Dutch WinterFest & Holiday Events

Brighten your holidays with a visit to Downtown Holland! This year, Downtown Holland comes alive with a multitude of exciting holiday happenings from November to January, along with dazzling new holiday decor!

Open-air KerstMarkt

The traditions of Europe right here in Holland! Shop for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and enjoy some warm pig-in-the-blankets and apple cider.

Holiday Kerstmarkt
November 17 - December 8 (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. more

The Rented Christmas
November 23-December 8 (Dates and times vary)
This charming holiday tale is for all ages! How the "rented" Christmas turns into a new life for all concerned makes this a heartwarming story for the season. more

Santa's House
November 23 - 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 whisper all of their holiday wishes.

Parade of Lights
Tuesday, November 27
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

Take part in the Dutch folk tradition of welcoming the benevolent St. Nicholas who arrives on his white horse surrounded by his Zwarte Piet helpers.

Sinterklaas Eve Procession
Friday, December 7
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 7
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 www.upontherooftops.com for more information.)

Ice Sculpting Competition
Friday and Saturday, January 4 and 5
For the fifth 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.

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.