Holiday shoppers seeking great deals will find them throughout Southwest Michigan (SWMI), on Black Friday, November 28, and Small Business Saturday, November 29.
"Find unique, locally sourced gifts for everyone on your list right here in St. Joe," says Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. "Our local merchants offer everything from gourmet foods and handcrafted wines to one-of-a-kind toys and games."
Knapp said another appreciated gift this holiday season is a Love Local SWMI Gift Card, redeemable at participating SJT member stores and restaurants throughout SWMI. This digital gift card can be purchased online at stjoetoday.com/giftcards.
SJT acts as a Neighborhood Champion for the American Express Small Business Saturday national campaign and will hand out a limited number of swag items on Saturday, November 29 at the Welcome Center.
According to the Civic Economic Study in Grand Rapids, MI, when someone spends $100 at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the local community.
Local businesses offering Small Business Saturday specials include 1232 Broad St Mercantile, Affinity Salon & Spa, Box Factory for the Arts, Bricks and Minifigs St. Joseph, Caffe Tosi, Chartreuse Art Co-Op, DK Boutique, Edgewater Gifts, Forever Books, FuzzyButz Pet Boutique & Bakery, G & M Variety, Gallery on the Alley, Gliks, Gumper the Rabbit, Jewelfire Diamond Center, Lana's Boutique, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Loafing with Brittney, Local Pour, Oh My Darlings, Olive Cart, Perennial Accents, Sourdough House & Coffee Bar, St. Joe Today, State Street Stuff, The Acorn, The Christmas Tree, The Culinary Cottage, The Inn at Harbor Shores, The Salvation Army Benton Harbor, Wanderlust Outfitters, White Pine Winery, Wolf's Marine and Yoga Life! For a full list of shops and Small Business Saturday specials, visit stjoetoday.com/shopsmall. Sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
In addition to the amazing deals and special offers, downtown shoppers will enjoy a ride on the Holiday Trolley throughout downtown St. Joseph. Rides on the holiday-decorated trolley will be offered between 12:00p-5:00p.
To make the most of the giving season, St. Joe Today is excited to host Countdown to New Year, a daily giveaway event throughout the month of December! Shoppers earn one entry per $25 purchase (one time or cumulative) at a St. Joe Today member business. Qualifying purchases must be made between November 21 and December 14 - earn double points for shopping on Luminary (November 21), Small Business Saturday (November 29) and the Reindog Parade (December 6). Additional qualifying purchases include St. Joe Today Gift Certificates and St. Joe Winter Beer Fest tickets (on sale at 10:00a December 1). Receipts for purchases must be presented to an SJT staff member at the Welcome Center by December 14. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local SWMI business. Visit stjoetoday.com/countdown for more information. Sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
Additionally, shoppers and diners alike will enjoy a magical experience this winter season while downtown. Beautiful winter lights and festive holiday music throughout downtown St. Joseph will enhance the holiday atmosphere. The lights will remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff (December 1 through February 15).
Catch these additional upcoming St. Joe Today winter events:
Luminary: Friday, November 21 (5:00p-8:00p)
Countdown to New Year: November 21-December 14
Small Business Saturday: Saturday, November 29 (All Day)
Merry & Bright Weekend: December 5-7 (All Weekend)
Reindog Parade: Saturday, December 6 (3:00p)
Santa Series: December 6-23 (Select Dates/Times)
Holiday Artisan Market: Sunday, December 7 (11:00a-4:00p)
St. Joe Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Michigan and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events and details call St. Joe Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.
St. Joseph Today
-
Paul Knapp Executive Director
- November 18, 2025
- (269) 985-1111
- Send Email
