Southwest Holiday Fest

​The 11th Annual Southwest Holiday Fest

Brings the Christmas Spirit to Life in the Heart of Detroit’s Mexicantown Neighborhood

 

Despite a terrible snowstorm during the winter of 2013, the Annual Southwest Holiday Fest began out of a need for Matrix Theatre’s wanting to do something different to promote the local community. Local organizations and businesses participated with lots of friends and neighbors attending and everyone enjoying their time at the event. As it was so well received, it was decided to continue it every year after that. Although COVID did interrupt the streak, the Southwest Detroit Holiday Fest continues annually, on the second Saturday of December, to bring the Christmas Spirit to Life in the Heart of Southwest Detroit's Hubbard Richard and Mexicantown Neighborhoods.

​

The 11th Annual Southwest Holiday Fest is on Saturday, December 13, from 1 pm to 8 pm at locations along Bagley Street, between 16th and 25th Streets. Activities are open to the public and free unless otherwise specified. Donations are also welcome. Southwest Holiday Fest is Detroit's family-friendly, free holiday festival offering new and returning visitors winter-themed activities. Attendees can take a charming horse-and-carriage ride around the MexicantownCDC Mercado, then stop by Matrix Theater for puppet shows and storytelling. For the little ones, MexicantownCDC is hosting a Piñata Fiesta filled with treats and fun at the MexicatownCDC Mercado, and Plaza del Sol is offering Cookie decorating, Face Painting, and the opportunity to meet Santa/Pancho Claus at Plaza del Sol. Later, in the evening, everyone is welcome to join in on a traditional Posada that beautifully reenacts Mary and Joseph's journey, Meeting at 24th & Bagley.

​

This year, the Annual Southwest Holiday Fest is having a Toy Drive for the kids living in Southwest Detroit! We encourage visitors to bring a Toy and drop it at the MexicantownCDC Mercado, where people can enjoy live music, purchase gifts and food from local vendors, and enjoy a tree lighting and caroling ceremony in the atrium of the MexicantownCDC Mercado at 6:30 pm.

All are welcome to casually stroll the Bagley Street corridor between 16th and 25th streets while sipping a traditional Mexican Christmas chocolate and exploring the neighborhood's one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions.

 

"Attending Southwest Holiday Fest is one of the most fun and unique activities you can do this holiday season," said Kate Brennan, Matrix Theatre Company festival founder. "The atmosphere that permeates the festival is heart-warming and celebratory, and it really captures the joy of the season. This event is entirely driven by Matrix Theatre, MexicantownCDC and the sponsoring businesses and organizations. We are all proud and excited to once again show off our corner of the city to local residents and regional visitors alike."