The holiday season is still in full swing here in Michigan’s Great Southwest! There’s a little something for everyone - from visits with Santa and daily giveaways to holiday-themed train rides, musicals and light displays. Make the most of this December!
SANTA SIGHTINGS
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!
Caretel Inns St. Joseph hosts Pet Photos with Santa on Tuesday, December 5 from 3:00p-5:00p! Attendees will enjoy hot cocoa, fresh baked cookies and a treat for their furry friends. Complimentary community event; photos will be emailed to attendees after the event.
Catch Santa at Sister Lakes Brewing Co. on Saturday, December 10 from 12:00p-3:00p! Stop by for a picture and a visit from Santa himself.
Bowl with Santa on Sunday, December 10 from 12:00p-2:00p at Peat’s Cider Social! Enjoy bowling, hot cocoa, a photo op and letters to Santa station.
Plank’s Tavern, located in The Inn at Harbor Shores, hosts a Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 10 from 9:00a-3:00p. Attendees will enjoy an a la carte menu and a special visit with Santa from 10:00a-1:00p - reservations recommended!
INSIDER TIP: Can’t make it this weekend? Check out Brunch with
Santa & his Reindeer on Sunday, December 17!
Join the MOMS Club of St. Joseph at the YMCA of Greater Michiana on Monday, December 11 for Cookies with Santa from 3:30p-5:00p! Attendees will enjoy cookie decorating and a holiday craft + Santa and Mrs. Claus will drop by at 4:00p.
Get the chance to tell Santa what’s on your wish list during Cookies, Cocoa and Claus at Vineyard 2121 on Sunday, December 17 from 1:00p-3:00p! Hot cocoa and cookies are available for kids for just $2 per child. Adult hot cocoa, plus additional drinks and food is also available for purchase.
JOLLY EVENTS
SWMI businesses and restaurants host a Countdown to New Year, a daily giveaway event throughout the month of December! Shoppers earn one entry per $25 purchase (one time or cumulative). Qualifying purchases must be made between November 17 and December 17.
INSIDER TIP: December 17 is the LAST DAY to turn in receipts!
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents a Holiday Collage Concert on Wednesday, December 6 at 7:00p! Music and dramatic readings from the LMC Concert Choir, Vocal Chamber Ensemble, LMC Jazz Band, Instrumental Ensemble and Theatre Students in Grand Upton Hall. Light refreshments served! Instead of paid admission, a donation to the Red Hawk Refuel Pantry is suggested.
Sip & Shop with Urban Garage Market on Thursday, December 7 from 6:00p-8:00p! Shoppers will enjoy treats, drinks, store specials and giveaways. All clothes will be 15% off + all Christmas decor will be 50% off.
Celebrate the holiday season with the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan and The Livery as they host Drag Me Home For the Holidays on Thursday, December 7 from 7:00p! Doors open at 6:00p and seating is first come first serve, with increased standing room capacity.
Join the Benton Harbor Arts Association as they host the Winter Art Hop from 5:00p-8:00p on Friday, December 8. Participating locations will host live music, local artist booths, children’s activities, food vendors and more!
Head to The GhostLight for “GhostLight MovieNights” - Cult Classics on Friday, December 8 from 9:00p-11:00p! This inaugural event kicks off with the 1988 Cult Classic Film SCROOGED. Join The GhostLight for movie nights held once a month throughout the winter.
Head to Lake Michigan College Mendel Center for Christmas in Killarney: An Irish Christmas Celebration on December 8 at 7:30p. Attendees will enjoy world-class Irish dancing as they are transported back to the village of Killarney in the 1920s.
Sarett Nature Center hosts a Winter Wonders Bazaar on Saturday, December 9 from 11:00a-3:00p! Celebrate the winter season with holiday photos at the selfie station in front of the big fireplace, hot chocolate, bake sale, holiday kids crafts and animal shows.
‘Tis the season for Christmas Miniature Train Rides at Eden Springs Park! Join them on December 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 and 23 from 5:00p-9:00p. Tickets are $5, cash only; ages 3 and under are free.
Don’t miss the last two weekends of Twin City Players latest production Parfumerie. A warm, gentle comedy that follows the tangled Parfumerie employee. This adaptation of the play inspired several movies (You’ve Got Mail & The Shop Around the Corner) and a Broadway Musical (She Loves Me). Showtimes run Friday/Saturday at 7:30p and Sunday at 2:00p through December 17.
The Box Factory for the Arts hosts a “Completely Cracked Christmas” Dave Rudolf Concert on Saturday, December 16 at 8:00p. Get ready for good cheer and belly laughs at The Box!
MAGICAL LIGHT DISPLAYS
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.
Fernwood Botanical Garden hosts LIGHTS for the winter season, November 14-January 6. Stroll through the illuminated Fernwood garden and enjoy a professionally designed show featuring two light tunnels, fire pits, a winter craft station, nature-inspired light sculptures, festive music and more!
HOLIDAY CHEERS
The social district in downtown St. Joseph, known as the Downtown District, is your next winter destination. The Downtown District provides common areas downtown in which alcoholic beverages from participating establishments can be carried and consumed. Come join us!
Coach’s Bar & Grill hosts The 12 Beers of Christmas now through December 23! Enjoy 12 exclusive draft beers and a chance to win an awesome stocking full of goodies.
Get creative with Lazy Ballerina Winery during their Christmas Cookie Decorating Class on Sunday, December 10 from 1:00p-3:00p! Sweet Chick Cookie Co. will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create beautiful cookies. Cost $55 and includes one glass of wine and supplies/instructions to decorate six (6) cookies.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss their Christmas Wine Glass Painting
on Tuesday, December 12 from 5:30p-7:00p!
Lemon Creek Winery hosts a Holiday Sip & Craft: Wine Tumbler Painting on Saturday, December 10 at 4:00p! Includes one complimentary glass of wine, a wine tumbler and painting supplies.
Throw on your favorite ugly sweater and head to Vineyard 2121 for their annual Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, December 16 from 6:00p-9:00p. Prizes for the best original, ugliest and funniest ugly sweater! Attendees will also enjoy live music, fun games and a chance to win prizes!
Silver Harbor Brewing Co. hosts Trivia Night: Holiday Movies on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00p! Test your holiday knowledge during this festive trivia night. Free to play!
Throw on that ugly sweater and head over to Watermark Brewing’s Ugly Sweater Party on Friday, December 22 at 6:00p! This crossover event hosts live music in both the taproom and the Solarium. Wear your ugliest sweater to enter the Ugly Sweater Contest. $10 entry gets you into both venues and a keepsake glass!
A holiday favorite returns to The Livery on Saturday, December 22 at 7:30p - Paul Mow’s Annual Holiday Concert! Attendees will enjoy a holiday concert jam-packed with an all-star cast. Limited tickets are available!
INSIDER TIP: Catch December Darkness December 8-9!
The Livery’s annual celebration of dark and barrel-ages
beers.
