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 calendar is full of fun, seasonal events — our shops are bursting with gift ideas. Celebrate the holidays with us!

The Christmas Tree

This charming store just four miles north of St. Joseph has brought joy to the world for over 30 years. Open year-round, the second you walk through the bright red door you are in a Christmas-y mood, whether on July 1st or December 24th. It’s your stop for one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see in big-box stores, making it the perfect place to shop for thoughtful, memorable presents. Find hundreds of ornaments, holiday décor, collectibles, baby keepsakes, and delicious party food. The selection of clothing, garden accessories, and home décor ensures bringing home presents for everyone on your list. Gift wrapping and complementary Michigan mints add to your shopping joy.

Holiday Decorating with Crystal Springs Florist

This shop is brimming with sights, sounds, and fragrances that instantly fill you with holiday cheer. 

Discover inspiring holiday decorating ideas, from Thanksgiving accents to themed Christmas trees, unique lights, and ornaments. Browse a wide selection of holiday plants, centerpieces, and customizable wreaths—both live and artificial—for any space, including your home, office, or a loved one’s gravesite. You’ll also find a wide selection of gifts and decorations, such as nativity sets, snowmen, angels, and items you won’t see elsewhere in our area.

While you shop, enjoy refreshments and enter prize drawings. To make your choices easier, bring paint chips, fabric swatches, or photos of the rooms you’re decorating.

JLN Creative Art Studio Classes

One of the quickest ways to kickstart your holiday spirit is to take a painting class at this Stevensville studio. 

• Nov. 21 | Grinch-themed Painting Class | 6-7:30 p.m. | Ages 10+ | Trace, paint and add glitter

Here are more relaxing holiday-themed classes to do solo, with family or friends. 

Froehlich’s Kindlemart

Experience Froehlich’s first annual Kindlemart, held in Three Oaks every Saturday from November 16 to December 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inspired by the centuries-old Christkindlmarkt tradition from Nuremberg, Germany, and its well-loved Chicago counterpart, this festive market will offer a chance for families and artisans to celebrate the holiday season together. Admission is free and guests can enjoy shopping from local vendors.

Luminary Festival & Window Wonderland

Kick off the holiday season in downtown St. Joseph with two festive events on Friday, November 22 from 5-8 p.m. The Luminary Festival 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. Simultaneously, Window Wonderland invites you to admire the beautifully decorated storefronts. This is perfect for a fun family outing or a date night.

Countdown to New Year

Get ready to make your holiday shopping extra festive! Join the Countdown to New Year in downtown St. Joseph from November 22 through December 15. 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.

2nd Annual Songs of the Season Holiday Concert

Fa, la, la, la, la. The 2nd Annual Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert is the best stress reliever. Join us on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. at the 1839 Courthouse in Berrien Springs. It’s tough to top a holiday cookie buffet paired with joyful music!

The Magic of Christmas Comes Alive at The Citadel Spectacular

Mark your calendars for a delightful holiday experience! The Citadel Dance & Music Center presents "The Citadel Spectacular," a 90-minute family-friendly production on December 13th (6:00 PM) and December 14th (11:00 AM & 6:00 PM) at the Mendel Main Stage at Lake Michigan College. Featuring a joyous collection of classic holiday tunes and high-energy dance routines by over 40 students and faculty, the show promises festive nostalgia for all ages. Hosted by Santa Claus (played by Andrew Fisher), the performance will transport you to the North Pole on Christmas Eve with appearances by favorite holiday characters and energetic dance numbers.  Don't miss the chance to create lasting memories! Tickets range from $15-$20 and can be purchased online. Plus, for an extra dose of holiday cheer, consider adding a pre-show party (Saturday evening) or a post-show party (Saturday morning/afternoon) where children can meet Santa, enjoy refreshments, and partake in festive activities!

Christmas in the Village

Have a festive family afternoon at Stevenville’s Christmas in the Village, Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. There are sleigh rides, cookie and donut decorating, letters to Santa free photos with the jolly visitor from the North Pole, face painting, a goodie bag scavenger hunt, games, and more. You will want to come back year after year. 

 Kindle Your Christmas Spirit 

Want to introduce your family and friends to an old-fashioned Christmas? The annual Kindle Your Christmas Spirit at the Berrien Springs Courthouse Square will warm your hearts with peace and joy. Join the festivities on December 12 at 6 p.m. Watch the sleigh bells blacksmithing demonstration inside the forge and buy bells to bring home. Choose your favorite drink from the Hot Cocoa Bar in the cabin. Search the grounds while playing a scavenger hunt for prizes then shop in the gift shop and from on-site vendors. 

Reindog Holiday Parade

Oh, what fun it is to watch the annual Reindog Parade in downtown St. Joseph! This annual giggle-maker steps off on December 7 at 3 p.m. If the costumed pets, from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers,” and their owners don’t brighten your day, the much-anticipated arrival of Santa will. Look for him at the end of the parade then bring your children to whisper their wishes in his ear at Santa’s House on State Street. 

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 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in December before Christmas.

LIGHTS at Fernwood 

The LIGHTS are back, brighter and more magical than ever! This popular, professionally designed light show returns after a hiatus to Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve in Niles! Don’t miss it. From November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025, at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. 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 cozy 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. Make this a holiday tradition! Tickets are limited, so purchase in advance for the date and entry time you want. Admission includes complimentary parking.

DOM Ensembles Christmas Extravaganza

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

The concerts are on December 7 and December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Return on December 14 for the Andrews Academy Christmas Pops Concert at 8 p.m.

Check out these uplifting November and December performances, too.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Wow everyone in your family with this captivating show that blends circus artistry with beloved holiday music. The December 7 show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor. Watch amazing acrobatics and breathtaking aerial feats that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

More Merry Happenings

Throughout December, Southwest Michigan is filled with holiday-themed events to keep the festive spirit alive up to the new year. For the latest schedule, visit the Southwest Michigan events page and discover all the merry happenings. 

Celebrate with Us for More than a Day

Festive events, shopping, touring our towns to see their brilliant light displays, playing in the pristine snow and eating delicious foods and craft beverages can easily fill over 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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