Holland Michigan

Brighten your holidays with a visit to Downtown 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 are highlighted below. Season’s greetings!

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

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Over 1,500 luminaries line the heated cobblestone sidewalks of 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, all offering holiday treats and free gift wrapping.

HOLIDAY KERSTMARKT
November 27, 28 and December 1, 4, 5, 11, 12, 2009
This authentic, open-air European Christmas Market at the Eighth Street Market Place is an ideal place to shop for unique gifts and to enjoy authentic Dutch holiday treats.

SANTA’S HOUSE
November 22, 2009 to December 24, 2009 (Days and Hours Vary.)
Enjoy a favorite holiday tradition and visit Santa in his Downtown Holland home on Eighth Street! Each child will have a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him all of their holiday wishes. Santa even has a special candy cane treat for each child to enjoy!

PARADE OF LIGHTS
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Santa arrives in Downtown Holland during the annual Parade of Lights escorted by bands, floats, vehicles, and individuals, all decked out in holiday lights! Over 60 different entries will illuminate the streets of Downtown during this brightly lit procession.

SINTERKLAAS EVE PROCESSION
Friday, December 4, 2009
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 his mischievous Zwarte Piet helpers.

UP ON THE ROOFTOPS
Friday, December 11, 2009
During Up On The Rooftops, you are invited to tour homes and businesses on the upper floors of the historic buildings of Downtown Holland. Each location is regally decked out for the holiday season by a Downtown home decor business. (Tickets required.)

ICE SCULPTING COMPETITION
January 8 and 9, 2010
For the second 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 culinary schools around the Midwest and beyond together for this exciting competition.

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. And be sure to relax after all that shopping at one of the many Downtown restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Venture just north of Downtown to the specialty shops at Dutch Village and DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory for traditional Dutch gifts, including awide 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 Victorian Cappon House the Settler’s House, a simple home of a working-class family. Each celebration is complete with holiday decorations, crafts, and refreshments.