Merry & Bright Weekend hosts a number of festive events to put you in the holiday mood! From holiday stories to magically lit wonderland strolls, open houses, holiday shopping and last-minute wish lists we’ve got you covered. Celebrate the holiday season here in Michigan’s Great Southwest!
SWMI EVENTS
Kick off Merry & Bright Weekend with Light up the Bluff on Friday, December 1! Watch as Lake Bluff Park is transformed 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. Presented by the City of St. Joseph.
Stop in the Krasl Art Center on Friday, December 1 from 6:00p-8:00p for some festive activities! Attendees will enjoy free hot chocolate and a special guest appearance by Santa while local artists showcase their sketching skills. Still looking for gifts? Check out the KAC Gift Shop which features bowls from KAC’s Clay Artists Guild!
Lazy Ballerina Winery hosts festive events all weekend long! Friday, December 1: Shoppers will enjoy extended hours until 7:00p and mulled wine; Saturday, December 2: Pop-Up Shop with Lakuna Links Permanent Jewelry from 12:00p-2:00p + Wine & Shortbread Flights; Sunday, December 3: WIne & Shortbread Flights!
Enjoy a Holiday Extravaganza at The Market on Friday, December 1 from 5:00p-8:00p. Shoppers will enjoy special “After Hours” as each location showcases what they do best + a special visitor from up north! The Cheese Lady: Build your own gift baskets, sponsored by The Cheese Lady, as well “Cheese Monger Challenge: Holiday Appetizer Edition”; The Tea Annex: Free hot chocolate; St. Joe Wine Shoppe: Wine tasting and specials; Wild Ginger Flowers & Gifts: Artisan pop-ups from some amazing artists; Dad’s Farm & Cafe: 10% off Cranes Pies & Sticky Spoons Jam Pop Up - check out various selections of gift boxes and gift packs; St. Joe Community Taproom: Free gift with every merchandise purchase; The Culinary Cottage: Sushi Class (SOLD OUT) - check out upcoming winter classes!
INSIDER TIP: St. Joe Community Taproom is a stop for the Toys for Tots
Pub Run on Sunday, December 3! Even if you don't plan on participating
in the run, their boxes are out NOW and ready to accept unwrapped toy
donations!
The Box Factory for the Arts offers free Gallery exhibits that feature their Annual Member Show and David Jones’ Watercolors. Plus visit the Art Market Shop for great holiday gifts handcrafted by local artists! Weekend hours: 12:00p-4:00p Friday-Sunday.
EAT, SHOP, STAY, PLAY throughout SWMI for a chance to win local gift cards during Countdown to New Year! Shoppers and diners can turn in receipts to the St. Joe Today (SJT) Welcome Center from purchases made November 17-December 17 at SJT member businesses. Earn one entry for every $25 spent (one time or cumulative purchases). SJT will draw winners throughout the month of December. Visit stjoetoday.com/countdown for more details!
Join the Morton House Museum for their Christmas Open House from 11:00a-4:00p on Saturday, December 2! Attendees will enjoy decorations themed from “The Nutcracker Ballet”, delicious holiday treat and a talk about “The Christmas Tree Ship”.
The Reindog Parade returns to downtown St. Joseph on Saturday, December 2 at 3:00p! 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! Day of registration is available from 12:00p-2:45p at the Welcome Center (301 State Street). Sponsored by Ed Todd and FuzzyButz.
INSIDER TIP: Saturday also marks the arrival of Santa in downtown
St. Joseph. After the parade, children can share their wish lists
with Santa at Santa’s House from 4:00p-7:00p.
Meet the Makers at Chartreuse Art Co-Op on Saturday, December 2! Stop in to say hello and watch artist demos by local Chartreuse artisans throughout the day.
Head to Affinity Salon & Spa for their Re-Grand Opening party at their new Main Street Location in downtown St. Joseph on Saturday, December 2 from 3:00p-5:00p! This event will feature Base Bowls, Nutrition Now, Lakuna Links, Finny Lou and The Aesthetics Lounge. Attendees will enjoy refreshments and sale items!
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! Sponsored by The Herald-Palladium. Visit stjoetoday.com/santa for a complete schedule.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss out on Letters to Santa and Storytime with
Mrs. Claus, all part of the Santa Series this December!
Wrap up Merry & Bright Weekend with the Holiday Artisan Fair from 11:00a-4:00p on Sunday, December 3! This event will be held indoors at Union + Social and will feature a variety of local artisans and their handcrafted goods.
GREAT DEALS & ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS
Enjoy a 20% discount on tickets purchased December 1-3 to the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra holiday concert, Merry & Bright held on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30p at the LMC Mendel Center Mainstage. The code for this discount can be found on the door of the SMSO office at 513 Ship St., or on postcards at the St. Joe Today offices!
Register to win one of two $50 shopping sprees at The Christmas Tree during Merry & Bright Weekend! Free jingle bell wreath with purchase - limited to one per family. Marked in store specials!
Shoppers will enjoy savings all weekend long at Lee & Birch! Friday, December 1: Open 10a-9p + 20% off everything; Saturday, December 2: Open 10a-7p + 20% off everything; Sunday, December 3: Open 12p-5p + 20% off everything!
Grins of St. Joseph kicks of the 20 Days of Christmas on Friday, December 1! Shoppers will enjoy daily specials on featured products + new winter markdowns!
The Salvation Army - Benton Harbor will be bell ringing at G&M Variety, the St. Joseph Hardings and the St. Joseph Walgreens!
Caffe Tosi hosts extended hours until 9:00p on Friday, December 1!
Oh My Darlings will offer free gift wrap and 20% off all Christmas items!
Take 25% off every item in the shop both in person and online, December 1-3 at The Lilac Loft! Use code MERRY25 to shop online and pick up in store or have items shipped.
Forever Clean Soap Works hosts multiple sales throughout the store!
Gallery on the Alley offers refreshments, free gift wrapping and features a variety of handcrafted works of art!
1232 Broad St. Mercantile hosts 10% off storewide on Saturday, December 2!
White Pine Winery offers their Reserve Riesling and Muscat Ottonel at two (2) bottles for $30!
