By now we are usually on our second bag of ice melt for the sidewalk and driveway… but not this year! Take advantage of our dry Winter, and go out for some holiday fun. Southwest Michigan is packed full of family activities and fun Christmas-y events, and you can find a few of them here:
Tuesday, December 13th, the Lazy Ballerina Winery in St. Joseph hosts local artisan Kimy Battista, as she leads her Earring Making Class. From 5:30 – 7 p.m at the St. Joseph Tasting Room, be jolly with friends as you sip delicious wines and create wearable art. (A great gift!) The $55 ticket price includes all materials to make two pair, and comes with a beverage of your choice. Reservations are required, and can be purchased here. They are also hosting a Christmas Cookie Decorating Class this Sunday, 12/18, at 1 p.m. Cassie Bolt with Sweet Chick Cookie Co. helps to make the holidays even sweeter!
Silver Harbor Brewing Company in St. Joseph offers Holiday Movie Trivia Night this Thursday, December 15th, so it’s time to test your seasonal film knowledge! Doors open at 6 p.m, and trivia begins at 7. If you’ve recently acquired a new (and hideous) ugly Christmas sweater, Niles Brewing Company December Third Thursday celebration is an Ugly Sweater Party– compete for best (or worst?) sweater, for a chance to win prizes. The party begins at 5 p.m! Drink specials will be available all night, and it sounds like the coziest way to celebrate the season.
Modern Vultures will be hitting the stage at The Livery this Friday, December 16th, for another fabulous show you don’t want to miss. Tickets are $10 at the door, and the show begins at 8 p.m. This group is a fantastic blend of SWMI talent, and band merch makes great gifts!
On Saturday, December 17th, head over to the Benton Harbor Public Library for their Junior Department Holiday Open House, and enjoy an afternoon of free fun. From Noon to 2 p.m, construct holiday crafts, enjoy snacks, and share in the togetherness of the season. New Buffalo High School is also offering free Christmas activities, from 2 p.m – 4 p.m, before the live performance of their Christmas Radio Show in the PAC. Decorate cookies, visit with Santa, and make decorations for home – it’s the season to be merry and bright, after all.
The December Market at Salted Words in Dowagiac is happening this weekend, Saturday the 17th, from 10 a.m – 6 p.m. Instead of a three day market, it will only be Saturday this month, so don’t forget! There are over fifty vendors providing wares for the day, Revive Coffee will have a popup booth, and kids can enjoy a candy cane hunt. Learn more on their social media page.
Add some holiday time with the Whoville Cheermeister, when the Grinch visits The Buck Burgers & Brew on Sunday, December 18th. From Noon to 2 p.m, and from 4:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m, dine-in and hang out with the most pleasant toadstool of all. Sarett Nature Center is hosting a Women In Nature Event at the John & Dede Howard Ice Arena in St. Joseph, beginning at 1 p.m. This event, open to all ages and levels of ice skaters, will offer rentals on-site, and you can register by calling (269) 927-4832.
Sunday 12/18 closes out this year’s Christmas Train Rides at Eden Springs Park at the House of David, but you can still go both days this weekend. Children ages three and under ride free, and everyone else is just $4 per person (cash only). Trains run from 4 p.m to 8 p.m, and the grounds are enchanting and festive.
Southwest Michigan is a gorgeous winter wonderland when it snows, and a magical, sparkly place even when it doesn’t. Grab your friends and family and start some new traditions this year. There is so much more to do!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
