Photo Credit: Paul Anderson
It’s official: December is here in Southwest Michigan, and with it come a huge selection of holiday-inspired festivals, performances, and other events. Here’s three that sound especially fun:
A Baby Changes Everything - A Christmas Musical
The story of the nativity is told through music (including Christmas favorites as well as some new selections). Free, December 5 and 6 @ 7 PM at The Chapel Evangelical Free Church, 4250 Washington Ave, St. Joseph. Refreshments will be served after performances. Call 269-429-1041 or visit The Chapel’s website for more details.
Round Barn Winery Holiday Open House & Noir Nouveau Release
For wine lovers with little ones, the Round Barn Winery is a treat: a large, kid-friendly space that doesn’t take itself too seriously (but does put out some seriously good wine). Try the first wine from the 09 harvest, enjoy appetizers, do some shopping and meet Santa Claus. Saturday, December 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Round Barn Winery & Distillery, 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, MI.
Santa Claus, Carols and Art, Saugatuck
Head to the downtown Saugatuck Center for the Arts to shop at the Winter Greenmarket featuring gifts, greenery and more from local artisans and farms (starting at 10 AM), participate in a community carol sing-a-long (11 AM), or listen to a costumed Dickens-esque chorale (12 – 2). Make your way outside at 1:00 PM to see Santa make his way into town during the traditional holiday parade, then come back to the Center for the Arts to meet the jolly old elf in person. The SCA opens at 10 AM and the fun continues until 3 PM.
If none of those options float your sleigh, there’s a detailed calendar at Blue Star Highway with a variety of other events. How will you spend your first December weekend?