Winter Highlights in the Village of Paw Paw
All The Hallmarks of a Cozy Escapade
Winter slips over Paw Paw like a warm mitten. The village feels warm and inviting, from the bright bulbs of The Strand Theater to the frosty glow of local shops and restaurants where friends and families gather.
This season, we invite you to open new chapter in our historic village with a shortlist of local hotspots!
Live Entertainment at The Lucky Wolf
The Lucky Wolf is a welcome addition to Paw Paw's burgeoning entertainment scene. The venue brings an eclectic mix of live shows and screenings to a landmark 1857 building that once served as a Baptist church, and was home to the Paw Paw Playhouse for decades.
A bright and inviting cafe adds a touch of warmth to the chilly months, where unique beer, wines, and small plates with vegan and gluten-free options satisfy the desire for cozy creature comforts.
Coming soon: Dixon’s Violin (January 10, 2026)
World-renowned violin virtuoso Dixon Hammond takes the stage with a one-man symphony built on stacking live-recorded layers into a big, orchestral sound!
Visit The Lucky Wolf online to secure tickets, browse upcoming events, or to host your event!
Warner Vineyard's Riverside Igloos
Warner Vineyards has left an indelible mark on the West Michigan music scene with an in-demand summer concert series featuring legendary rock, rap, hip hop, and seminal jam bands. Come winter, the stage lights come down and a different glow lights up the river.
Bright, sparkling igloos pop up along the mainstage and riverfront, inviting guests to settle into the softness of winter with wine tastings and delicious meals served with festive table settings. Planning a special celebration? Uncork a bottle of Warner Brut. The bubbles carry from your first sip to your last, and it’s been poured everywhere from the White House to the Super Bowl, adding a little extra pomp and circumstance to any gathering.
Book an igloo at warnerwines.com
Food Trucks at St. Julian Winery + Distillery
A crown jewel of the Michigan Fruit Belt and a destination all its own, St. Julian Winery + Distillery is Michigan's oldest, largest, and most award-winning winery. Headquartered in Paw Paw, this larger-than-life facility is where all the magic happens: from production to bottling and distribution to tasting rooms throughout the region.
For an easy midweek outing, plan on taking in the immersive tour and tastings around their food truck days: Mobile Crave on Tuesdays and Pig’s Head BBQ on Thursdays, both from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Schedule your tour and join the Wine Club at stjulian.com
Team Spirit On Tap at Paw Paw Brewing Co.
1903 Gold is a sentimental brew for Ryan Sylvester, Owner of Paw Paw Brewing Company, the village's original brewery. Specially crafted for Western Michigan University Athletics where Sylvester lined up at wide receiver, this crisp pilsner is just the ticket for cheering on the Broncos through hockey season.
The immense, rustic beer hall gives "Up North" hunting lodge style, complemented by a stage for musicians and events, plus a food menu that stands out among regional breweries. Distilled spirits were added to the mix in 2024, and are also served at Sylvester's downtown eatery, Sly's Seafood & Co.
The Strand Theatre: A Hometown Movie House
The Strand Theatre is pure Paw Paw history, built in 1927 on the former site of the fire department’s horse corral. It started with traveling vaudeville acts, added motion pictures in 1930, and has kept pace ever since (save for intermittent pandemics like scarlet fever and covid).
Modern projection and sound set the stage for today's blockbusters (and an annual October screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show), with documents from throughout the town and theater's history displayed in the lobby. These nostalgic nods gives The Strand a true sense of place: firmly rooted in history while always looking forward.
Settle In With a Slow Groove
Paw Paw is the kind of winter village that rewards taking your time. Try to rush it, and you’ll feel it, the show you didn’t stay for, the tasting you meant to circle back to, the little glow of downtown you only caught in passing.
Experience the full breadth of offerings with an overnight stay that lets the weekend breathe and leave no stone unturned. Linger over a flight, a warm plate, a round of conversation. Catch a performance or a movie without checking the clock. Then wake up nearby, rested and ready, and start again with fresh flavors and new discoveries.
In Paw Paw, the best moments come when you slow down enough to keep finding them.