Winter in Harbor Country is nothing short of magical! This scenic southwest Michigan region has it all. Peacock & Company has rounded up the best winter activities—from twinkling parades to serene hikes— on one elite local list so you can make the most of the season. Ready to explore all the holiday fun Harbor Country has to offer? Let’s fill our thermoses with our favorite warm beverages, bundle up, and enjoy this festive season in the mitten.
Explore Harbor Country's Best Holiday Markets and Parades
These beloved traditions draw locals and visitors alike, offering unique opportunities to shop for handcrafted gifts, experience community celebrations, and take in the magic of the holidays. Whether you’re strolling through a charming market or catching a glimpse of Santa at the end of a parade, these events are the heart of the season in southwest Michigan.
Froehlich’s Kindlemart
- Date: Every Saturday, November 29-December 21
- Location: Froehlich’s Bakery & Deli Three Oaks, MI
- Cost: Free entry
- Parking: Free street parking is available throughout downtown Three Oaks, but it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot close to the event.
- Insider Tip: This is one of our favorite Thee Oaks Christmas traditions. Warm up with one of Froehlich’s signature hot drinks while browsing the vendors. Be sure to try their famous holiday baked goods—perfect for gifting or treating yourself! The market also features live music and local artisans, making it a great stop for unique, handmade gifts.
Dowagiac Candlelight Christmas Parade
- Date: December 8, 2024, 7:00 PM
- Location: Downtown Dowagiac, MI
- Cost: Free for all attendees
- Parking: Street parking is available throughout downtown Dowagiac, and there are free public parking lots near the event. Arriving early will secure the best spots for parade viewing.
- Insider Tip: Bring a blanket or chair for more comfortable parade viewing, especially if you plan to bring the whole family. Many local shops will offer hot drinks and treats, so grab something warm to enjoy while you watch the parade.
Reindog Holiday Parade
- Date: December 7, 2024, 3:00 PM
- Location: Downtown St. Joseph, MI
- Cost: Free to attend; Small registration fee required for parade participants
- Parking: Free parking is available throughout downtown St. Joseph, but it fills up quickly. Arriving early will give you time to secure a spot and enjoy other holiday festivities in town.
- Insider Tip: Dress warmly, and don’t forget your camera! The parade is packed with adorable dogs in their festive costumes, and there are plenty of photo-worthy moments. After the parade, stick around downtown to explore the holiday decorations and stop by local shops for seasonal treats.
Festive Holiday Festivals and Performances
If you’re in the mood for music, theater, or seasonal entertainment, Harbor Country delivers an array of holiday shows, festivals, and performances. There's no shortage of entertainment to enjoy with family and friends during the most magical time of year.
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
- Date: December 21, 2024, 6:30 PM
- Location: The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI
- Cost: Tickets start at $24, with discounts for students and seniors
- Parking: Free parking is available at The Mendel Center, but arriving early is recommended to avoid the rush and get the best seats.
- Insider Tip: This popular event sells out quickly, so purchase tickets in advance. The concert features a festive selection of holiday classics and carols performed by the region’s premier symphony orchestra. Dress in holiday colors to fully embrace the festive spirit!
Harbor Country Holiday Concert
- Date: December 8, 2024, 4:00 PM
- Location: The Acorn, Three Oaks, MI
- Cost: Free to attend. No registration required.
- Parking: Free parking is available in lots near The Acorn Theater and nearby streets.
- Insider Tip: This concert features local talent, bringing together musicians across Harbor Country. It's a great way to celebrate the season while supporting the local arts scene. The Acorn Theater’s cozy atmosphere makes this concert feel even more festive, so grab a glass of wine from the lobby bar before the show begins.
St. Joseph MI Ice Festival and Light Displays
- Date: February 2-4, 2025
- Location: Downtown St. Joseph, MI
- Cost: Free to attend
- Parking: Free parking is available throughout downtown St. Joseph, but the festival draws large crowds, so plan to arrive early or consider carpooling.
- What to Expect: This event is more than just a light display—St. Joseph’s Ice Festival features an impressive collection of hand-carved ice sculptures and a light display that brings these frozen works of art to life after dark. As you stroll through the streets of St. Joseph, you’ll also find live ice-carving demonstrations, refreshments, activities for kids, and plenty of festive cheer.
St. Joseph’s Silver Beach Center Events
- Date: Countdown to Noon– December 31, 2024; other events run throughout the holiday season
- Location: Silver Beach Center, St. Joseph, MI
- Cost: Entry is free, but rides on the carousel are $3 per person
- Parking: Free parking is available at Silver Beach, though it can fill up quickly during larger events. Arriving early ensures plenty of time to explore.
- Insider Tip: Don’t miss Santa’s Arrival when Santa makes his grand entrance at Silver Beach Carousel or ring in the New Year in the daylight with this family-friendly countdown to noon, then stay to enjoy a ride on the beautifully restored, historic carousel. Afterward, take a walk along Silver Beach to enjoy the holiday lights and festive displays.
South Haven Ice-Breaker Festival
- Date: February 3-4, 2025
- Location: Downtown South Haven, MI
- Cost: Free to attend, with some activities requiring a small fee (such as the ice sculpture workshops)
- Parking: Free parking is available throughout downtown, though it can fill up quickly during peak times. Arriving early ensures you have time to explore.
- Insider Tip: Plan to visit during the ice carving competition on Saturday morning to watch talented artists create stunning sculptures. Warm up by the outdoor bonfires scattered throughout town, and be sure to check out the chili cook-off—a local favorite!
Seasonal Winery Events and Tastings
Harbor Country’s wineries take on a special kind of magic during winter. Many offer special holiday events, wine tastings, and outdoor experiences that keep the winter chill at bay.
Christmas Wonderland at Round Barn Winery
- Date: December 2-31, 2024, weekends only
- Location: Round Barn Winery, Baroda, MI
- Cost: Entry is free; wine tastings start at $12
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially on busy weekends.
- Insider Tip: Grab a seat by the outdoor firepits and enjoy a seasonal mulled wine or hot cider. Enjoy live music, holiday cocktails, and special events throughout the month. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas shop for unique holiday gifts, including local wines and festive décor. Even in the winter, Round Barn’s wine slushies are a local favorite you won’t want to miss!
Holiday Events at Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant
- Date: December weekends, select evenings for holiday dinners
- Location: Tabor Hill Winery, Buchanan, MI
- Cost: Tastings from $15; special holiday dinner events are reservation only, starting at $60 per person
- Parking: On-site parking is available, but make a reservation for special dining events as these sell out quickly.
- Insider Tip: Book a table for one of Tabor Hill’s holiday wine pairing dinners—these feature seasonal dishes prepared by the winery’s expert chefs, paired with their award-winning wines.
Wyncroft/Marland Vineyards Winter Wine Events
- Date: Select Saturdays in December and January (check website for exact dates)
- Location: Wyncroft/Marland Vineyards, Buchanan, MI
- Cost: Tastings from $25; reservations are required for private tours
- Parking: Limited parking is available at the vineyard, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for larger groups.
- Insider Tip: For a more intimate experience, opt for a private vineyard tour. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Wyncroft’s artisanal wine-making process, followed by a guided tasting of their rare, handcrafted wines.
- What to Expect: Known for its small-batch, high-quality wines, Wyncroft/Marland offers a tranquil winter retreat. Their special winter wine events feature intimate tastings of their limited-edition wines paired with artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
Winter Adventures in Harbor Country
Winter in Harbor Country offers more than just holiday cheer—it’s also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for fun in the crisp, cool air. The region transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for exploring, from scenic snowshoe hikes to thrilling sledding hills.
Winter Hikes at Warren Dunes State Park
- Date: Open year-round
- Location: Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer, MI
- Cost: $11 for a Michigan Recreation Passport (annual pass); day passes also available for non-residents
- Parking: The state park’s main lot has ample parking, and the trails are easily accessible from there.
- Insider Tip: Winter transforms the dunes into a surreal, snow-covered landscape. Bundle up, bring a thermos of hot cocoa, and explore the quieter side of the park. Don’t miss the Tower Hill Dune, the park’s highest point, for stunning winter views of Lake Michigan. Snowshoes are highly recommended for deeper snow on the trails.
Sledding at Madeline Bertrand County Park
- Date: Open during park hours, winter months
- Location: Madeline Bertrand County Park, Niles, MI
- Cost: $3 per vehicle for Berrien County residents; $5 for non-residents
- Parking: Parking is available at the park entrance, but can fill up quickly on weekends. Early arrival is recommended for a good sledding spot!
- Insider Tip: This park offers one of the best sledding hills in the region. Bring your own sled, or rent one from the park office if needed. After a day of sledding, warm up in the park’s warming shelter with a hot drink and enjoy scenic views of the snow-covered landscape.
Snowshoeing at Love Creek Nature Center
- Date: Available daily during the winter season, snow permitting
- Location: Love Creek Nature Center, Berrien Springs, MI
- Cost: $5 per person for trail use; snowshoe rentals are available for $3 per hour
- Parking: Plenty of parking is available near the nature center, with easy trail access.
- Insider Tip: For a peaceful, scenic experience, take one of the guided snowshoe hikes offered on weekends. These expert-led tours explore deeper into the forest, showcasing the beauty of the winter landscape. Be sure to dress in layers, as winter winds can make the trails feel colder than expected, and exertion can warm you up.
- What to Expect: Love Creek Nature Center is a prime spot for winter adventure. Snowshoeing through its wooded trails offers a quiet, immersive, natural experience, with paths winding through snow-draped trees and alongside frozen creeks. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and embrace the winter season in Harbor Country.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Swiss Valley Ski Area
- Date: Open daily throughout the winter season
- Location: Swiss Valley Ski Area, Jones, MI
- Cost: Lift tickets start at $30; equipment rentals available
- Parking: Free parking is available at the ski area, but weekends can be crowded. Arriving early is the best way to ensure a smooth day on the slopes.
- Insider Tip: If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, Swiss Valley offers beginner lessons that are perfect for first-timers. After a day on the slopes, head to the lodge for hot chocolate by the fire. Watch for special event weekends, like their annual snowfest with live music and family-friendly activities.
Ice Skating at John and Dede Howard Ice Arena
- Date: Open daily, weather permitting
- Location: St. Joseph, MI
- Cost: $5 per person; skate rentals are available for $3
- Parking: Free parking is available at the arena, with easy access to the rink.
- Insider Tip: Head to the rink in the evening when the arena’s twinkling lights give the ice a magical glow. This is a great time to visit for a more peaceful, romantic atmosphere. Check the arena’s website for special holiday skating events, including themed skate nights and live music.
- What to Expect: The Howard Ice Arena is a favorite winter destination for families and couples alike. Its outdoor setting and holiday ambiance make it a wonderful way to spend a crisp winter afternoon or evening.
Transform Your Home with Peacock & Company This Winter
While enjoying all the beauty that Harbor Country offers this holiday season, why not start planning the transformation of your home? Whether you dream of a finished basement, a stunning kitchen remodel, or a home addition that brings your vision to life, Peacock & Company is here to help. Our expert design-build team has been trusted by homeowners across southwest Michigan and South Bend, IN to create beautiful, functional spaces that reflect your unique style.
Ready to turn your house into your dream home? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your next remodeling project.
