MENU
X

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 6! 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. 

INSIDER TIP: Starting December 7, attendees can enjoy the lights daily 
from 5:30a-8:30a and 5:30p-midnight!

Stop in the Krasl Art Center on Friday, December 6 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 Shop at KAC which features decorative and functional artwork, handcrafted by local and regional artists!

Perennial Accents hosts a Pop-Up Shop feat. The Dot Shop on Friday from 6:00p-8:00p and Saturday from 10:00a-3:00p! Shoppers will enjoy yummy samples in the kitchen with Lou Ann on Saturday from 11:00a-4:00p and Sunday from 12:00p-3:00p! Complimentary gift wrapping always! Weekend hours include Friday/Saturday from 10:00a-8:00p and Sunday from 11:00a-5:00p. 

The Reindog Parade returns to downtown St. Joseph on Saturday, December 7 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 Mighty Dog Roofing 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. 

Get into the holiday spirit with Plank’s Tavern as they host Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 8. Brunch will be served from 9:00a-3:00p with a visit from Santa from 10:00a-1:00p! Diners will enjoy brunch from an a la carte menu with special children’s brunch features. 

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra presents the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert at 3:00p on Sunday, December 8 at the Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrew’s University! For more information and tickets visit smso.org.

Lazy Ballerina Winery hosts festive events all weekend long! Friday, December 6: Shoppers will enjoy extended hours until 8:00p; Saturday, December 7 : Pop-Up Shop with O&Co. from 2:00p-4:00p; Sunday, December 8: Holiday Candle Magic Class with Sky Apothecary at 1:00p! 

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 22-December 15 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!

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 8! 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

Head to Affinity Salon & Spa during Merry & Bright Weekend for free gifts with purchase, free hair tinsel, sales on Aveda, Kevin Murphy and ELEVEN, stocking stuffers. Plus, they will auction off a gift basket worth $300!

The Box Factory for the Arts offers free Gallery exhibits that feature their Annual Member Show feat. Jan Sonneman. Plus visit the Art Market Shop for great holiday gifts handcrafted by local artists! Weekend hours: 12:00p-4:00p Friday-Sunday. 

Chartreuse Art Co-Op offers extended holiday shopping hours, opening at 10a on Fridays and Saturdays during the month of December! Shoppers will enjoy complimentary gift wrapping and amazing offers the local artists of Chartreuse have created for your gift-giving needs. 

Enjoy some delicious gingerbread cookies + some of the best prices on your favorite fashions at Glik’s on Saturday, December 7! All weekend long shoppers will enjoy a deal on Men’s Bottoms Out Flannel Sleep Pants for just $14.90 + customers who “text to join” will receive either 10% or 15% off their entire purchase, just mention it at checkout!  

Shoppers will enjoy 10% off great dog and cat ornaments + free personalizing at The Christmas Tree! After you purchase all of your one-of-a-kind gifts, look for the magical Christmas Tree on your receipt paper. If you find a tree, you’ll win a gift! If the tree appears, you’ll win a gift! Plus enjoy samples of new dips and spreads that are quick & easy to make.

Check out the new holiday candles at The Lilac Loft + new products including lotion, hand soap car freshies, body mist and room sprays! Each item is $12 each, or 3 for $30. They will also offer a “Build Your Own” Holiday Gift Basket where you can choose up to three products to include in your basket for just $35. What a great holiday gift!

Shoppers will enjoy additional savings and deals at these locations throughout Merry & Bright Weekend:

1232 Broad St Mercantile shoppers will enjoy special savings storewide! 

Find stocking stuffers and fun gift ideas at Caffe Tosi!

DK Boutique will offer 20% off regular priced items all weekend!

Forever Clean Soap Works will be open until 7:00p! 

G&M Variety hosts extended hours until 9:00p on Friday, December 6!

Grins of St. Joseph will offer Christmas specials including their daily Advent deal! 

Shoppers will get 15-30% off items in store at Harbor Town Interiors!

Enjoy 10-20% off select merchandise and complimentary gift wrapping at Jewelfire Diamond Center!

During Merry & Bright Weekend, December 6-8, shoppers will receive 20% off their entire purchase at Lee & Birch

Oh My Darlings will offer complimentary snacks + refreshments and a free gift with all purchases

Stop by the Olive Cart and enter their KitchenAid Stand Mixer giveaway!

During Merry & Bright Weekend, the Spa at Harbor Shores will offer a special promotion - purchase one massage and receive a facial for free! It’s the perfect way to treat yourself or a loved one to some holiday relaxation and rejuvenation.

Swing by the St. Joe Community Taproom and check out their brand new merchandise just in time for the holidays + a holiday themed drink release! 

Waterfront House of Framing & Fashion will offer 50% off storewide (excluding custom framing) all weekend long! Friday: Art Exhibition from 6:00p-7:00p!

White Pine Winery continues their Black Friday sale with 10% off 4 bottles; 15% off 6 bottles and 20% off 12 or more bottles of wine, mix and match.

Yours Truly, Elizabeth will offer beautifully handwritten addressing of envelopes with the purchase of boxed Christmas cards from 10:00a-4:00p on Saturday, December 7! 

 

 

Stay in the know

Sign up for our E-newsletters and get the latest happening in St. Joe!

Subscribe