The holiday season will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5:00p-8:00p on Friday, November 18. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Holt Bosse, creates a great atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales/promotions, specialty items, drawings/giveaways, free gift wrapping and gift ideas galore from participating restaurants and shopkeepers.
“All ages are invited to head downtown for this festive event,” said Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate or a sweet treat, grab dinner at any of the fantastic restaurants in downtown St. Joe, or get a jump start on your holiday gift shopping, it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
Additionally, St. Joe Today will kick off the holiday music in downtown St. Joseph during Luminary weekend. Zapal says, “We are excited to continue the tradition and to spread a little extra cheer this holiday season.”
Participating locations include Baroda Founders, Caffe Tosi, Chartreuse, DK Boutique, Finalé Touch, Forever Books, Forté Coffee, Fusion Center For Dance, G&M Variety, Gallery on the Alley, Glik’s, Grins of St. Joseph, HarborTown Interiors, Infusco Coffee, Krasl Art Center, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Oh My Darlings, Olive Cart, Perennial Accents, Revive Spa, South Bend Chocolate Company, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, St. Joe Community Taproom, St. Joe Today, St. Joe Wine Shoppe, The Aesthetics Lounge and Spa, The Candlestick Maker, The Cheese Lady, The Market, The Toy Company, The Whitcomb, Third Coast Surf Shop, Wanderlust Outfitters, Waterfront House of Framing & Fashion and White Pine Winery!
A variety of participating locations will offer extended hours and/or specials. Wanderlust Outfitters will feature a preview of their Black Friday sales from 5:00p-8:00p; Forever Books hosts children’s author and illustrator Talitha Shipman as she autographs her picture book, First Snow, as well as some of her other books from 5:00p-8:00p; the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra office will remain until 8:00p and they will offer a 18% discount on tickets to their December 10 Holiday Holidays Concert; St. Joe Community Taproom will offer Social District drinks for guests. Don’t forget to check out the east side of Main Street – Silver Harbor Brewing Co., vendors inside The Market and ReVive Spa will offer extended hours! For more information on Luminary visit stjoetoday.com/luminary.
Additionally, shoppers and diners alike will enjoy a magical experience this winter season while downtown. Winter lights have been placed 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 Luminary and remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff (December 3 through February 15). This project is presented by the City of St. Joseph.
Zapal says that many downtown businesses will offer specials, such as complimentary gift wrapping, throughout the holiday season. “Shopping locally is a great way to get unique and special gifts for everyone on your list while supporting our local businesses and community. In addition to Luminary, everyone is encouraged to join the fun on Saturday, November 26 for Small Business Saturday for even more great shopping.” For more information on Small Business Saturday visit stjoetoday.com/shopsmall.
Catch these upcoming St. Joe Today fall and winter events:
Luminary: November 18 (5:00p-8:00p)
Countdown to New Year: November 18-December 18
Small Business Saturday: November 26 (all day)
Window Wonderland: December 2 (7:00p-8:30p)
Fanny Mae Memorial Reindog Parade: December 3 (3:00p)
Santa Series: December 3-23 (select dates)
Holiday Artisan Fair: December 4 (12:00p-4:00p)
