Tulip Time Festival is bringing a touch of the Netherlands to West Michigan this holiday season as Dutch Winterfest returns for its second annual celebration in December 2026. Holland already shines in winter with community favorites like Downtown Holland's Parade of Lights, Windmill Island Gardens' Magic at the Mill, the City of Holland's new Ice Park, and the beloved Kerstmarkt, an outdoor holiday market that brings European charm to downtown. Tulip Time adds to the festive lineup with Dutch Winterfest, a collection of experiences that blend holiday magic with rich Dutch tradition.
New this year, Dutch Skate will take center stage at the Holland Ice Park, bringing one of the Netherlands' most beloved winter traditions to life. Featuring skaters dressed in traditional Dutch attire, the experience will celebrate the cultural connection between the Netherlands and Holland, Michigan, in an exciting new setting. Guests can enjoy the charm of Dutch heritage on ice while experiencing one of downtown Holland's newest winter attractions.
"We are incredibly excited to bring Dutch Winterfest back for a second year and continue building something special for our community," said Gwen Auwerda, Executive Director of Tulip Time Festival. "Dutch Skate is exactly the kind of experience we love creating. It brings our Dutch heritage to life in a new and unexpected way."
Beyond the ice, Dutch Winterfest will offer a variety of experiences inspired by Dutch holiday traditions, seasonal entertainment, and Holland's vibrant downtown.
The beloved Sinterklaas Shuffle returns, inviting children and families to follow a festive journey through downtown Holland. With lanterns and passports in hand, participants will visit themed stations, interact with holiday characters, and discover the traditions and stories of Sinterklaas.
Guests can also explore Holland through a collection of curated experiences, including the Holiday Huis Tour, offering a look inside unique buildings and spaces; the Proost! Tasting Tour, pairing handcrafted beverages with Dutch-inspired bites; and Delft Downtown, transforming public spaces with oversized ornaments, wooden shoes, and other Dutch icons inspired by traditional Dutch blue-and-white pottery.
"We are incredibly excited to bring Dutch Winterfest back for a second year and continue building something special for our community."
Live entertainment will also take center stage during Dutch Winterfest, with concerts bringing music and holiday cheer to Holland. Michigan-IO's Holiday Show will bring its signature musical energy to the stage, while Winter Jazz, featuring the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, will offer a festive evening of live jazz at the Park Theatre. Together, these performances add another dimension to the celebration, giving visitors and residents opportunities to enjoy world-class entertainment alongside the festival's Dutch-inspired experiences.
Following the enthusiasm surrounding its inaugural year, Dutch Winterfest continues to expand Tulip Time's commitment to celebrating Dutch culture and creating meaningful experiences beyond the spring festival season. With new programming, community partnerships, and a growing collection of seasonal traditions, the organization adds another reason to experience Holland during the holidays.
For the complete schedule of events, concert information, ticket details, and updates, visit DutchWinterfest.com.
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