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Merry &

Bright

Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when you visit downtown St. Joe! Merry & Bright is a weekend of festive fun that features holiday events.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

LIGHT UP THE BLUFF | 6:00p (Ceremony), 6:30p (Tree Lighting) | Lake Bluff Park
Light up the Bluff will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland. At 6:00p, the St. Joseph High School Choir begins with Christmas carols followed by the tree lighting at 6:30p. The one million lights will remain on through Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Most Romantic City. Starting December 6, attendees can enjoy the lights 5:30a-8:30a and 5:30p-midnight!

MERRY & BRIGHT WEEKEND | ALL WEEKEND | Throughout Southwest Michigan
Celebrate the winter season in Michigan’s Great Southwest! Attendees will enjoy extended shopping hours, events, special offers and more.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

REINDOG PARADE | 3:00p | Downtown St. Joseph
The annual Reindog Parade is a great time for all. 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! The event also marks the arrival of Santa. After the parade, children can share their wish lists with Santa at Santa’s House.

PARTICIPANT INFO:
Those who wish to participate in the parade, MUST register in advance at stjoetoday.com/reindog or day of at the Welcome Center. Cost: $5/pet - additional pets $3 each. If you’re looking to take home a prize, judging begins at 1:00p and ends at 2:45p right outside the Welcome Center. The parade will kick off at 3:00p, participants are asked to line up at the corner of Elm & State Streets by 2:50p.

Day-Of-Registration: 12:00p-2:45p (Welcome Center)
Judging: 1:00p-2:45p (Outside of Welcome Center)
Parade Start: 3:00p (Corner of State & Elm)

SANTA'S HOUSE | 4:00p-7:00p (special hours immediately following the parade) | Downtown St. Joseph
Santa’s House is moved from the North Pole each year to the corner of State & Pleasant Streets in downtown St. Joe! Santa will be available for wish list conversations and holiday photo ops weekends in December. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture this magical visit!

Grab a postcard from the Welcome Center to write a letter to Santa. Santa's House will still take its spot on the corner of State and Pleasant Streets to serve as a drop off for letters!

As we wait in anticipation, Mrs. Claus has offered to read some of her favorite books! St. Joseph Today will be releasing weekly videos for our Storytime with Mrs. Claus series!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

HOLIDAY ARTISAN FAIR | 11:00a-4:00p | Union + Social
Join us for an indoor Holiday Artisan Fair on Sunday, December 8 from 12:00p-4:00p at Union + Social!