Our calendar of holiday events in Holland and beyond
HOLLAND — 'Tis the season! Shopping and holiday events are just around the corner — and have, in some places, already begun. No matter where you live along the lakeshore, you'll find events for all ages.
Here's a compiled list to check throughout the season:
Holiday Kerstmarkt
When: Fridays and Saturdays beginning Saturday, Nov. 19
Where: Holland Civic Center
Details: Holland's own European-inspired outdoor market with handcrafted wares, fresh greenery, holiday decor and baked goods from local artisans. Housed in wooden booths, Kerstmarkt will also feature live music performances, dogsled demonstrations and more during its quarter-century celebration. Specific dates and hours are available at kerstmarkt.wordpress.com/about.
Holiday Open House
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
Where: Downtown Holland
Details: Head downtown for a chance to see the beautifully decorated and brightly lit streets while also shopping for holiday gifts. The event includes an appearance by Santa and his favorite elf, a reindeer petting corral, chestnut roasting and special deals.
Zeeland Turkey Trot 8K
When: 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24
Where: Downtown Zeeland
Details: Start your Thanksgiving Day with some exercise by participating in the Zeeland Turkey Trot 8K. The event starts downtown in front of Frank's Restaurant and takes trotters through several of Zeeland’s streets and neighborhoods.
Saugatuck Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: 3-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25
Where: Wicks Park, Water Street
Details: This event begins with a visit from Santa and his reindeer before heading to Wicks Park Gazebo for an annual tree lighting ceremony. The holiday tree will be lit in unison with the star on Mt. Baldhead.
Small Business Saturday
When: Saturday, Nov. 26
Where: Holland, Saugatuck, Douglas and Zeeland
Details: Local retailers are celebrating Small Business Saturday with giveaways, discounts and other fun promotions across West Michigan. Visit small businesses in Holland, Saugatuck, Douglas, Zeeland and beyond to shop holiday gifts and show your support.
Zeeland's Magical Christmas Parade
When: 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28
Where: Downtown Zeeland
Details: Zeeland kicks off the holiday season with something for everyone. It all starts at 5:30 p.m. with musical act Tuba Christmas, followed by a tree lighting ceremony at Splash Pad Park at 6:15 p.m. and the Magical Christmas Parade along Main Avenue at 6:30 p.m.
Holland's Parade of Lights
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29
Where: Downtown Holland
Details: Santa Claus arrives downtown as part of this annual event, escorted by over 75 floats, trucks, marching bands and more. Starting at the corner of Eighth Street and Columbia Avenue, the parade travels down Eighth to Holland Civic Center.
Feel the Zeel of Christmas
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Where: 156 E. Main Ave. in Zeeland
Details: Snap a photo with Santa before hitching a ride on a horse-drawn trolley through downtown Zeeland. Tickets are available by donation outside 140 E. Main Ave.
Magic at the Mill
When: 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2-17
Where: Windmill Island Gardens in Holland
Details: This brand-new ticketed holiday event features a tulip field of 1,000 LED blossoms on a synchronized light and music show, plus access to the carousel and windmill. Shops will be open during the event and children can also greet Sinterklaas after his arrival in Holland.
Strolling Santa
When: 6-8 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 2-23
Where: Downtown Holland
Details: As you knock out your holiday shopping, keep an eye out for Santa Claus as he strolls through downtown Holland to greet customers, pose for photos and spread holiday cheer.
Sinterklaas Eve
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Where: Holland Civic Center
Details: This traditional Dutch event invites children to welcome Sinterklaas, the Dutch St. Nicholas, to Holland with a lantern-lit procession. Sinterklaas will welcome families at 6:20 p.m. before leading a traditional procession around the block. Families can pose for photos until 8 p.m.
Fennville Holiday Events
When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Downtown Fennville at Main St. and Maple
Details: Locals across West Michigan are invited to downtown Fennville for a full day of holiday events in early December, beginning at 9 a.m. with a pancake brunch. The day also includes live reindeer, a visit with Santa, a parade, a tree lighting ceremony and more.
Shopping Jam
When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: Downtown Holland
Details: As part of this annual event, participating businesses will open their doors early, offering 30 percent off at least one item from 8-9 a.m. and 25 percent off at least one item from 9-10 a.m.
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New Year’s Eve Party
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
Where: Holland Civic Center
Details: This New Year’s Masquerade Party will have drinks, food, champagne and dancing with live bands and a DJ. Proceeds from the event benefit Mackenzie’s House, a program to prevent the homelessness of aged-out foster youth.
— Austin Metz is a former Holland Sentinel reporter.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Our calendar of holiday events in Holland and beyond
