The idyllic living of the Netherlands found its American home in Holland, Michigan. From tulip festivals in spring to Christmas markets in winter, this coastal Michigan town is your nearest portal to the charm of a Northern European holiday.
As your family steps foot in Holland, expect to find brick cottages, a towering wooden windmill and an incredibly welcoming community. Friendly locals and Dutch traditions combine to create an exciting new way for families to experience Christmas cheer this holiday season.
While Sinterklaas — the Dutch equivalent of Christmas — is the main event throughout winter in Holland, there is plenty of sledding, skating and cozy winter treats to round out your stay.
Read on for our guide to Holland’s Christmas-time attractions. Looking for even more winter wonderlands? Explore our guides to discover:
- The top festive Christmas towns around the Midwest
- What’s in store at Michigan’s own “Little Bavaria” — aka Frankenmuth
- The lights, markets and winter fun awaiting in Grand Rapids
Getting to Holland, Michigan
Holland lies on the shores of Lake Macatawa, on the western side of the Lower Peninsula. From Detroit, the I-96 will get you to Holland in just under three hours. Winter roads can be icy, but the drive is easily manageable with the Terrain Management System in Ford SUVs.
Driving three hours straight can be difficult, especially with little ones in the back seat. To keep your family entertained during the drive, try pulling over for one of these pit stops:
- Impression 5 Science Center: This interactive kid’s museum is in Lansing, just 15 minutes off the route to Holland. Stop by for a quick brain break from the drive.
- Lunch in Grand Rapids: 30 minutes out from Holland and the perfect place to stop for lunch, Grand Rapids has over 35 breweries to stop for a quick bite and brew. There are also tons of Christmas-time attractions to check out.
Christmas celebrations in Holland
Starting late November, Downtown Holland is brimming with Christmas spirit. The streets transform into a picturesque display of sparkling lights and evergreen branches, signifying the beginning of the season.
Holland’s Holiday Open House on Nov. 22, 2025, kicks off the festivities with an evening of holiday shopping, with the sounds of carolers and smells of roasted chestnuts on every corner. The downtown shops offer special holiday deals, free gift wrapping and refreshments to keep you energized for a night of spending.
The holiday shopping continues at the outdoor Dutch Kerstmarkt, an authentic European Christmas market experience stretching from Thanksgiving week to just before Christmas. Visit for goods from local artisans and European treats, and stay for the special dog sled demo and handbell performances.
Even more Christmas spirit is found in the light shows of Holland: Don’t miss Sinterklaas’s welcome at the Parade of Lights or the tulip light show at DeZwaan Windmill for Magic at the Mill.
Winter wonders beyond
The magic of Holland doesn’t stop at Christmas — there are plenty of other winter activities to explore around town.
The Holland Community Ice Skating Park recently underwent a renovation and is projected to finish construction this fall. The park has a looping track to glide gracefully along and a nearby curling area. Other activities to try in the great outdoors are sledding and cross-country skiing at Van Raalte Farm Park.
When the Michigan chill starts to bite, there are indoor options like ice skating at Griff’s Ice House West or laser tag and mini golf at the Lost City Arcade.
To round out your visit with a taste of Dutch heritage, mark off your first stop at Windmill Island Gardens for warm Dutch treats and other traditional sights. Finish off your experience at Nelis’ Dutch Village with a Klompen dance lesson or a wooden shoe carving workshop.
Where to stay in Holland
For families looking to make a weekend (or longer) out of their stay, Holland has plenty of lodging options, ranging from nearby hotels to experiential stays.
If looking to stay near the Christmas commotion downtown, try hotels like the Tulyp by Hilton or the Courtyard by Marriott, both of which have high customer reviews. There are also a handful of other hotels nearby Nelis’ Dutch Village for a more immersive experience.
To amplify your Sinterklaas stay, consider searching for Dutch-inspired cottages, like this guest favorite on Airbnb.
Where to eat in Holland
Other than the treats at Windmill Island Gardens or the Dutch Kerstmarkt, Holland’s downtown is lined with tasty sit-down spots to try with your family.
Start at Windmill Restaurant for a hearty breakfast paired with a side of warm staff service and a family-friendly atmosphere. Yelp reviewers commend the homemade cinnamon rolls and the cheap kids’ meal prices.
Afterwards, venture to New Holland Brewing for mid-afternoon snacks for the kids and sips for the parents. The food menu has pub bites to start, and sandwiches and pizzas for later. The brewery boasts a large beer menu and a distillery selling hand-crafted spirits.
Outside of downtown Holland are Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant on Lake Macatawa for seafood specials and Salt and Pepper Pub for traditional bar bites and mains. Don’t forget to end (or start) your day with a Dutch pastry from deBoer’s Bakkerij.
Now, your family is ready for the perfect place to find European holiday magic without leaving Michigan! Hankering for even more? Explore Michigan Christmas fun in Holland and Grand Rapids — and find the top Midwest Christmas towns worth the trip this year.
This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
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