Holland Michigan

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

Surprise your group with a visit from Sinterklaas, the Dutch St. Nicholas, and his mischievous Zwarte Piets, bringing treats for all. Dutch-costumed step on guides are also available to share Holland’s rich history and Dutch holiday traditions. Contact 616.394.0000 for details.

Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 19
The annual Holiday Open House marks the beginning of the holiday season in Downtown Holland! Stroll the decorated streets filled with holiday carolers, roasting chestnuts, and one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and galleries, all offering holiday treats and free gift wrapping.

Holiday Kerstmarkt
November 19 – December 10 (Days and Hours Vary)
This authentic, open-air European Christmas Market at the Eighth Street Market Place is an ideal place to shop for unique hand-crafted gifts and enjoy authentic Dutch holiday treats. Click here for the Kerstmarkt website.

Santa’s House
November 25 – December 24 (Days and Hours Vary)
Enjoy a favorite holiday tradition and visit Santa Claus in Downtown Holland! Children will have a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him all of their holiday wishes.

Parade of Lights
Tuesday, November 29
Santa arrives in Downtown Holland during the annual Parade of Lights escorted by bands, floats, vehicles, and individuals, all decked out in sparkling holiday lights! Over 50 different entries will illuminate the streets of Downtown during this brilliant procession.

Sinterklaas Eve Procession
Friday, December 2
Reminiscent of years gone by, this special event celebrates Sinterklaas, the benevolent St. Nicholas. In true Dutch folk tradition, Sinterklaas arrives each December on his great white horse, surrounded by the mischievous Zwarte Piets, who bring candy to all of the children.

Up On The Rooftops
Friday, December 9
During Up On The Rooftops, you are invited to tour homes and businesses on the upper floors of the historic buildings of Downtown Holland.(Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the website for more information.)

Ice Sculpting Competition
Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7
For the third year in a row, Downtown Holland is partnering with the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) to host a Collegiate Ice Sculpting Invitational. Downtown Holland and NICA will bring students from schools around the Midwest and beyond together for this exciting weekend-long competition.

Holiday Shopping
All Season Long
Stroll the heated cobblestone sidewalks of Downtown Holland to find the perfect holiday gifts from our unique variety of shops, boutiques, and galleries. And be sure to relax after all that shopping at one of the many Downtown restaurants, pubs, or cafes. For traditional Dutch gifts, venture just north of Downtown to the specialty shops at Dutch Village and DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory for a wide assortment of imported items like Delftware, Dutch lace, wooden shoes, ornaments, and hand-carved candles.

Holiday Entertainment
All Season Long
Delight in a variety of festive and fun holiday-themed musical reviews, concerts, dance performances, and plays. All performed by local arts groups, including the Holland Chorale, Holland Symphony, Turning Pointe School of Dance, and the 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 elegant Victorian Cappon House and the Settler’s House, a simple home of a working-class family. Each celebration is complete with holiday decorations, crafts, and refreshments.