Sinterklaas is Coming December 2 – 6, 2025
Here in west Michigan, we love a good festival. And a Christmas festival — two favorites rolled into one!
The organizers of the ever popular Tulip Time are bringing us something new for the winter season.
Get ready to find your inner-Dutch at the ALL NEW Dutch Winterfest in Holland. Expect art installations, holiday market, Sinterklaas, ice skating and so much more.
“Just as Tulip Time brings people together in the spring, Dutch Winterfest will create magical moments during the holidays,” said Gwen Auwerda, executive director at Tulip Time. “The holidays in Holland already ignite joy, but Dutch Winterfest takes it to the next level. With so many unique events — from art and theatre to tastings and family traditions — there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy this season.”
Dutch Winterfest runs December 2 – 6, 2025, in downtown Holland. Read on to find out more about what Holland has in store!
Event Highlights
Holland has four days jam-packed full of Dutch experiences and traditions. Whether you’re Dutch by blood or by heart, you’ll find something to love at Dutch Winterfest.
Delft Downtown
Delftware is the popular blue and white colored pottery that you’ll find all over Holland. And now we’re in for a real treat with Delft Downtown.
Local artists will work with the Holland Area Arts Council to decorate large-scale ornaments to create an immersive display through downtown Holland. Expect to see the classic Delft blue, but with a bold, modern twist.
Tues Dec 2 – Sat Dec 6: 8 AM – 10 PM
Parade of Lights
The annual Parade of Lights is a favorite Christmas parade. There’s over 80 floats, vehicles, walkers, and marching bands…all decked out from top to bottom in thousands of sparkling lights!
The Parade of Lights will begin at the corner of 8th St and Columbia Ave at 6:30 PM sharp and proceed west down 8th St until it reaches the Holland Civic Center Place at 150 West 8th St.
Note that only parade sponsor Gentex will be handing out candy as they lead the parade.
Tues Dec 2: 6:30 PM
Kerstmarkt
Holland’s open-air holiday market returns November 21 and will be open for shoppers on Friday and Saturday during Dutch Winterfest.
This year, there is a Kerstmarkt Christmas Card available (designed and painted by Marguerite Riker), a new collectable gluhwein mug, as well as dog sled demos, handbell concerts, appearances from Santa & Mrs. Claus, Sinterklaas, the Dickens Carolers, and other musical guests.
Grab some hot cocoa, sample traditional Dutch fare and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Fri Dec 5: 3 – 8 PM & Sat Dec 6: 9 AM – 6 PM
Proost! Tasting Tour
Attention adults! Now’s your chance to tour several of Holland’s favorite stops.
You’ll take a cozy motor coach to three festive stops — Culture Cheese Shop, New Holland Brewing, and 205 Coffee Bar — each offering a curated selection of three 3oz pours of alcoholic beverages, paired with Dutch-inspired bites.
Must be 21+ with valid ID. Tickets are limited.
Fri Dec 5 & Sat Dec 6: 12 – 3 PM or 4 – 7 PM
Sinterklaas Shuffle
This popular family-friendly experience returns for another year of festive Dutch fun!
Pick up a lantern and passport at the Tulip Time Office and then head to five stops throughout downtown. Get your passport stamped at each location and receive a small gift. Share on social media to enter to win a Dutch Winterfest gift basket.
Passports are $5 each. One hour experience.
Fri Dec 5: 5 – 8 PM & Sat Dec 6: 10 AM – 1 PM
Breakfast With Sinterklaas
A twist on dining with Santa: Breakfast With Sinterklaas — the Dutch Santa.
Snag tickets for your whole family to enjoy traditional Dutch favorites including poffertjes (mini pancakes) and cozy pigs in a blanket.
Sinterklaas will greet guests and pose for pictures.
Tickets include breakfast, kid-friendly activities, and time with Sinterklaas.
Sat Dec 6: 9 -10 AM or 11 AM – 12 PM
Magic at the Mill
Magic at the Mill returns for another awe-inspiring year.
Head to Windmill Island Gardens to see a dazzling “tulip field” of 1,000 LED blossoms set to a synchronized light and music show.
The historic windmill, carousel, street organ, and shops are also lit. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
Sinterklaas is on-site 5:30 – 8:30 PM for meet and greet and pics.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Fri Dec 5 & Sat Dec 6: 5 – 9 PM
Other events include Tulip Tales for Tots (Dec 3 at 10 AM), performances of Peter and the Starcatcher at the Holland Community Theatre (Dec 3 and 4 at 7 PM), Holiday Haus Tour (Dec 3 and 4 at 4 PM) and ice skating at the new Holland Ice Park at Window on the Waterfront.
Event Details
No tickets are needed to attend Dutch Winterfest. Some specific events and activities require tickets. No dogs are allowed at ticketed events.
Most of the events happen along 8th St in downtown Holland (42 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423).
See You There!
We can’t wait to bundle up and enjoy the Dutch winter festivities!
