Holland might be a beach town — but it's also a popular winter destination
HOLLAND — It might be a popular beach town, but Holland is also a top Michigan winter destination.
That's according to Holland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Linda Hart, who said a variety of new and beloved events are expected to bring visitors to the city this winter.
More:Our calendar of holiday events in Holland and beyond
More:Tickets available for Holland's first-ever Magic at the Mill
Holland's snowmelt system is especially attractive to year-round visitors, Hart said. Some travel to Holland from markets in Chicago and Detroit and Indiana.
“With the events that we have, in addition to our snowmelt system, Holland becomes a popular destination for a lot of folks who just want to get away for a weekend,” Hart said.
Regular events include a Holiday Open House (held last weekend), the Parade of Lights (Tuesday, Nov. 29), Kerstmarkt (an outdoor holiday market) and Shopping Jam (Saturday, Dec. 17).
New this year is "Magic at the Mill," which takes place 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2-17, at Windmill Island Gardens. During the event, the popular windmill will be set aglow and surrounded by thousands of LED tulips, set to music. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child.
An ice sculpting competition will also return downtown in early February after a hiatus, Hart said.
“It’s a very popular event. We’re excited to bring that back.”
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Hotel occupancy in the region was 47 percent for January 2019, 57 percent for February 2019 and 52 percent for March 2019. After dips during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was 42 percent in January 2022, 45 percent in February 2022 and 52 percent in March 2022.
Corporate travel is rebounding in West Michigan more quickly than originally predicted, Hart said. Athletic events at Holland Aquatic Center and Hope College will also bring people downtown over the next few months.
“I’m hoping 2023 will continue to improve and get back to those pre-pandemic numbers,” Hart said.
Girlfriends Weekend, another big draw, is scheduled for March 3-5, 2023. The focus then shifts to May’s Tulip Time.
Hart believes the community is healthy and doing well.
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“Our downtown is just stunning and also clean,” she said. “It’s a surprise to know (visitors) can walk downtown and there’s no snow, there’s no ice, and free parking.”
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@sentinel-standard.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland might be a beach town — but it's also a popular winter destination
