This Midwestern Town Looks Like It Belongs in the Netherlands — and It Has a Yearly European-style Christmas Market

Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Holland, Michigan.

Windmills, tulips, and quaint charm, features you’d typically associate with the Netherlands, also have a home stateside. Holland, Michigan, a 34,000-person city on the shores of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, was settled in the 1840s by Dutch separatists escaping persecution; since then, it has evolved into a destination with an incredibly unique look, personality, and culture.

“Holland is the quintessential small town that everybody wishes they grew up in,” says Lucas Grill, the proprietor of 1983 Restaurants. “[It’s] slow, friendly, cute as a button, and yet chic and cosmopolitan enough to satisfy even the big-city folks who love to get out and have some fun.” Emily Tieman, a content creator and founder of the Emily Retro blog, echoes Grill, adding that the “picturesque Dutch village” is also notable for its “freshwater beaches with miraculous sunsets every night.” In the same vein, Holland’s natural beauty comes into play during one of its most well-known events: the Tulip Time festival. Millions of tulips take center stage during the eight-day celebration, as locals and visitors alike honor the city’s heritage and the beauty of the colorful flower.

Even when the tulips aren’t in bloom, Holland offers a variety of reasons to visit, from its exciting breweries and authentic Dutch bakery to its extensive bike trails and impressive snow-melt sidewalk system (more on that later). During the holiday season, visitors can shop around a European-style Christmas market and enjoy the festive lights at Windmill Island Gardens. It’s even supposed that author L. Frank Baum found inspiration for “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” while vacationing in Holland.

If any of those aspects pique your interest, it might be time to plan a trip to western Michigan. Read on to discover how to plan your trip to Holland, according to local experts.

• Experience a gorgeous sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan.

• Visit during the Tulip Time festival in May, when downtown Holland and its public parks and gardens are filled with millions of blooms.

• Stay in the heart of Holland at one of its centrally located hotels, Haworth Hotel or Centennial Inn.

• Fill up on pastries and Dutch treats at the longstanding Deboer Bakkerij.

• Snap a photo at the “Big Red” lighthouse, an iconic Holland scene found at the entrance of the channel that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

Related: 14 U.S. Cities That Offer a Taste of Europe Close to Home

Best Hotels and Resorts

Haworth Hotel

Grill describes Haworth Hotel as a “unique and handsomely appointed” boutique hotel. “Additionally, it sits right on the Hope College campus, giving an added boost of social atmosphere, and it’s also only a half-block off the main drag, 8th Street,” he says. With 50 guest rooms and 14 conference rooms, the multi-use space is great for groups and events, and it even has an on-site coffee shop, Biggby Coffee.

Centennial Inn

“I would recommend staying at a hotel or inn located in Downtown Holland so you can easily walk to Holland’s best shops and restaurants,” says Tieman. The Centennial Inn is another option, as it’s within walking distance of the beach and many coffee shops, bars, and places to eat.

Tulyp, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

If you have Hilton Honors points to spend (or earn), book a room at Tulyp, Tapestry Collection By Hilton. Just one block from Riverview Park, the hotel is conveniently located near many of Holland’s must-see sights, including Hope College, Holland Museum, and Windmill Island Gardens.

Best Things to Do

See a sunset on Lake Michigan.

“You can’t visit Holland without walking on the shores of Lake Michigan at sunset,” says Tieman. Grill describes the “truly majestic, breathtaking” body of water as “one of the great hidden gems our world has to offer,” thanks, in part, to its sugar-sand beaches and “sunsets for days.”

Related: 12 Best Lake Michigan Beaches With White Sand, Rolling Dunes, and Stunning Views

Visit Holland State Park and the “Big Red” lighthouse.

Both Tieman and Gwen Auwerda, the executive director of Tulip Time, recommend travelers make their way to Holland State Park and the historic Holland Harbor Lighthouse, more affectionately known as “Big Red.” According to Auwerda, the sandy beach and water make “photographing Big Red a beautiful sight.” In good weather, the park is ideal for hiking, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing.

Stroll the downtown sidewalks — even in the winter.

The largest snowmelt sidewalk system in the U.S. makes Holland “a four-season tourist destination,” says Grill.  “Hot water is pumped through pipes underground from the Board of Public Works, which melts the snow in the winter,” explains Auwerda. So while snow may be in the forecast, you can confidently explore the area without having to struggle over snowdrifts or icy patches.

Explore Windmill Island Gardens.

There’s a good chance you’ve seen photos of Windmill Island Gardens and its famous structure De Zwaan (“The Swan”). The only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S., De Zwaan was originally built in 1761 and left the Netherlands in 1964. Today, it resides alongside the gardens’ 36 acres of flower beds, walking trails, antique carousel, and Dutch street organ. To experience the attraction in full, visit from mid-April through early October.

Familiarize yourself with Holland’s craft beer scene.

Most beer drinkers will recognize the name New Holland Brewing Company, so a stop at its Holland Brewpub may be on your agenda. Other places to whet your whistle include Our Brewing Company and Big Lake Brewing, which Auwerda says has “fabulous food and a few Dutch dishes along with great beer.” If you prefer something stronger, sip on a cocktail at Coppercraft Distillery.

Best Restaurants

Deboer Bakkerij

“Deboer Bakkerij is the quintessential Holland bakery... It’s a long-standing, family-owned, and affordable restaurant where the locals love to eat,” says Tieman. You can either choose to sit down at the full-service restaurant for breakfast or lunch — don’t miss the famous double fried chicken — or grab one of the donuts, bagels, or Dutch pastries to go.

Seventy-Six

For “high-end American food in a stunning atmosphere,” Auwerda recommends Seventy-Six, part of Grill’s 1983 Restaurants group. The menu includes hearty “Knife & Fork ‘Sandwiches,’” and a variety of items that fall into the restaurant’s self-created category of “high-end junk food.” Think whitefish hushpuppies, jumbo lump crab rangoons, and Hong Kong-style egg rolls.

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant

“Boatwerks is on the water with outdoor seating, beautiful views, and great food,” says Tieman, who shares that it's an ideal spot for a date night. On summer nights, take a seat on the covered patio and enjoy the views over Lake Macatawa with a cocktail in hand. For the best experience, visit from May to October, although the restaurant is open to patrons year-round.

Best Shopping

“Downtown Holland has the best shopping,” says Tieman. Stop in Holland Peanut Store for nostalgic candies, Dutch-imported licorice, and the shop’s Fabiano Nutty and Plain Paddle Pops. There are also a variety of boutiques and antique stores to browse along 8th Street. For a “quintessential women’s boutique shopping experience,” Grill says to check out jb & me. “The whole team at jb & me pride themselves in the hand-curated and meticulous selection of such amazing apparel, footwear, home goods, and more,” he says.

If you’re interested in sustainable shopping in Holland, you’re in luck. “Holland is also a thrifter’s paradise with tons of thrift shops to visit,” says Tieman. For antiques, specifically, she recommends Downtown Antiques & Home Furnishings, “which has some of the best vintage pieces in town.”

Festivals and Events

Tulip Time

“Tulip Time is Holland’s biggest event of the year with millions of people all over the world coming to see the tulip fields,” shares Tieman. Along with the millions of tulips on display, you can expect parades, Dutch costumes, an artisan market, and a 5K/10K run. “My best recommendation is to plan your trip by looking at our website to see what activities you want to do on the days you are visiting. Every day has different activities,” says Auwerda. She advises to “get to town early,” particularly if you’re visiting over the weekends, which tend to be the busiest.

Summer Street Performer Series

Come summertime, Holland’s street performer series shuts down 8th Street every Thursday. Musicians, face painters, magicians, caricature artists, and aerial acrobats show off their creativity and entertain those in the area. “Every restaurant is packed, the streets are packed, and it’s so fun for everyone to come and enjoy the art on display,” says Grill.

Holidays in Holland

The city’s charm tends to come out in full force during the holiday season. “Holland is decked out with wreaths, pinecones, garland, and everything you’d expect at this time of the year,” says Grill. “Adding in warm, cozy, snow-free sidewalks, Santa, parades, and more… There’s truly something for the kid in everyone in Holland every holiday season.”

Given Holland’s Dutch roots, it’s no surprise that a European-style Christmas market, “Kerstmarkt,” is an annual tradition. The open-air market runs most weekends from mid-November to mid-December, and visitors will find various holiday gifts and treats as well as artisan demonstrations. The winter also marks the arrival of Santa Claus, who makes his way to Downtown Holland during the Parade of Lights in late November.

Windmill Island Gardens’ Magic at the Mill is another “must-see” this time of year, says Auwerda. “It boasts a light show with all the trees and windmill lit up as well.” While the event is particularly good for kids, there’s fun to be had for the whole family. The street organ plays holiday music, the gift shops are open, and there’s even a chance to meet the Dutch predecessor of Santa Claus, Sinterklaas.

Best Time to Visit

Late April to mid-May, otherwise known as tulip season, is one of the best (and most popular) times to visit Holland. Summer, however, comes in as a close second. If you come to Holland from July through early September, be sure to bring your swimsuit; you’ll want to take advantage of the area’s sandy beaches and lake access.

If you aren’t scared off by freezing temperatures, don’t overlook Holland’s holiday season. “Downtown Holland is absolutely beautiful at Christmastime with lights, decorations, and snow to create the perfect holiday town combination,” says Tieman. While snow often poses an issue for sightseeing during the winter, Holland’s snowmelt system ensures the sidewalks are “snow and ice-free, so you can confidently enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts without worrying about slipping and sliding,” she adds. However, it is important to note that some of Holland’s stores and attractions may be closed this time of year, so be sure to call ahead before making concrete plans.

How to Get There

Muskegon County Airport (MKG) and Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids are both less than 45 minutes from Holland. MKG is served by Southern Airways Express, which offers five daily round-trip flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD). GRR is a bit more accessible for most people, as the airport is connected to over 30 major cities in the U.S. via Delta, Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier, American, and United flights. It’s recommended to rent a car to complete the final leg of your journey to Holland. If you prefer to travel by train, there’s a route from Chicago Union Station to Holland, which takes around three hours.

How to Get Around

Having a car to explore Holland will be extremely helpful, but you can also get around select areas by walking or biking. “The downtown is very walkable to get to all the retail stores and restaurants and wonderful city parks,” says Auwerda. Greater Holland features more than 150 miles of bike paths and off-road trails, many of which traverse the city’s most popular parks. If you aren’t traveling with your own set of wheels, you can rent a bike from Rock ‘n’ Road Cycle - Holland or Velo City Cycles.

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