After the year that 2020 has turned out to be, the holiday season this year will be a major focus for many families hoping to renew traditions and gain some semblance of normalcy, and St. Joe Today is offering one of the best ways to kick start that in a safe way by strolling the central business district for the 2020 Luminary.
The holiday season will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5:00pm-8:00pm on November 20th. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Holt Bosse, creates a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales and promotions, specialty items, drawings and giveaways, free gift wrapping 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.”
Additionally, St. Joseph Today will kick off the holiday music a little earlier this year. Zapal reports, “St. Joe Today added holiday music throughout downtown in 2019 as part of Window Wonderland,” adding, “This year we wanted to start the holiday festivities a little earlier during the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. We’re hoping to spread a little extra cheer this year.”
Participating locations include the following:
- 221 Main Restaurant & Cocktail House
- Baroda Founders Winery
- Caffe Tosi
- DK Boutique
- G&M Variety
- Grins of St. Joseph
- Oh My Darlings
- Olive Cart
- Perennial Accents
- ReVive Spa
- Silver Harbor Brewing
- State Street Stuff
- The Buck Burgers & Brew
- The Natural Gem
- Third Coast Surf Shop
- White Pine Winery
New this year, St. Joseph Today, the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.
Through the partnership, new winter lights will be placed downtown along State St. (from Elm St. to Ship St.) as well as Broad St. and Ship St. (Lake Blvd. to Main St.) and Pleasant St. (Lake Blvd. to Court St.). The winter lights will kick off on November 20th, during the Luminary weekend, and remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.
St. Joe Today offers up special thanks to Edward J. Todd for helping to bring that winter project to the downtown, saying, “Edward J. Todd is devoted to supporting the education of our local youth as well as supporting the growth of local businesses through community events.”
Zapal explains, “Our hope is to make outdoor spaces more inviting during the winter,” and adds, “Downtown St. Joseph will transform into a winter wonderland, enticing visitors, shoppers and diners alike, for the holidays and throughout the winter. We invite the community to enjoy this winter season and support local businesses.”
For more information on Luminary visit online at: http://stjoetoday.com/luminary.
St. Joe Today also invites everyone to catch these upcoming fall and winter events:
- Small Business Saturday: Saturday, November 28th (all day)
- Window Wonderland: Friday, December 4th (7:00pm-8:30pm)
- Reindog Holiday Parade: Saturday, December 5th (3:00pm)
