When the hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joe are lit and the streetlights go down, the magic of the upcoming holiday season comes alive for thousands who take time to pay a visit to the brick-lined streets for a welcoming launch to the holidays. Plan now to be there on Friday, November 22nd.
Warm candlelight will heralds the holiday season the city’s central business district as St. Joseph Today hosts their 25th Annual Luminary Festival welcoming shoppers to the downtown fun from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, November 22nd.
The holiday season always begins with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of the Victorian-era downtown when the Luminary Festival is celebrated. The 25th Annual Luminary Festival is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, and is designed to create a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy the refreshments, special prices and gift ideas galore from participating restaurants and shopkeepers.
Amy Zapal, Executive Director of St. Joseph Today, says, “All ages are invited to head downtown for this festive event,” and adds, “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate, grab a sweet treat, or get a jump start on your holiday gift shopping it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
Festival participants and sustaining sponsors include:
- 4A Song Vinyl
- Alley Cuts
- Baroda Founders
- DK Boutique
- Edgewater Gifts
- Elephants Breath Antiques
- Forever Books
- Freedom Boat Club
- Friends by Design
- Fusion Center for Dance
- FuzzyButz Pet Bakery
- G&M Variety
- Gallery on the Alley
- Glik’s
- Grins of St. Joseph
- HarborTown Interiors
- Kilwins
- Lazy Ballerina Winery
- Nosh Village
- Olive Cart
- Perennial Accents
- PurelyMichigan
- ReVive Spa
- South Bend Chocolate Café
- State Street Stuff
- The Boulevard Inn & Bistro
- Third Coast Surf Shop
- Wanderlust Outfitters
- Waterfront Framing & Design
- The Whitcomb Retirement Community
- White Pine Winery
A variety of participants will host businesses and/or offer specials in house. For example:
- Wanderlust Outfitters will feature a preview of their Black Friday sales
- White Pine Winery will offer mulled wine samples
- Third Coast Surf Shop will offer 40-percent off select items and new snowboarding gear in store
- Perennial Accents will offer a free gift with purchase
- Forever Books will offer hot chocolate and cookies
Zapal says that the Luminary Festival is the kick-off to holiday shopping and that many downtown businesses will offer free gift wrapping throughout the holiday season, noting “Shopping locally is a great way to get unique and special gifts for everyone on your list while supporting our local businesses and community. As if Luminary Festival wasn’t enough, everyone is encouraged to join us on Saturday, November 30th for Small Business Saturday for additional specials.”
St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events, you can visit online at stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, stop by the Welcome Center or call 269-985-1111.
