What is the Kerstmarkt?

“Kerstmarkt” in the Dutch language means “Christmas market.” Such markets pop up all over the Netherlands during the Christmas season, offering a venue for local artisans and specialty shops to sell their wares while shoppers gather, enjoying traditional food, drink and entertainment. Starting in 1997 as a dream of bringing a European-Style, Open-Air Market located in downtown Holland, Michigan. The Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt, a licenses non-profit organization are committed to continuing the Dutch Kerstmarkt tradition in Holland, Michigan by providing a venue for local artisans and craft people. While Kerstmarkt has become a tradition for many West Michigan families, vendors have reported U.S. visitors from as far away as Texas, California and even some international guests traveling to attend.

When is the Kerstmarkt?

Kerstmarkt begins on Friday, November 21st at 3PM and ends on Saturday, December 20th at 7PM. The Kerstmarkt is only open on Fridays (3-7PM) and Saturdays (9AM-7PM) for five weekends.

Where is the Kerstmarkt located?

Kerstmarkt is located at the 8th Street Marketplace, at 150 West 8th Street in Holland, Michigan.

Is there an entry fee for the Kerstmarkt?

Kerstmarkt is free to attend, and is created and run by a team of volunteers.

Is there parking at the Kerstmarkt?

Kerstmarkt is located at the 8th Street Market Place which is surrounded by two large FREE parking lots. Please respect the orange cones reserving parking spots for vendors. Additionally you can find FREE street parking, as well as self serve structure parking across the street on 9th Street, and a few blocks down on 7th Street. All options are free.

What kind of food & beverage options are served at the Kerstmarkt?

Along with traditional gluhwein, hot chocolate, hot cider, hot chai & fun festive beverages, you can eat dutch specialties like saucijzebroodjes “dutch pigs in a blanket”, speculaas, banket, stroopwafel & Christmas stollen.

The Beard and The Gal will also be serving potato leek soup in sourdough bread bowls, sourdough cheesy breadsticks, frankfurters, Italian beef sandwiches, chili rojo, chili dogs, taco boats and more. In addition they will have brunch every Saturday from 9AM to noon featuring their Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy, as well as weekly dinner features like their southern chicken pot pie.

Enjoy blueberry donuts and baked goods from Bowerman’s Blueberries, Hand-dipped Chocolates, Turtles, Butter Toffee and Specialty Barks from Marzec Chocolates, assorted freeze dried candy from Ice Queens Candy, candied nuts from deSoto Nuts, maple candy and honey sticks from Flagel’s Sugar House and specialty honey from Big Bear Honey.

Is the Kerstmarkt dog friendly?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the Kerstmarkt! However, on Saturdays, the Kerstmarkt is right next to the Holland Farmers Market,and dogs are strictly prohibited from the Farmers Market area by city ordinance. Keep in mind that we have dog sledding demonstrations, as not all dogs like other dogs. You can find the dates and times for our dog sledding demonstrations on our events page.

What kind of family activities are at the Kerstmarkt?

Enjoy Hand Bell Concerts, Dog Sled Visits, Sinterklaas Visit, Dickens Carolers, Santa Visits, Story Time hosted by the Herrick District Library, and much more!

Are there public restrooms at the Kerstmarkt?

Handicap accessible public bathrooms are located in the Civic Center and are open during the Kerstmarkt.

Is there an ATM at the Kerstmarkt, and do vendors accept credit card?

An ATM is located inside the Civic Center near the handicap accessible public bathrooms. Most vendors accept cash, check and credit card.

Where is the best lodging?

You can stay in the heart of downtown holland where you’re within walking distance to the Kerstmarkt along with the many shops and restaurants.

You can stay at one of the many hotels along us-31 which runs directly through holland and offers a variety of restaurants and shopping with a short drive.

Additionally, we have an abundance of rental properties along the lakeshore to make yourself feel right at home.

visit: http://www.holland.org/lodging