Early Christmas Celebrations

The holidays are the best time of year, filled with joy, a giving spirit, heartwarming family traditions and music that evokes the happiest moments of childhood. While some wait until after Thanksgiving to start thinking about Christmas, Southwest Michigan can’t wait to get in the festive spirit! Our November and early December calendars are full of fun, seasonal events and our shops are bursting with gift ideas. Celebrate the holidays with us!

Holiday Decorating With Crystal Springs Florist

This shop is brimming with holiday decorating ideas, from Thanksgiving accents to themed Christmas trees, unique ornaments, holiday plants, centerpieces and customizable wreaths. Circle the second Saturday in November for one of Southwest Michigan’s most-loved Christmas Open Houses. Enjoy seasonal treats, prize drawings and plenty of ways to brighten your and others’ holidays.

Froehlich’s Kindlemart

Experience Froehlich’s Kindlemart, held in Three Oaks on three Saturdays, from late November to mid-December. Inspired by the centuries-old Christkindlmarkt tradition from Nuremberg, Germany and its well-loved Chicago counterpart, this festive market lets families meet regional artisans to fill the holidays with cheer. Admission is free and you’re welcome to browse the market, enjoy breakfast or lunch in the café and take home fresh treats from the bakery.

Luminary Festival

Kick off the holiday season in downtown St. Joseph on Friday, the week before Thanksgiving. Luminary will light up the streets with hundreds of luminarias, creating a magical atmosphere as you stroll through the downtown area. Participating shops will offer refreshments, holiday sales and unique gift items. Bundle up. This is a fun family outing or a romantic date night.

Countdown To New Year

Get ready to make your holiday gift hunting extra festive! Join the Countdown to New Year in downtown St. Joseph from late November to mid-December. Shop and dine at local spots, then submit your receipts to the St. Joe Today Welcome Center to enter to win local gift cards. For every $25 you spend — whether you make one big purchase or a few small ones — you’ll earn an entry into the drawing. With winners selected throughout December, the more you eat, shop, stay and play locally, the better your chances! Don’t miss out on the holiday fun and rewards.

Christmas In The Village

Have a festive family afternoon at Stevensville’s Christmas in the Village, the first Saturday of December. There are sleigh rides, free family photos with Santa, food trucks, games and more. You will want to come back year after year.

Reindog Holiday Parade

Oh, what fun it is to watch the annual Reindog Parade and join the Merry & Bright Weekend festivities the first weekend in December in downtown St. Joseph. Costumed pets, from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers,” their proud owners and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa will brighten your day at any age. Be sure to spot the famous guest from the North Pole at the parade’s end, then bring your children to share their wishes with him at Santa’s House on State Street.

Kindle Your Christmas Spirit 

Want to introduce your family and friends to a heartwarming, small-town Christmas? The annual Kindle Your Christmas Spirit in downtown Berrien Springs will fill your hearts with peace and joy. Join the festivities on the second Thursday of December. The festival includes the Christmas Tree Lighting in Memorial Park, live music performances on the downtown stage, ice sculptures, trolley rides and a chance to vote for your favorite decorated storefront.

Eden Springs Park Christmas Train Rides

All aboard! Bring the family to ride a miniature train through a winter wonderland at Eden Springs Park. Trains leave the station evenings on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, leading up to Christmas.

LIGHTS At Fernwood 

Ready to be wowed? This popular, professionally designed light show chases away the gloom of shorter, darker days at Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve in Niles! Don’t miss it. From the last Saturday in November to the first Saturday in January, you can escape the holiday hustle and step into a glowing wonderland. Stroll through mesmerizing light tunnels, admire nature-inspired sculptures, express your creativity in the craft station and be awed by the giant Lite-Brite® — then warm up around the fire pits. 

With festive music in the air, steaming hot chocolate, seasonal drinks, tasty snacks and light-up merchandise, there’s something to delight every family member. After one visit, you will make this a holiday tradition! Tickets are limited and for specific times, so purchase in advance for the date and entry time you want. Admission includes complimentary parking.

Department of Music Ensembles Christmas Extravaganza

Nothing will get you in the Christmas spirit quicker than the Ensembles Christmas Extravaganza at the Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrews University in Berrien Springs.

The concerts are on the first Saturday of December. Return the second Saturday for the Andrews Academy Christmas Pops Concert.

Check out these uplifting November and December performances, too.

Renowned Music and Acrobatic Performances

Rise to your feet, swaying and clapping along to live performances by regional and national rising stars, legendary musicians and tribute bands that sound just like the originals. Be amazed by acrobatics and aerial feats that keep you on the edge of your seat. Check what’s playing in Southwest Michigan during your holiday visit and consider giving the gift of an unforgettable experience — unwrapping these tickets will bring smiles to everyone on your list.

• Silver Creek Event Center, Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo

• The Acorn, Three Oaks

• The Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor

More Merry Happenings

As the December and early-January holidays approach, there are still memory-making events to bring you and your loved ones together. For the latest schedule, visit the Southwest Michigan events page and discover all the merry happenings. Here are two you won’t want to miss.

A Steamed Nutcracker, performed live in December by dancers from the Citadel Dance & Music Center, is a steampunk twist on a holiday favorite. Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed by a professional orchestra as young artists present multiple dance genres on The Mendel Center stage at Lake Michigan College.

Between the early afternoon and evening shows, immerse in the magic of the classical story at Sansa’s Tea Party, held in the North Lobby. This ticketed event is a traditional tea party including tea, cocoa, savory and sweet treats.

Paul Mow & Friends Annual Holiday Show at The Livery brings all the feels, all the holiday cheer and a little magic to tie it all together! Featuring Paul Mow, the classically trained tenor, along with a star-studded cast of performers, The Livery brewery in the Benton Harbor Arts District is the stress-free place to be just days before Christmas!

Celebrate with Us for More than a Day

Festive events, shopping, light displays, snowy adventures and delicious food and craft beverages can easily fill more than two days. Plan to extend your stay by booking one of our local hotels, many of which offer amenities like indoor pools and complimentary breakfasts. It’s the perfect way to make the most of this magical time of year. Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season!

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