Holland Michigan

Brighten your holidays with a visit to Downtown Holland! This year, the city comes alive with a multitude of exciting holiday happenings from November to January. Just a few of the many events are highlights are below. Season’s greetings!

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Over 1,500 luminaries line the heated cobblestone sidewalks of historic Downtown Holland during this special night to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Stroll the decorated streets filled with holiday carolers, roasting chestnuts and one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and galleries offering holiday treats and free gift wrapping. You may even spot Santa picking up a few special items for those on his “Nice” list!

KERSTMARKT
November 28, 29 and December 2, 5, 6, 12, 13
Experience a European tradition with this authentic, open-air Christmas market. Vendors offer unique gifts and holiday treats from historically-crafted booths that line the Eighth Street Market Place.

SANTA’S HOUSE
November 28, 2008 to December 24, 2008 (Days and Hours Vary.)
Enjoy a favorite holiday tradition and visit Santa in his Downtown Holland home on Eighth Street at Tree House Books. No Christmas is complete without the chance to sit on Santa’s lap and whisper in his ear what’s on your wish list!

PARADE OF LIGHTS
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Santa arrives in Downtown Holland during the 6th Annual Parade of Lights escorted by bands, floats, and individuals all decked out in holiday lights! Over 50 entries illuminate the streets of Downtown during this procession to kick off the holiday season.

SINTERKLAAS EVE PARADE
Friday, December 5, 2008
Reminiscent of years gone by, this special night celebrates Sinterklaas, the benevolent St. Nicholas. In true Dutch folk tradition, Sinterklaas arrives each December on his great white horse, surrounded by his mischievous Zwarte Piet helpers.

UP ON THE ROOFTOPS
Friday, December 12, 2008
Tour rarely seen second story (and above)Downtown locations, each regally decked out for the holiday season by a Downtown home decor businesses! Following the tour, enjoy light appetizers and drinks at a reception at the historic Fifth Third Bank Downtown. (Tickets required.)

ICE SCULPTING COMPETITION
Saturday, January 10, 2009
For the first time ever, Downtown Holland is partnering with the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) to bring students from culinary schools around the Midwest together for an exciting Collegiate Invitational competition. Stroll through the streets of Downtown and watch in amazement as 150-pound blocks of ice are transformed into glistening works of art.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING
All Season Long
Stroll the heated sidewalks of Downtown Holland to find the perfect holiday gifts from our unique variety of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Be sure to relax after all that shopping at one of the many restaurants, bistros, and cafes Downtown. You can also venture to the specialty shops at Dutch Village and DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory for traditional Dutch gifts. There you’ll find a wide assortment of imported items including Delftware, Dutch lace, wooden shoes, ornaments, and hand-carved candles.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
All Season Long
Delight in a variety of holiday themed musical reviews, concerts, dance performances, and plays. Each is performed by a local arts group, including the Holland Chorale, Holland Symphony, Turning Pointe School of Dance, and Holland Civic Theatre.

HOLIDAY EXHIBITS
All Season Long
Don’t miss the special holiday exhibits and activities at the Holland Museum. You can also experience a traditional Christmas celebration in two very different historic homes—the Victorian Cappon House and the simple home of a working-class family, the Settler’s House. Each celebration is complete with holiday decorations, crafts, and refreshments.