Sip, Shop & Stroll in downtown Franklin this holiday season

By: Mary Genson | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published December 4, 2024

FRANKLIN — The village of Franklin’s downtown may be small in size, but it is packed with unique businesses eager to welcome customers. 

Throughout the year, Main Street Franklin holds events to bring the community together and encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses. To celebrate the holidays, Main Street Franklin welcomes shoppers downtown for the Sip, Shop & Stroll event.

On Dec. 6, the Sip, Shop & Stroll event will take place from noon to 8 p.m. During the lively event, shoppers will be encouraged to browse the vendors downtown and enjoy free refreshments. 

In the evening, there will be multiple forms of entertainment. “Vibeman” John Davis will be playing music starting at 5 p.m. in front of Tangerine Wine. He is a vibraphonist who will play a variety of tunes. 

At the Slade House, the Franklin Historical Society is sponsoring “Bonfire & Chestnuts” for an opportunity for guests to warm up by the fire at 5 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting will then take place at the library at 6 p.m., also hosted by the Franklin Historical Society. 

“We’re trying to draw attention to our merchants downtown,” Susan Goldstrom, executive director of Main Street Franklin, said. “Plus, it’s a fun time for people to get out and go shopping.”

Participating vendors include Zieben Mare, Event Bliss and Gifts, The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, Tangerine Wine, Driven by Lisa MacDonald, Paw Pet Boutique, Franklin Village Boutique and Traditionally Empowered Healing. Additionally, there will be a Pingree Detroit pop-up at Tangerine Wine.

In addition to being open later at night, some businesses are offering deals and special promotions at Sip, Shop & Stroll. Ten percent of the proceeds from this event will go to the Cass Corridor Meal Kits program. 

To give parents a chance to shop, Franklin Community Church will be offering free child care services. 

Susan Siegel, owner of Event Bliss and Gifts, was involved with the initial implementation of Sip, Shop & Stroll when it started 12 years ago. 

She said they wanted to start this event to bring awareness to the local businesses in the village. She noticed that some locals are unfamiliar with the businesses in their own town, so this event is intended to change that.

During the Sip, Shop & Stroll, Event Bliss and Gifts is offering discounts on certain items, gift wrapping, drinks and appetizers. 

While they are shopping each store, eventgoers can visit participating stores to be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate.

For more information on the Sip, Shop & Stroll, visit mainstreetfranklinmi.com.