesome holiday shopping experience where you can also experience an exciting city.
Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Chicago’s Michigan Avenue is also known as the Magnificent Mile, and is the city’s featured shopping district. Brands from around the world vie for retail space on the mile long stretch of road that goes from Water Tower Place all the way to the Chicago River. There are several flagship stores for big brands, but also some unique gems like one of the first American Girl stores, Vosges Chocolate and the new Benetton Building. Off Michigan Avenue shopping is just as exciting with luxury and designer brands filling Oak Street, a German Christmas Market hosted by the city in Daley Plaza and State Street’s parade of Christmas windows dressed up by retailers for shoppers.
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Named the Mall of America, this Midwest shopping destination has everything you could ever want all under one roof. Part shopping mall, part amusement park, the mall is a vacation destination all on its own. People from around the world fly in to the Twin Cities, book a stay at the adjoining hotels and and don’t ever have to leave the mall to eat, sleep, have fun, explore and of course, do a lot of shopping. Big name events and concerts fill the calendar, so find out what is going on leading up to the Christmas shopping season and plan your trip around something exciting.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Michigan
For a truly Christmas themed experience, a trip to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan is just the ticket. The store’s claim to fame is making itself the largest Christmas store in the world, with thousands of ornaments to choose from, and even more decorations to fill an entire home in any type of Christmas decor color scheme or theme imaginable. The entire town of Frankenmuth caters to tourists around Christmas, and you won’t be disappointed by the unique shopping choices, from a cheesemaker to a clock company and even a brewery.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri has quickly become the vacation destination for families, and during the Christmas season the city and its attractions transform themselves into a magical winter wonderland. The Silver Dollar City Christmas market is something straight out of the famous European Christmas markets, where you can shop for one of a kind, handmade and artisan gifts to fill your shopping bags. Hundreds of resident crafters are given booths to sell their wares, making this one of the few shopping destinations that is perfect for the entire family. Once you’ve had your fill of the shopping, have fun in the water parks, theaters and museums that fill Branson, Missouri.
Pam Buttikofer is a co-founder of Imperfect Women. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 37 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, sons and her lovable pups.
There are a few people around me that go to Branson Christmas shopping. If I had the money, I totally would too!
I saw Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland featured on the Travel Channel years ago and I have wanted to go there ever since. For someone who loves Christmas as much as I do, that place seems like a dream come true.
You should visit! I live right down the road. Seriously. I can see the lights twinkle !
Oh how I wish I could travel and SHOP! What lovely travel shopping destinations in the Midwest, I enjoyed reading about them.
I’ve been to Michigan Avenue in Chicago last year and it was gorgeous, especially with all the Christmas decorations. I havent been to the other places but since my sister lives in Missouri and I am planning to visit her with the kids for the holidays I will definitely ask her about going to Branson for some shopping!
This will be our first Christmas here in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. From what I understand we do a great celebration and I can not wait to see it.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Mall of America! It sounds like such a fun place!
I love Branson! I could shop for days there. Great picks!
I’ve been to Branson before & it is definitely a place to shop. Great list for the Midwest!
Ah Holidays are right around the corner already, it was just summer! This year went too fast
What a great list. I have never been to any of these but will keep them in mind. I love Christmas shopping in big cities, NYC is my favorite!
I love Christmas and all the lights and decorations. so beautiful
We love shopping on Michigan Avenue for the holidays. So many great stores and window displays!
I would love to go to The Mall of America. My boys watched some reality tv show about that and ever since then that has been on our bucket list. A mothers dream true when her boys want to go shopping with her!!! LOL
I’ve spent a lot of time in Bronner’s and on Michigan Avenue. Both of those are absolutely worth the mention. I love them!
Michigan Ave is my favorite, although I have a soft-spot in my heart for Chicago. I DID grow up in Illinois. 😉
Back in Kansas we used to plan a yearly Christmas shopping trip to Kansas City. They have great malls in that city! Now I need to find a new destination!
I wish! I’m so far away from everything! Mall of America is somewhere I’ve wanted to go forever!
I visited the Mall of America a few years ago. Thankfully it was in February, so I didn’t have to worry about crowds of people. It was so huge!
I was really impressed with Chicago’s shopping scene when I went! Just another part of what makes the city great.
Mall of America is on my list of places that I want to visit so badly. Now its on your list I must go!
Now that the Halloween is over – Christmas preparations is here – We also have our own travel destination plans!
I love Christmas shopping. Ornaments especially. I think I have to put Branson on my travel list now…
I have never been to Midwest. However, the one place I wanted to really see is the Mall of Americas. Saw a documentary about it in India many, many years back and it was on my bucket list since then.
Michigan Avenue in Chicago is a shoppers paradise. They have SO MUCH STUFF! The stores there are amazing.
I don’t do much shopping when I travel but I’ve always wanted to visit the Mall of America. I’ve always heard such good things about it and it looks like there’s a little something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
I’ve been to Chicago and Branson and loved shopping both places. I agree with your suggestions. Great places to go!
I live right on the county line of Frankenmuth, MI. It’s right down the road and Bronners is just across the street and down the road. While I live int the country, my road is very busy because its the main road right in to Frankenmuth and goes right in front of Bronners. Frankenmuth is a wonderful town. That have some sort of festival almost every weekend. Winter is the best because you get the fall stuff along with Christmas and then the SnowFest where people come from all over the world for the ice sculpture contest. It really is a storybook town. If you’ve ever watched Gilmore Girls and are a fan of Stars Hallow, its very similar. Only, of German descent.
What some great sounding places to go and see, I love driving around and seeing all the lights that go up around the place.
The Mall of America is my ultimate favorite. You can find everything there.
Appleton is a big one for people near me. We will see about other ones you’ve listed.
I love Frankenmuth and no trip there would be complete without a stop at Bronner’s. My family has to drag me out of there, I could stay all day. 🙂