We’re making spirits bright here in Michigan’s Great Southwest! As we head into the holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities to support local businesses and restaurants. From holiday open houses to festive workshops, winter events and Santa approved gifts we’ll help you check off your lists and make the most of this holiday season!
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES
Kick off the holiday shopping season with Perennial Accents as they host their annual Holiday Open House Saturday, November 7 from 10:00am-8:00pm. Attendees will enjoy prize drawings every 30 minutes (need not be present to win) and a FREE gift with purchase.
Urban Garage Market hosts their Holiday Open House Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15! Celebrate the winter season with holiday decor, seasonal music and more.
Get festive with Crystal Springs Florist as they host their Home for the Holidays event now through December 23. Attendees will enjoy a variety of holiday gift options and the chance to register for prizes!
JOLLY EVENTS
Silver Harbor Brewing hosts a Brewer's Dinner on November 12! Attendees will enjoy a 4-course meal with beer pairing + an extra sample of a new beer release. Limited tickets available!
Luminary | November 20 | 5:00pm-8:00pm
Stroll through our downtown as luminaires light your way to kick off the holiday season! Participating locations invite you to eat, shop, drink and be merry while you enjoy this charming lakeside town.
Letters to Santa | November 25 - December 24
While Santa has to stay in the North Pole this year, his house will remain outside the Welcome Center to collect wish lists and letters! The St. Joseph Today staff have been entrusted by Santa and his elves to help get the letters to the North Pole! Stop by the Welcome Center for a candy cane treat – SJT will also have postcards for those last minute wish lists!
The YMCA of Greater Michiana hosts their annual Thanksgiving Day Run on November 26 at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA! Participants will be able to choose from a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, or a 1 Mile Fun Run. In-person and virtual options available!
Small Business Saturday | November 28
Celebrate small businesses in Southwest Michigan! Local businesses are excited to welcome the community into their stores to find unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise. Small Business Saturday promotes shopping small to support your neighbors, family, friends and local economy.
Light up the Bluff | December 4 - February 14
Lake Bluff Park is transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring 1 million holiday lights.
Window Wonderland | December 4 | 7:00pm-8:30pm
Attendees will enjoy strolling through downtown to view the dozens of storefronts that have decorated their windows for the holiday season. Vote for your favorite window at stjoetoday.com/vote!
Reindog Holiday Parade | December 5 | 3:00pm
This event features dressed up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday garb. Be prepared to see all kinds of costumes from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers” – definitely a must-see event! Participants may register in-person at the Welcome Center or online at stjoetoday.com/reindog.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus | December 8, 15, 22
Mrs. Claus will read some of her favorite holiday books during Storytime with Mrs. Claus. Stories will be released online at stjoetoday.com/santa and on the St. Joseph Today Facebook page.
FESTIVE WORKSHOPS
The Turquoise Top Hat hosts fall and winter workshops through November and December!
Winter Wood Sled Signs
November 14 from 10:00am-1:00pm
November 22 from 12:00pm-3:00pm
December 3 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Holiday Wood Flower Centerpieces
November 15 from 12:00pm-2:30pm
November 20 from 6:00pm-8:30pm
November 24 from 600pm-8:30pm
Wood Succulent Christmas Tree
November 21 from 10:00am-1:00pm
December 5 from 10:00am-1:00pm
Holiday & Winter Porch Signs
November 19 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
November 29 from 12:00pm-3:00pm
DIY Ornament Bar
November 27 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Check out additional classes and weekly kits!
JLN Studio hosts fall and winter classes this November!
Red Christmas Truck Painting
November 19 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
November Abstract Workshop
November 22 from 2:00pm-5:00pm
Check out additional classes!
Lazy Ballerina Winery offers make and take crafts this fall and winter season!
Take & Make Wine Craft Kit Offerings
Night Sky | Swear Word Coloring Book for Parents | Fall Tree Lighted Bottle
Urban Garage Market hosts workshops through November and December!
Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop
November 7 from 11:00am-1:00pm
November 12 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
November 18 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
November 21 from 11:00am-1:00pm
Paint Your Own Piece with Chalk Paint
November 24 from 12:00pm-4:00pm
Intro to Modern Calligraphy
December 5 from 11:00am-1:00pm
Check out additional classes!
SANTA APPROVED GIFTS & MAGICAL DEALS
Countdown to the New Year with SWMI businesses and restaurants! Free entry with purchases made at participating locations November 20 through December 20. To enter, fill out an entry form for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from a participating location. St. Joseph Today will draw daily winners through the month of December. Head to stjoetoday.com/countdown for more information!
Lazy Ballerina Winery has partnered with the Humane Society of SWMI to feature adoptable animal photos on wine bottles! A portion of each bottle sold will benefit the Humane Society with matching funds by United Federal Credit Union.
INSIDER TIP: Looking for a unique holiday gift?
You can special order wine bottles featuring
a photo of your favorite furry friend!
Find gifts galore at Forever Clean Soap Works! Featuring everything from seasonal hand soaps and holiday bath bombs to scented candles and rejuvenating scrubs. You’re sure to find the perfect stocking stuffers!
Get holiday shopping done early this year with Wanderlust Outfitters as they host some amazing deals through the month of November! In-Store Specials include: Save $20 for every $100 you spend on regular priced items; Extended Black Friday Sales - don’t miss the Black Friday Preview Sale on November 20 during Luminary, this year many brands included in the preview will remain on sale through Cyber Monday. Online Specials include: Free shipping on $75+ orders; Free in-store pick up option; Promo codes for additional savings!
The Buck Burgers & Brew hosts their annual gift card promo November 27-30! Buy $50 and get $10 free in gift cards.
This holiday season, find one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans during the Journeyman Autumn Artisan Market, November 21-22! Find everything from art/photography and home goods to clothing, health/beauty, pet products and more.
Get ready to snowboard with Third Coast Surf Shop! They have everything you need to shred this winter season. Get 15% off when you buy snowboard + boots + bindings.
Not sure what to buy? Consider a St. Joseph Today Gift Certificate! Our certificates can be used at more than 80 area locations including shops, restaurants, markets and more. SJT Gift Certificates can be purchased at the Welcome Center (301 State Street in downtown St. Joseph). Cash, check and credit card accepted.
