Sometimes it feels like the holiday season is one big to-do list.
- Find a sitter for the kids during their never-ending break from school.
- Remember to bake Christmas cookies for the annual cookie exchange with your girlfriends.
- Buy a new dress for the holiday cocktail party at work (because quite frankly, last year's dress doesn't fit anymore).
- Decorate the Christmas tree before the needles all fall off.
And don't even get us started on "Elf on the Shelf."
If it feels like the magic is missing from the holiday season, then we warmly invite you to experience the holidays here in Downtown Holland. Stroll the heated (yes, heated) cobblestone sidewalks and take in the beautiful holiday décor as you shop for unique gifts at independently owned clothing and accessory boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, specialty food stores and so much more. Who knew shopping for a gift for your beloved (and oh so picky) Aunt Ruth could be so ... well, easy?
We promise you'll never look at holiday shopping the same after you've experienced the amazing product selection and high level of customer service Downtown Holland has to offer.
Make a day of it and grab a burger and beer for lunch at one of our local brewpubs. After all, day drinking is pretty much a necessity during the holiday season. Or enjoy a relaxing dinner and a glass of wine (or two) at a farm-to-table bistro. With coffee shops on every block, you'll have plenty of fuel to power your holiday shopping spree, with enough energy leftover to help your kids build that gingerbread house when you're back home.
There's nothing like seeing your child sit on Santa's lap for the first time to put a little magic spark in your holidays—especially when it costs nothing to visit him! Santa's Shoppe is just one of countless family-friendly holiday events you'll find in Downtown Holland all season long. You could also see Santa and his reindeer during the annual Holiday Open House, where you could hear carolers singing your favorite Christmas songs, sample a roasted chestnut and enjoy complimentary refreshments from Downtown merchants.
Be sure to experience the popular Parade of Lights, a nighttime holiday parade with over 75 entries lit from top to bottom with thousands of sparkling holiday lights. Stay up late for Shop 'Til You Drop or wake up early for the annual Shopping Jam to take advantage of incredible discounts at participating stores.
For a full shopping and dining directory, along with a copy of the 2019 holiday calendar of events, visit Downtown Holland or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest on Downtown Holland holiday happenings. From all of us in Downtown Holland, we wish you a holiday season filled with friends, family, food ... and a little bit of magic.
Written by Kara de Alvare, Marketing Coordinator for Downtown Holland, full-time working mom of two and PTA Vice President ... which was a questionable life choice, for sure.
