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 5! Watch as Lake Bluff Park is transformed into a winter wonderland. At 6p, 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 6, attendees can enjoy the lights daily
from 5:30a-8:30a and 5:30p-midnight!
Zo’s Mini Donuts will host special hours on Friday and Saturday from 5p-9p. They will be serving delicious hot & fresh donuts!
The Reindog Parade returns to downtown St. Joseph on Saturday, December 6 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 12p-2:45p at the Welcome Center (301 State Street). Sponsored by Mighty Dog Roofing and FuzzyButz Pet Boutique & Bakery.
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 4p-7p.
The Krasl Art Center hosts a weekend filled with events! Check out The Clay Guild Merry Makers Market for unique one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, Thursday-Sunday! On Friday, December 5 warm up during Light Up the Bluff from 6p-8p - enjoy Santa, artists sketching Santa, FREE hot chocolate and Ben's Pretzels (onsite in KAC lot). Head back on Saturday, December 6 for XL Family Fun Fest from 10a-2p! Attendees will enjoy a Costume Contest at 12p and Twas the Night Before Christmas Puppet Show with Marionette Playhouse at 1p. Bring the family for a day packed with activities! For just $10, purchase a punch card for up to 10 fun activities, such as crafts, cupcake decorating, face painting and more!
Catch the latest production by Twin City Players, A Christmas Carol! Weekend showtimes include Friday & Saturday at 7:30p and Sunday at 2p!
Lazy Ballerina Winery hosts festive events all weekend long! On Friday, shoppers will enjoy extended hours until 8p and a Pop Up with Charm Bar and Dirty Baker. Head back on Saturday for a Pop Up with Charm Bar from 1p-3p. Wrap up the weekend on Sunday with a DIY Macrame Ornament Pop Up with Banana Knots. All weekend long enjoy muled wine to go!
Local Pour hosts live music on Saturday, December 6 from 4p-7p!
Wanderlust Outfitters hosts a giveback weekend on Saturday & Sunday to benefit the Wonderland Toy Store. 10% of all sales from the day will be donated to assist families in need this Christmas.
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 21-December 14 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! Sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
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!
The Aware Lab hosts "Why Is Cranio-Sacral Therapy Right For Me" - a free workshop with Maria Falce of Kindred Root on Sunday, December 7 from 1p-3p.
Wrap up Merry & Bright Weekend with the Holiday Artisan Market from 11:00a-4:00p on Sunday, December 7! 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
Shoppers will enjoy additional savings and deals at these locations throughout Merry & Bright Weekend:
For every ticket higher than $25 you get a small bulk bag at Bricks and Minifigs Saint Joseph.
Find stocking stuffers and fun gift ideas at Caffe Tosi! Shoppers will enjoy get one free on all hats.
DK Boutique will offer 20% off storewide! *Excludes sales items.
FuzzyButz Pet Boutique & Bakery will offer a gift with purchase event on Saturday, December 6! Specially themed Christmas treats in the bakery!
Stop by Glik’s for cookies and hot drinks (treats for puppies, too)! Free gift wrapping and a drawing for a $25 gift card.
Lana’s Boutique offers extended hours and storewide sales!
Head to the Olive Cart for new holiday flavors and 15% off select items! Spend $50 to be entered into our Christmas Eve giveaway! Earn rewards with every dollar spent!
There's no place quite like The Silver Beach Carousel at holiday time! Be sure to stop by this Merry & Bright Weekend, check out their festive decor and hop on for a magical carousel ride!
Enter drawing to win a $25 Sourdough House & Coffee Bar gift card + Merry & Bright Latte Special!
Stock up on wine with White Pine Winery! Shoppers will enjoy 10% off 4-bottle purchase; 15% off 6-bottle purchase; and 20% off 12-bottle purchase.
