Starting in 1997 with just 10 booths, the Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt has grown into a beloved annual holiday event which is entering its 27th season this year.
With 25 booths to shop from during each visit, the 2024 Kerstmarkt season will run weekends only with varying hours from Saturday, November 23 – Saturday, December 21.
Located at the 8th Street Marketplace (150 W. 8th St.) just outside of Holland Civic Center Place, the Kerstmarkt is an outdoor European-style Christmas market that allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, while shopping for unique, locally-produced, handcrafted gifts from over 30 vendors each weekend. In addition, authentic Dutch foods will be available for purchase, with traditional holiday glühwein, or hot mulled wine, available for guests 21 and older.
Holiday fun and shopping isn't all visitors will find at the Holland Kerstmarkt! Every weekend is sure to be a new experience with several rotating vendors, special events, special guests and more. Enjoy dog sled demonstrations, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, listen to holiday carolers, enjoy the sounds of traditional handbell concerts, and even meet Sinterklaas (the Dutch Santa Claus) all while shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
The Kerstmarkt and its corresponding special events are free to attend with free on-site parking, and is conveniently located right at the end of Downtown Holland's 8th street, where you can stroll up and down to enjoy the beautifully lit holiday atmosphere. Organizers encourage visitors to make their trip to Holland one that not only includes a visit to the Kerstmarkt but also the area's other festive happenings.
Customers from all over the world have shopped the Kerstmarkt, checking into the guest book that can be found inside the Warming Booth each market day. Happy Kerstmarkt shoppers have even voted the Holland Kerstmarkt into the top 10 of the USA Today Readers' Choice Poll of the 10Best Holiday Markets in the U.S.!
To learn more and see specific Kerstmarkt dates and special events, visit the event's website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Downtown Holland.
