Category: Holland Blog

If you thought Holland was magical in spring, just wait until you see it in winter. This season, Holland, Michigan transforms into a cozy Dutch-inspired wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive flavors, and family-friendly fun. From time-honored traditions to exciting new additions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter in Holland.

*New* Holland’s Community Ice Skating Park ⛸️

Here’s one of the many reasons to love winter in Holland — the brand-new Holland Community Ice Skating Park is officially open November 14!

This long-awaited project, inspired by local resident Frank Kraai, brings the joy of outdoor skating to the heart of the city. Located at Window on the Waterfront Park near 6th Street and College Avenue, the park features:

• A large main ice rink connected to a winding skating ribbon

• A separate curling rink

• Skate rentals available on-site

• Concessions serving snacks and hot cocoa

• Three cozy fireplaces and a snowmelt plaza to stay warm between laps

Tickets must be purchased online in advance at hollandrecreation.com, as space per session is limited.

Whether you’re practicing your spins or just there for the cocoa, this new park is a must-visit this season.

Magic at the Mill | November 5-20

Step into a glowing holiday scene at Magic at the Mill, one of Holland’s most enchanting winter experiences.

Held at Windmill Island Gardens, this evening event features a ‘tulip field’ of 1,000 LED blossoms dancing to holiday music illuminating the historic windmill, food and drink vendors, and seasonal activities for all ages. It’s a magical way to celebrate the beauty of Holland’s Dutch heritage — and capture some truly picture-perfect holiday moments.

Tickets are required for entry, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this festive holiday experience.

Kerstmarkt: European-Style Christmas Market | November 21-December 20

No holiday season in Holland is complete without a stroll through the Kerstmarkt, Holland’s open-air European-style Christmas market.

Set against the twinkle of downtown lights, at the 8th Street Marketplace, the Kerstmarkt features local artisans, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats. Warm up with hot cocoa or mulled wine as you browse rows of festive stalls — it’s the perfect spot to find unique holiday gifts and soak up the cozy holiday spirit. You might even see Santa!

*New* Dutch Winterfest | December 2-6

Something new is coming to Holland this season — Dutch Winterfest !

This weeklong celebration brings Dutch holiday traditions to life through…

• ✨ Parade of Lights — this parade downtown kicks off the week of fun! (December 2, 6:30pm)

• 🎅 Sinterklaas Shuffle — kids can visit five themed stops, collect stamps, meet fun characters like gingerbread people and polar bears, enjoy treats, and finish with a photo with Sinterklaas himself. (Sinterklaas is the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas, a legendary figure who, with his helpers, delivers gifts to children on December 5th, riding his horse from Spain.)

• 📖 Tulip Tales for Tots — sign up for the day you prefer & cozy up for Dutch-inspired holiday stories and traditions perfect for little ones.

• 🎭 Peter & the Starcatcher — a can’t-miss theater performance that brings the magic of Peter Pan’s origin story to life.

• 🧇 Breakfast with Sinterklaas — enjoy traditional dishes like poffertjes and pigs in a blanket (a local favorite!) and snap a photo with Sinterklaas.

• 🍸 Dutch Winter Tasting Tour — sip and savor cocktails and bites inspired by warm, winter Dutch traditions.

• Delft Downtown — a striking outdoor installation of oversized ornaments inspired by classic Delft blue, but with a bold, modern twist.

From lights and laughter to food and folklore, Dutch Winterfest is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season — transforming downtown Holland into a storybook village, Holland-style.

Tickets are required for entry on some activities, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to make the most of your winter getaway? Here’s how to plan a cozy, festive trip to Holland:

• 🏨 Where to Stay: Book a stay at one of Holland’s charming downtown hotels or cozy bed-and-breakfasts — all within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and winter events. Looking for something a bit more spacious? Holland also offers a variety of well-known hotels just a short drive from downtown, near major retail areas and attractions, providing comfort and convenience for your winter getaway.

• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Warm up at local favorites serving hearty comfort food, Dutch treats, and seasonal specialties. Don’t miss a stop for hot cocoa or a craft cocktail downtown — and check out our Food + Drink page for local options and dining inspiration.

• 🚗 Getting Around: Downtown Holland offers convenient parking, pedestrian-friendly streets, and easy access to all major winter attractions. Thanks to our snowmelt system, the sidewalks stay warm and clear — perfect for cozy winter shopping and sightseeing.

• 📅 More to Explore: Visit Holland.org for event updates, detailed schedules, and insider tips to help plan your perfect winter weekend.

From skating under the stars and strolling the Kerstmarkt to experiencing the glow of Magic at the Mill and the joy of Dutch Winterfest, winter in Holland is full of warmth, wonder, and new traditions waiting to be made.

Bundle up, grab a mug of cocoa, and come see why Holland shines in every season. ✨

Fall Events & Festivals

Kick off the autumn season at the Tulip City Walls Mural Festival, happening September 4–5. Watch live mural painting by artists from across the Midwest — plus a special guest artist all the way from the Netherlands! Enjoy a weekend filled with art, live music, food trucks, breakdancing, and more.

Then, don’t miss the Taste of Downtown Holland on September 12 at Warehouse 6. This ticketed fundraiser features tastings from your favorite local spots, live music, and a silent auction — all in one flavorful night.

History buffs will love the Civil War Muster, returning to Van Raalte Farm Park on September 20–21. Explore this 160-acre historic park as reenactors bring the Civil War era to life. Don’t forget to enter the Muster Photo Contest for a chance to showcase your best shots from the event!

Finally, get into the spirit of the harvest season at Fall Fest, October 3–4. Enjoy professional pumpkin carving, street performers, the Fall Artisan Market, and festive fun for all ages!

Fall Flavor

Discover what’s in season at the Holland Farmers Market, open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fall brings the harvest of pumpkins, squash, apples, potatoes, mushrooms, cornstalks, and more — all fresh from local farms.

Cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte or hot cocoa from one of the many stops on the Koffie Klomp coffee crawl (and don’t forget — visit five or more locations to win a prize!).

Fall is also when our local breweries come alive with seasonal flavors. Grab a Handcrafted Passport and make a day of exploring Holland’s breweries, wineries, and cideries. Collect 10 stamps and you’ll earn a prize — and maybe a new favorite drink (or two) along the way

Fall Color

Immerse yourself in Holland’s fall beauty with a hike up the 200+ steps at Mt. Pisgah. At the top of the climb, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360° views of golden dunes, Lake Macatawa, Lake Michigan, and the iconic Big Red Lighthouse — all framed by vibrant autumn color.

Prefer to take it all in from the road? Download our Fall Color Tour Map and set out on a scenic drive through Holland’s most breathtaking routes. From lakeshore roads to tree-lined backroads, it’s the perfect way to soak in the season at your own pace.

Be sure to plan your perfect fall adventure today!

Take a Drive around Holland’s Hidden “Fruit Loop”: A Fresh Taste of Michigan’s Agriculture

Just beyond Holland’s downtown, the deep roots of Michigan’s agriculture are clearly visible in the surrounding farmland. Known for its vibrant blueberry patches in the summer, crisp apple orchards in the fall, and small-town charm all year- round, this region is bursting with fresh flavor—and it inspired us to give it a name: Holland’s “Fruit Loop.”

It’s not an official route, or, a name you’ll find on any map…but it should be. This scenic loop winds past some of the area’s best-loved farms and orchards, where you can spend a summer afternoon picking fresh blueberries, sampling fruit wine, or cooling off with a fresh fruit soft serve ice cream cone. Prefer the late summer or early fall? No worries! Get cozy  and spend your fall morning sipping apple cider and tasting homemade donuts after loading up the car with fresh produce straight from the source.

Here are some of the standout stops on this unofficial (but delicious) Fruit Loop:

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Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market– Downtown Holland + Holland

A Holland staple since 1954, Bowerman’s is known for its U-pick blueberries, blueberry donuts, seasonal slushies, blueberry soft serve ice cream, and wide variety of locally made goods like granola, jams, and syrups. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting a true taste of Michigan summer. Visit the bakery and coffeehouse in downtown Holland at Bowerman’s on 8th offering breakfast, lunch, and desserts with a blueberry flair.

Crane’s Orchards & Pie Pantry – Downtown Holland + Fennville

Cranes in the City has delicious apple inspired salads or sandwiches for lunch. Try a slice of apple pie or a glass of fresh-pressed apple cider—then take home a frozen pie for later. And at Crane’s Orchard, pick fresh peaches in the summer, and then come back in the fall for apple picking and hayrides. Stick around after a morning of picking fresh fruit and enjoy their onsite restaurant and rustic pie pantry, for a delicious treat.

Cherry Republic – Downtown Holland

Bringing the flavors of northern Michigan to the lakeshore, Cherry Republic offers everything cherry—from jams, salsa, and chocolate-covered cherries to cherry slushies that hit the spot on a hot summer day. Visitors are encouraged to sample many of the treats before buying, making it a fun and flavorful experience. It’s a celebration of the state’s signature fruit, right here in the heart of downtown Holland.

Tanglewood Winery – Holland

Tanglewood brings a new kind of fruit experience to the loop. Tucked away in the blueberry fields, this small winery crafts farm-to-bottle fruit wines using Michigan-grown produce like apples, blueberries, peaches, and cherries. Whether you prefer something sweet or semi-dry, their tasting room offers a refreshing way to toast to the harvest.

Reenders Blueberry Farms

Established in 1956, Reenders is one of the area’s oldest and largest blueberry farms. Their well-kept fields, excellent picking conditions, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a reliable favorite. Pick blueberries in bulk to use for freezing, baking, or fresh snacking!

Check out our U-Picks and Farm Markets to see other favorites and locations of the Fruit Loop.

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Whether you’re packing the car with family, planning a date day, or simply craving the taste of sun-ripened fruit, this unofficial Fruit Loop is your guide to savoring the best of West Michigan’s farmland.

It’s more than just a drive—it’s a chance to slow down, meet the growers, and enjoy the season’s freshest offerings. From blueberry fields to fruit wine flights, the harvest is calling.

Nothing says spring in Michigan like Holland’s annual Tulip Time Festival! Did you know it’s been happening since May of 1929?

Holland is well known for it’s Dutch heritage. Throughout the city, there are over a million tulips planted. The festival is more than just beautiful blooms, there are parades, concerts, shows, tours, workshops, exhibits and more fun.

Depending on the weather, there is typically a 21 day window in mid-April and mid-May to see the tulips in full bloom. The weather could be warm early on and we could have an early bloom, or, if the weather keeps cool in the evenings, the blooms will usually last longer and extend the bloom time. The city intentionally plants tulip varieties that bloom early, mid and late season with the hopes of constant color.

History

Tulip Time was first proposed in 1927 by Lida Rogers, a Holland High School biology teacher, at a Woman’s Literary Club meeting. She suggested adopting the tulip as the city’s flower and creating a festival to celebrate Holland’s Dutch heritage. In 1928 the City Council funded the purchase of 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Netherlands, planting them throughout the city. When thousands of tulips bloomed in 1929, Holland invited visitors for a weeklong celebration, establishing Tulip Time as an annual event. The festival incorporated Dutch traditions, costumes, and wooden shoes, becoming a charming and unique attraction.

By 1933, Tulip Time had gained national recognition, and the first festival office was established. That same year, Ethel Perry introduced Dutch folk dancing, a tradition that continues with over 1,400 Klompen Dancers today. The festival grew into a nine-day event until World War II halted its festivities. However, interest remained through flower shows and musical events, leading to its revival in 1946 as a four-day celebration. The core elements—tulips, parades, folk dancing, and music—have remained central to the festival’s enduring success.

Dutch dance

People in the community and local students have the opportunity to be Dutch Dancers. These dancers perform a traditional Dutch dance in traditional Dutch costumes and wooden shoes. Each of the costumes are handmade and carefully inspected before they can be worn. You can see these dancers perform at various times and various locations including Centennial Park, 8th street between College & Central and 8th street between College and River. You can see the dance schedule here.

Parades

Overall the parades highlight the community’s pride in its Dutch heritage and cultural traditions.

The Tulip Time festival features two parades:

1. The kinderparade, where dignitaries and residents, in Dutch attire, clean the streets with pails and brooms before entertainment begins. Then the elementary schoolers and teachers march in Dutch costumes accompanied by bands and floats.
2. The volksparade features a procession of local guests and residents dressed in Dutch costumes as well as bands & floats.

The parades are the busiest days during the festival, so we suggest that you arrive downtown early in hopes of finding a place to view the action. We also recommend you reserve bleacher seating here.

Guided Tours

Looking for more direction and a guided experience? See the options below!

• Historic Walking Tours: This 75 minute tour gives you the opportunity to learn about Holland’s unique history from a costumed guide. You’ll see historical sites and local icons. Make sure to wear your comfortable walking shoes!
• VIP Tours: This is a 7 hour curated tour. It offers VIP access to all the festival highlights. This is a great way to get an insider’s view of Holland! This tour will be by bus with occasional walking.
• Photo Walk: This is a 2 hour experience curated for the avid photographer. Local photographers will guide the walk around Windmill Island garden’s 40 beds of tulips and offer tips and tricks to capture the breathtaking landscape and architecture.

Find more information & buy tickets at tuliptime.com/events.

Where to see tulips around town:

• Windmill Island Gardens
• Centennial Park
• Downtown Holland
• Window on the Waterfront

Off the beaten path…

• Veldheer Tulip Farm
• Nelis’ Dutch Village
• Tulip lanes
• Kollen Park

Check out this page for all the tulips planted!

Lodging

At the Tulip Time Festival, being close to the action enhances the experience. With a wide variety of accommodations within eight miles or less of downtown Holland, you’ll be sure to find the right place to stay. Check out our hotels page to see the extensive list of hotels!

Ah, downtown lights aglow. Glistening storefront windows. Appearances by Santa Claus and a holiday market, too.

When you imagine the look and feel of a classic Christmas, what you envision is Holland.

“The whole downtown is decorated,” said Kris Van Haitsma, owner of nearby Mud Lake Farm. “There’s lots of shops. Lots of fun restaurants. And it’s a very walkable city because all of the sidewalks have a snowmelt system.”

Downtown Holland is also full of unique holiday experiences in November and December, from a Shop ‘Til You Drop event that kicks off your gift buying in mid-November right through to the final night of Magic at the Mill on the last Saturday before Christmas.

So, come spend the holidays in Holland this year. Here’s a closer look at two of the biggest events on tap for 2024:

Kerstmarkt

Kerstmarkt brings together so many of the best elements of the holiday season all in one place. For starters, the outdoor market hosts carolers and other musical guests. There are special activities such as dog sled demonstrations, too. Plus, you can mingle with Santa Claus and the Dutch version of the jolly old elf, Sinterklaas.

That all creates a delightful holiday atmosphere for milling around the 8^th Street Market Place, where about two dozen area artisans display their handiwork in cute little wooden booths on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 23 through Dec. 21. You can find everything from trees and greenery for your home to wooden toys for the kids and hand-painted Santa collectibles, too, along with other handcrafted goods such as glass art, birdhouses, leather and fur items, soaps and more.

“We try to curate a group of vendors with a wide variety of products and also a wide variety of price points,” said Van Haitsma, who’s both an organizer of the market and a vendor. “None of this stuff you’re going to find at the mall. It’s all handmade.”

Many of the booths are occupied by the same vendors throughout the holiday season, while other booths feature different artisans each day. Visitors also can find different things to eat from day to day including Dutch-themed bites, European street food and hot spiced Gluhwein that you can sip out of a collectible mug.

If you stop by the Mud Lake Farm booth for St. Steve’s Farm-Crafted Beverages, you can sample herbal teas, cordials, sparkling waters and the popular elderberry chai soda that “tastes like Christmas.”

See All The Dates And Times For This Year’s Kerstmarkt

Sinterklaas Shuffle

A longstanding Holland holiday tradition is getting remade this year into a family-friendly photo scavenger hunt that includes a portrait with the man himself, Sinterklaas. The Sinterklaas Shuffle features five downtown Holland destinations decorated in winter themes such as a ski lodge, polar tundra and a gingerbread candy land. Along the way you can meet Sinterklaas, his elves and his beautiful white horse, Ozosnel.

Just pick up a passport and get it stamped at each spot as you move along at your own pace, then turn in your completed passport for entry into a grand prize drawing. Each destination will have a place for wintry photos and a special treat to enjoy such as popcorn, hot cocoa and traditional Dutch chocolate coins.

“We took the old event and are shaking it up a little bit,” said Chad Mesbergen, director of events and operations for Tulip Time, which organizes the Sinterklaas Shuffle. “We really looked to reimagine it and make it more exciting with more things to do as you’re going through.

“We’re super excited to add another family-friendly event into Holland’s already robust winter season.”

The Sinterklaas Shuffle is a 2-day event with hours from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets cost just $5.

Find Your Place To Stay This Holiday Season In Holland

Other Holiday Events In Holland

As you plan your escape to Holland, keep these other fun events in mind for this holiday season:

• 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, Shop ‘Til You Drop – Nearly 40 downtown Holland shops and restaurants will stay open late to jumpstart your holiday shopping with special discounts
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Merchants + Makers – Explore a wide variety of homemade crafts and other artisan items inside Holland Civic Center Place
• 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, Holiday Open House – Spot Santa Claus, visit with reindeer in a petting corral, and enjoy strolling carolers and roasting chestnuts while browsing downtown shops that offer free gift wrapping, holiday refreshments, merchandise discounts, giveaways and more
• Saturday, Nov. 30, Small Business Saturday – Celebrate independently-owned small businesses by doing some holiday shopping and dining in beautiful downtown Holland, all done up for the holiday season
• 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Parade of Lights – Welcome Santa Claus to town in an after-dark parade where all the floats and marching bands are covered in twinkling lights
• Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 6-21, Magic at the Mill – See Holland’s iconic DeZwaan Windmill all lit up and surrounded by thousands of LED tulips synchronized to music
• 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Shopping Jam – Downtown Holland shops open early and offer the biggest discounts first thing in the morning
• 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Christmas at the Cappon House – Celebrate the season like it’s 1824 with piano singalongs and other traditional Victorian holiday activities for the whole family​

Holland might make you think of glorious sunsets on Lake Michigan, a delightful downtown with cobblestone sidewalks and, of course, world-famous tulips. Did you know that Holland also goes hand in hand with…fossils and geodes?

That’s right! This September Holland will host the 54th Annual Tulip City Gem and Mineral Show. From professional dealers to kids who find Petoskey stones on the beach, this show is the place to be for a weekend of exhibits, interactive stations, lectures, demonstrations and games featuring all kinds of rocks. You’ll be amazed by all the treasures on display!

You might also be surprised by these other fascinating tidbits about fall in Holland:

1. The Labor Day Truck Parade brings dozens of big rigs from West Michigan companies to downtown to Holland. The parade ends at the Civic Center Place for a huge ice cream social that bids a sweet farewell to summer.

 

2. Did you know there’s an island in Holland? Windmill Island Gardens is where thousands of colorful tulips bloom each spring. In the fall, it’s home to the Art on the Island Gala featuring the work of local artists. Admission is free, leaving you money to buy a piece or two that catch your eye! You can vote for a People’s Choice award, too.

3. Qualify for the Boston Marathon in Holland. The Holland Haven Marathon in September follows Lakeshore Drive south out of Grand Haven and winds to the finish line in downtown Holland. Later in September, Holland hosts the Riley Trails Marathon on mostly unpaved paths. Both events also have half marathon options and shorter routes, too.

 

4. Holland’s Van Raalte Farm Park each September hosts a Civil War Muster including a battle reenactment, Abraham Lincoln impressions, an 1860s-era church service and more. Interesting Civil War fact: A son of Holland’s founder, the Rev. Albertus van Raalte, lost an arm in battle and went on to serve three terms in the Michigan State Legislature.

5. While Holland was settled by van Raalte and fellow Dutchmen, today it’s one of the most diverse cities in Michigan. That diversity is celebrated each fall during the International Festival of Holland with food, music, dance and art representing cultures from around the world.

 

6. Holland’s iconic cultural attraction, Nelis’ Dutch Village, remains open through September with a petting zoo, rides for younger kids and traditional elements of Dutch culture – from food, gifts and entertainment to Dutch dancing and wooden shoe carving. Taking a step back in time to experience the authentic Dutch way of life is a fun way for every generation of your family to celebrate the season.

7. Just as tulips are a sign of spring in Holland, so are hay bales and cornstalks a sign of fall. The pinnacle of autumn décor comes downtown with October’s Fall Fest, a two-day downtown event featuring an artisan market and nationally recognized pumpkin carvers.

 

8. The Holland Farmers Market continues on Wednesdays and Saturdays all fall at the Eighth Street Marketplace downtown. Find a huge selection of apples from local orchards as well as carrots, turnips, pumpkins, gourds and more.
9. There are many ways in the Holland area to take in October’s glorious fall colors. A drive along Ottawa Beach Road or a bike ride along Lakeshore Drive. A hike through the woods of Saugatuck Dunes State Park or the Sanctuary Woods Nature Preserve. An excursion to Crane’s Orchard & Pie Pantry or Fenn Valley Winery. Check out these fall color itineraries in the Holland area.

 

10. Feeling thirsty? Pick up a Handcrafted Passport from the Visitors Bureau and explore a brewery, winery, distillery or cidery in the greater Holland area. Collect 10 stamps from participating establishments, turn it back in to the Visitors Bureau and claim your prize!

There’s a lot more to discover when you visit the Holland area in the fall. To see everything that’s happening this year, check out the Holland events calendar and book a place to stay!

Ah, the lake life. It’s yours to soak up when you visit the Holland area. From relaxing on the beach to getting out on the water, you’ll find wonderfully refreshing ways to make the most of summer right here on the shore of Lake Michigan.

While water is the star of the season, the Holland area has so much more to offer. Check out this itinerary (click here for a printable version) with six of the many destinations we recommend for a perfect Day on the Lake in the Holland area:

• The Windmill Restaurant – Get a hearty start to your Day on the Lake by experiencing an authentic Holland tradition: Breakfast at the iconic Windmill Restaurant, on West 8^th Street in downtown Holland. The family-friendly diner with Dutch-themed decor serves breakfast all day, along with a delicious selection of sandwiches, burgers, soups and desserts available from early-morning opening until closing at 2 p.m. The house specialty is the famous Windmill Hashbrown Omelet, not to mention scrumptious home-baked bread including cinnamon rolls.
• Holland Farmers Market – After breakfast, you can pick up food and other provisions for your Day on the Lake just a block away at the Holland Farmers Market, which is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the 8^th Street Marketplace. Nearly 100 vendors are on hand offering fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers and more – all made or grown right in Michigan. The Holland Farmers Market is open until 2 p.m. through the summer and fall.
• Not here on market day? Check out the delicious sandwiches at City Deli (also located downtown.)
• Go Pleasure Boating – For the main event of your Day on the Lake, head to one of many Holland-area vendors that rent watercraft or take you out on the water on a charter boat. You can pick up a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard from Macatawa Boat House, for example, then make your way out through the channel to Lake Michigan past the picturesque Big Red lighthouse. If you’d like a guided paddling tour, check out Tulip City Paddle Tours for trips down the Holland area’s scenic Pigeon River or down the Macatawa River through the marsh around Windmill Island. For a higher-octane afternoon, rent a jet-ski from Holland Water Sports, get behind the wheel of a powerboat and take the family tubing, or put yourself in the captain’s chair with a pontoon boat rental from Mac Adventures. Another great way to get out on the water is with one of the Holland area’s many fishing charters that give you the ultimate Great Lakes sportfishing experience, a sailing charter with Deeplake Ventures or Nancy Anne Sailing Charters, or a relaxing Lake Macatawa cruise aboard the Holland Princess, an old-fashioned Victorian-style paddlewheel boat. Whichever way you want to spend your Day on the Lake, be sure to reserve your boat in advance.
• Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant – After a Day on the Lake, why not sit down to a nice dinner on the water, too? The newly remodeled patio at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant overlooks beautiful Lake Macatawa just outside downtown Holland. The restaurant has the look of an old boat factory. But instead of building watercraft, the kitchen turns out innovative New American meals with first-class service on the waterfront. Boatwerks is open daily for lunch and dinner, with live music on the patio on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer.

• Heinz Waterfront Walkway – Extending from Boatwerks into neighboring Kollen Park is a waterfront path that’s ideal for an after-dinner stroll. In addition to a 4,000-foot boardwalk along Lake Macatawa, the park features the Queretaro Fountain, which is a gift from Holland’s sister city in Mexico. You can also see the Immigrant Statue, a gift from the people of Drenthe in The Netherlands, where many Holland pioneers trace their ancestry. Then, to keep your Day on the Lake going past sunset, walk a few short blocks from Kollen Park back to 8^th Street and enjoy downtown Holland nightlife.

Feeling ready for a change of seasons? Spring is soon upon us, and arriving with it are a host of fun opportunities such as Downtown Holland’s annual Girlfriends Weekend, a chance to relax with Spring Break, and the excitement of the upcoming Tulip Time Festival.

If you are interested in a getaway with your girlfriends, you won’t want to miss Girlfriends Weekend. Shops and restaurants around downtown Holland roll out the red carpet and welcome you and your friends in style. We’re talking a fashion show, luau party, shopping, drink specials, shopping, swag bags, in-store specials, giveaways and more. It’s your chance to relax or live it up with your girlfriends! If you haven’t already registered, registration is still open!

Looking for Spring Break family fun? From high-octane indoor recreation to artist workrooms where you can let your creative juices flow, the Holland area has something for everyone. Kids of all ages will love the wide variety of Spring Break activities, while parents will appreciate the kid-centric atmosphere that makes Holland one of the 10 Best Cities for Families. Here are six activities to put on your Michigan staycation Spring Break itinerary:

1. Generations of kids can have fun splashing around at the Holland Aquatic Center. The Splash Zone features a gigantic 150-foot indoor water slide and lazy river, as well as a zero-entry wading pool for little kids. Older kids will get a kick out of the center’s larger pool with diving boards, zip lining and massive inflatables.
2. Voted one of the country’s best trampoline parks, Urban Air in the Holland area has much more to do than just jumping. Offering ninja warrior courses, battle beams, a ropes course, tubes playground and a virtual reality gaming center, it’s the ultimate indoor adventure park with play spaces for kids of any age.
3. If your kids enjoy letting their imaginations run wild, a visit to Paint a Potin Holland provides a fantastic creative outlet. The whole family can pick out a mug, plate, vase, or small figurine to paint however they choose.
4. For an indoor-outdoor experience that’s safe from the elements yet still gets you in touch with the natural world, visit the Critter Barn. Pet a barn full of sheep, chicks, bunnies, and other baby animals in the spring. You can even play farmer by collecting eggs in the coop or bottle feeding a kid (the baby goat kind!).
5. Garsnett Beacon Candle Co. provides another creative outlet. You can experiment in the shop’s fragrance studio with more than 85 scents, take your favorite oils and pour them into a container of your choice to create a personalized candle!
6. Parents can treat the kids to some classic arcade fun and relive their own glory days at Holland’s BAM!, voted the Best Family Entertainment Center in West Michigan. Skee-Ball? Check. Bowling? Yep. There’s also a multi-level laser tag arena, high ropes course, climbing walls, escape rooms, axe throwing and more.

Finally, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the well- known Tulip Time Festival coming up just around the corner! This year’s theme is bikes and blooms in celebration of the 95th anniversary of the festival. Running May 4-12, it’s an exciting week full of Dutch dancing, tulips, parades, carnival faire, music, quilts… and more tulips! Spend the day at the Artisan Market, see the Quilt Show & the beautiful display of tulips at the Immersion Garden. Drive down Tulip Lane or walk thru Centennial Park and admire the colorful blooms. Enjoy shopping and dining in our downtown as you head over to the Window on the Waterfront & Windmill Island Gardens for even more tulips.

With so many fun upcoming events, be sure to visit Holland, Michigan for all we have to offer!

Celebrate the holidays in Holland, MI with an endless list of exciting events during this magical season. We may be biased, but Holland does it best when it comes to holiday festivities. Holland is steeped in tradition; some old (like Sinterklaas), and some new. So, don’t wait too long to make your travel plans, book your next trip to Holland, Michigan where the magic abounds!

Magic at the Mill

Speaking of magic, Magic at the Mill is back again this year and we couldn’t be more thrilled! What is Magic at the Mill? It’s a holiday light display show at Windmill Island Gardens. Enjoy an incredible light show with friends and family. Enjoy the street organ playing holiday music, take a ride on the antique carousel or shop for last minute gifts. Explore the island decked out in holiday decor and even visit with Sinterklaas! The event is every Friday & Saturday in December from the 1^st -16^th.  Tickets can be purchased online for specific time slots, ranging from 5-9 pm. They won’t last long, so get them while you can.

Holiday Open House

Stroll the beautiful streets of downtown at the Holiday Open House on Nov. 18. Stop in the shops for holiday treats, free gift-wrapping, refreshments, discounts, giveaways, and more. Rather ride than walk? For the first time ever, hop on and off the Snowflake Express Trolley for a free tour of 8^th Street in downtown Holland. Don’t forget to say hi to Santa’s reindeer!

Parade of Lights

Santa Claus is also coming to town! Come and watch the Parade of Lights on November 28 at 6:30pm. There will be over 75 floats, trucks, marching bands and more decorated from top to bottom. This luminous procession is fun for the family and a holiday tradition for the entire community.

Kerstmarkt

Find more magic at the 26^th Annual Kerstmarkt, running every Friday and Saturday, November 18-December 16. More than 18 booths will be set up at the 8th Street Market in front of the Civic Center Place. Sip on a steaming cup of glühwein and snack on authentic Dutch foods as you stroll past the chalets with their selection of unique holiday treasures. The market will also feature handbell concerts, dog sled visits, and even Dickens Carolers.

 

Christmas Cards 

We’re excited to announce our Christmas Cards created by Carolyn Stich are here! Featuring a jolly snowman taking a selfie taking a selfie by Big Red, our famous lighthouse. This year, all proceeds benefit Hands of Hope Foundation. Inside message: “Warmest Wishes from Big Red’s Winter Wonderland.” These unique cards are available for purchase at: Carolyn Stich Studio, Holland Area Visitors Bureau, The Holland Kerstmarkt, Van Wieren Hardware and Magic at the Mill (while supplies last).