Sinterklaas is Coming December 1 – 5, 2026
Here in west Michigan, we love a good festival. And a Christmas festival — two favorites rolled into one!
You don’t have to travel to the Netherlands to experience a little Dutch holiday charm. The organizers of the ever popular Tulip Time are bringing back Dutch Winterfest to create magical moments during the holidays.
Get ready to find your inner-Dutch at the Dutch Winterfest in Holland. Expect art installations, the Parade of Lights, holiday market, Sinterklaas, outdoor ice skating and so much more.
Dutch Winterfest returns December 1 – 5, 2026, in downtown Holland. Here’s what families can look forward to this year.
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 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 1 – Sat Dec 5: 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 1: 6:30 PM
Kerstmarkt
Holland’s open-air holiday market returns November 20 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 4: 3 – 8 PM & Sat Dec 5: 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 — New Holland Brewing, Culture Cheese Shop, and Bowerman’s on 8th — 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 4 & Sat Dec 5: 3 – 7:30 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 join Sinterklaas and his merry crew for a journey to festive and faraway places- without ever leaving downtown Holland! 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 4: 5 – 8 PM & Sat Dec 5: 10 AM – 1 PM
Holland Ice Park
Lace up your skates and glide across the rink Holland Ice Park at Window on the Waterfront. There is also a skating ribbon and curling on a dedicated rink. Cozy up by the fireplaces in the snowmelt plaza between laps, then head to the concessions for a warm treat.
Open evenings and weekends, with advance tickets available starting in early November.
Fri Dec 4: 4 PM, 6 PM & 8 PM, Sat Dec 5: 10 AM, 12 PM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8 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 4 & Sat Dec 5: 5 – 9 PM
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!
