Detroit, MI [November 6, 2025] – Bedrock invites everyone to celebrate the holidays at Hudson’s Detroit with festive retail pop-ups, live entertainment, food and beverage offerings and interactive installations. Today marks the official opening of Nick Gilbert Way – a new public plaza connecting Woodward Avenue to Farmer Street and the outdoor space that sits between the Hudson’s Block Building and Hudson’s Tower – which will host holiday-themed activities and programming for families and friends to come together, make memories and experience the nostalgia of Hudson’s.

For decades, the J.L. Hudson Department Store was synonymous with the holiday experience in Detroit. Memorable moments including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, holiday window displays, shopping and visiting Santa epitomized the merry season in Detroit. Now, all return to Hudson’s for the time-honored tradition.

“Hudson’s has long been associated with the holidays in Detroit, and we are honoring that tradition by welcoming everyone to experience Nick Gilbert Way,” said Francesca Eid, VP of Experience at Bedrock. “The plaza was designed with community at the forefront, and we look forward to delivering a mix of entertainment, shopping, food and beverage and memorable moments, bringing the magic of Hudson’s at the holidays to a new generation.”

Among the many nostalgic touches, Bedrock has raised The Flag at Hudson’s as a tribute to the largest American flag in the world that first appeared on the side of the J.L. Hudson Department Store in 1923. The Flag, spanning 141 by 85 feet and located on the Woodward Avenue façade, will decorate the building until November 30, where it will be proudly displayed during America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27.

Holiday Shopping at Hudson’s

As part of Hudson’s for the Holidays, Nick Gilbert Way will feature retail carts and kiosks filled with holiday keepsakes and mementos from November 6 to January 4, honoring a timeless tradition.

The Bear at Hudson’s has made its debut for the holiday season—a plush keepsake designed with history in mind is available for collectors, children and gift-giving alike. A portion of the proceeds from the Hudson’s bear will be donated to NFX and The Gilly Project, celebrating the life and legacy of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s late son, Nick Gilbert.

Seasonal shops, treats and experiences on Nick Gilbert Way include:

• A French-inspired café truck with warm coffee and espresso beverages, Parisian hot chocolate, pastries and more from Un Deux Trois, operated by Café Sous Terre.

• Vendor carts offering items from local small businesses such as POST and Halie & Co., as well as ornaments, post cards and puzzles.

• Lucia, an interactive life-size ballerina box created by Anne Lagacé & Gonzalo Soldi.

• A post box for “mailing” letters to Santa.

• Specialty warm donuts, roasted nuts and greenery bouquets.

• Visits from holiday characters such as Mrs. Claus and her elves.

The famous holiday window displays from the J.L. Hudson Department Store have returned to downtown. In partnership with the Detroit Historical Society, Hudson’s Detroit has unveiled a historic window display on Woodward Avenue featuring artifacts from the earliest days of the J.L. Hudson Co., from the late 1800s until the 1950s and 60s.

General Motors’ holiday windows at ‘Entrance One,’ a new lobby and public showroom, invites visitors to rediscover the magic of the season, inspired by the cherished traditions of the historic J.L. Hudson Department Store. This year, two prominent windows along Woodward Avenue are adorned with décor and vignettes, blending nostalgic holiday charm and GM’s storied automotive legacy.

Shoppers will also have opportunities to view holiday window displays and retail offerings from ALO and Tecovas, both now open at Hudson’s Detroit.
Holiday programming and events on Nick Gilbert Way will be open November 6 to January 4, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 8pm, Saturdays from 12pm to 8pm and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. Extended operations will launch on Monday, December 15.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit Hudsons-Detroit.com and follow Hudson’s Detroit on Instagram and Facebook and Bedrock at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About Bedrock

Bedrock is an award-winning real estate developer focused on comprehensive city building initiatives in Detroit and Cleveland. Its work includes creating iconic cityscapes, rehabilitating historic properties and making space for the community—all with the philosophy of operating for more than profit.

Since 2011, Bedrock has invested and committed more than $7.5 billion to develop and restore more than 140 properties, totaling over 21 million square feet of office, retail, residential, hospitality, industrial, data centers and parking. In 2024, Bedrock was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company.

For additional information about Bedrock, please visit BedrockDetroit.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.