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!
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 11 from 12:00p-2:00p at Peat’s Cider Social! Enjoy bowling, hot cocoa, a photo op and letters to Santa station.
Get the chance to tell Santa what’s on your wish list during Cookies, Cocoa and Claus at Vineyard 2121 on Sunday, December 11 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.
Join the MOMS Club of St. Joseph at the YMCA of Greater Michiana (Benton Harbor-St. Joseph location) on Monday, December 12 for a Holiday Party: Cookies with Santa! From 3:30p-6:00p, attendees will enjoy pictures with Santa, cookie decorating and a raffle for prizes.
The Inn at Harbor Shores hosts Brunch with Santa and His Reindeer this Sunday, December 18 from 9:00a-3:00p. Attendees will enjoy an a la carte menu from Plank’s Tavern and a special visit with Santa - reservations recommended!
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 18 and December 18.
INSIDER TIP: December 18 is the LAST DAY to turn in receipts!
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department hosts a Holiday Collage Concert on Wednesday, December 7 at 7:00p! Groups performing include the LMC Jazz Bad, Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble Chamber, LMC Rock/Pop Ensemble and theatre students. Admission is free, however, there is a $5 or a new, unwrapped toy donation, suggested donation for Toys for Tots.
Sip & Shop with Urban Garage Market on Thursday, December 8 from 6:00p-8:00p! Shoppers will enjoy treats, drinks, store specials and giveaways. All Christmas decor will be 25% off.
Join the Benton Harbor Arts Association as they host their annual Holiday Hoppin Bazaar from 5:00p-9:00p on Friday, December 9. Participating locations will host live music, local artist booths, children’s activities, food vendors and more!
The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra hosts their Hollywood Holidays concert on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30p! This holiday-themed concert features a selection of holiday songs along with your favorite music from holiday films.
Celebrate the holiday season with the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan as they host Holiday Pride at Union + Social on Saturday, December 10 from 7:00p-10:00p! Attendees will enjoy live music by Andrew Fisher, hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary toast and a cash bar available.
The Box Factory for the Arts hosts a Christmas Concert featuring Bryan Lubeck on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00p. This intimate evening will put concertgoers into the holiday spirit with Bryan’s Spanish guitar stylings of holiday classics and new original material.
Head to The GhostLight for the last weekend of their latest production, Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish! Eleanor is the story of a rag doll who lives at The North Pole and has one wish for a best friend and home of her own. Showtimes run Saturday, December 10 at 10:30a and 1:00p; Sunday, December 11 at 1:00p and 4:00p.
Sarett Nature Center hosts a Winter Wonders Bazaar on December 10 from 11:00a-3:00p! Celebrate the winter season with holiday photos at the selfie station in front of the big fireplace, hot chocolate, baked goods, winter-inspired crafts and animal shows.
‘Tis the season for Christmas Minature Train Rides at Eden Springs Park! Catch the last two weekends of train rides on December 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 4:00p-8:00p. Tickets are $4, cash only.
The whole family is invited to Slackers Family Fun Center’s Holiday Bash on Friday, December 16 from 5:00p-9:00p. Admission is $20/person and includes unlimited laser tags, unlimited laser maze, unlimited time freak, unlimited bounce (ages 2-12) and arcade credits!
Don’t miss the last weekend of Twin City Players latest production Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly - “spend the holiday season with your favorite Pride and Prejudice characters as they gather at Pemberley, the stately home of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy”. Showtimes run Friday/Saturday at 7:30p and Sunday at 2:00p through December 18.
A Motown Christmas returns to The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College on December 18 at 7:00p. Attendees will enjoy a performance by The Motortown All-Stars a group comprised of vocalists and musicians from The Miracles, The Contours and The Temptations as they sing a variety of holiday songs!
MAGICAL LIGHT DISPLAYS
Light up the Bluff has transformed Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland, featuring 1 million holiday lights. The lights will remain on through February 15 in Michigan’s Most Romantic City. This display is sponsored by the St. Joseph Improvement Association in partnership with the City of St. Joseph. For more information, call (269) 983 5541. Attendees can enjoy the lights 5:30a-8:30a and 5:30p-midnight!
Stroll through the LIGHTS holiday display at Fernwood Botanical Gardens! Open Thursday-Sunday from 5:00p-9:00p through January 2, 2022. Advanced tickets are recommended.
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 in downtown in which alcoholic beverages from participating establishments can be carried and consumed. Come join us!
Sip & Shop for Christmas at Chill Hill Winery on Saturday, December 10 from 11:00a-4:00p. Shoppers will enjoy this holiday pop-up shop featuring six local businesses and their one-of-a-kind gift options!
Head to Haymarket Taproom on Saturday, December 10 for their annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at 6:00p! Enjoy live music featuring Pablo’s Great Revenge from 6:00p-9:00p. Wear an ugly sweater to be entered into a raffle!
Silver Harbor Brewing Co. hosts Trivia Night: Holiday Movies on Thursday, December 15 at 7:00p! Test your holiday knowledge during this festive trivia night. Free to play!
Throw on your favorite ugly sweater and head to Vineyard 2121 for their annual Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, December 17 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!
Reserve your spot for some more trivia this holiday season! Round Barn Brewery & Public House hosts Christmas Trivia on Saturday, December 18 at 2:00p! Limited seating available, must reserve in advance.
Get creative with Lazy Ballerina Winery during their Holiday Wine Glass Painting on December 21 from 5:30p-7:00p! Choose from a variety of examples or create your own design.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss their Christmas Cookie Decorating Class on
Sunday, December 18!
Throw on that ugly sweater and head over to Watermark Brewing’s Ugly Sweater Party on Friday, December 23 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 (benefits CASA). $15 entry gets you into both venues and a keepsake glass!
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.
A holiday favorite returns to The Livery on Saturday, December 23 at 7:30p - Paul Mow’s 12th 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 9-10!
The Livery’s annual celebration of dark and barrel-ages
beers.
