As we head into the holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities to support local businesses and restaurants. From holiday open houses and winter events we’ll help you make the most of this holiday season!
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES & MARKETS
Urban Garage Market hosts their Holiday Open House on Friday, November 4 through Sunday, November 6! On November 5, enjoy two special DYI workshops: Make and Take Simmer Pot Jars from 10:00a-1:00p, no reservations needed, while supplies last; DIY Wood Sled Class from 2:00p-5:00p, revelations required.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss their Deer Widow’s Weekend on November 19-20
and Holiday Sip and Shop on December 8!
Celebrate the winter season with Perennial Accents during their Holiday Open House from 10:00a-8:00p on Saturday, November 5! Enjoy a free gift with purchase, complimentary gift wrapping with purchase, gift basket giveaways every 30 minutes and scrumptious treats in the kitchen all day.
Join the Spa at Harbor Shores for their Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 17 from 5:00p-7:00p. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers and wine samples as they browse retail products and chat with the Spa’s experience estheticians, massage therapists and cosmetologists.
Mark your calendars for G&M Variety’s first annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 19 from 10:00a-4:00p! Shoppers will enjoy a free gift with purchase, hourly drawings, snacks and extra savings.
The Box Factory for the Arts hosts their annual Makers Market on Saturday, November 26 from 9:00a-4:00p and on Sunday, November 27 from 10:00a-3:00p! This event will showcase hand-crafted goods from a variety of artisans.
Join Journeyman Distillery for their annual Autumn Artisan Market! This two-day market features a variety of artists and makers of all kinds. Hours run 11:00a-7:00p on Saturday, November 19 and 10:00a-5:00p on Sunday, November 20!
St. Joe Today hosts the first annual Holiday Artisan Fair from 12:00p-4:00p on Sunday, December 4! This event will be held indoors at Union + Social as part of the Merry & Bright Weekend, December 2-4.
JOLLY EVENTS
Stroll through our downtown as luminaries light your way to kick off the holiday season during Luminary on Friday, November 18 from 5:00p-8:00p! Participating locations invite you to eat, shop, drink and be merry while you enjoy this charming lakeside town.
SWMI businesses and restaurants host a Countdown to New Year, a daily giveaway event from December 1-31! Shoppers earn one entry per $25 purchase (one time or cumulative). Qualifying purchases must be made between November 18 and December 18.
INSIDER TIP: Earn double entries when you shop during Luminary (November 18),
Small Business Saturday (November 26), Window Wonderland (December 2)
and the Fanny Mae Memorial Reindog Parade (December 3)!
Celebrate small businesses in Southwest Michigan during Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 26! Local businesses are excited to welcome the community into their stores to find unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise. Small Business Saturday promotes shopping small to support your neighbors, family, friends and local economy.
View the dozens of storefronts that have decorated their windows for the holiday season during Window Wonderland on Friday, December 2 from 7:00p-8:30p. Vote for your favorite window at stjoetoday.com/vote!
INSIDER TIP: Lake Bluff Park is transformed into a winter wonderland,
featuring 1 million holiday lights during Light up the Bluff!
The ceremony kicks off on Friday, December 2 at 6:00p
with the St. Joseph High School Choir, followed
by the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30p.
The Fanny Mae Memorial Reindog Parade on Saturday, December 3 at 3:00p 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” and the arrival of santa to downtown St. Joseph – definitely a must-see event! Participants may register in-person at the Welcome Center or online at stjoetoday.com/reindog.
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 during the Letters to Santa event throughout the month of December. Santa's House will still take its spot on the corner of State and Pleasant Streets to serve as a drop-off for letters!
Mrs. Claus will read some of her favorite holiday books during Storytime with Mrs. Claus. Stories will be released online at stjoetoday.com/santa and on the St. Joe Today Facebook page - December 7, 13, 22.
