During the holidays, Southwest Michigan offers the best of this magical time of year. Come experience the joy of the season, from shopping local markets and admiring twinkling lights, to savoring holiday fare and cuddling fireside in our romantic Castle in the Country. Here are 8 fun ways to celebrate the holiday season in Southwest, MI.
1. Holland Farmers Market
Open from mid-May to early December each year, the Holland Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and will share Saturdays with Kerstmarkt at the 8th Street Marketplace on each Saturday from Nov. 19 through Dec. 10. Shoppers enjoy perusing a variety of holiday decor, food items, pet supplies, flowers, plants, and more from almost 100 vendors!
- Date & Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-2pm, May 14 – Dec. 11
- Location: 150 W. 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
2. Kerstmarkt
Holland, Michigan brings a European holiday season at Kerstmarkt. Kerstmarkt (Dutch for Christmas markets) are markets sprinkled throughout the Netherlands during the Christmas season. Likewise, in Holland, MI, this festive market offers 18 outdoor booths featuring holiday items, delicious food, and artisan demonstrations.
- Date & Time: Weekends beginning Saturday, November 19 – Saturday, December 10, 2022
- Location: 8th Street Marketplace at the corner of 8th St. and Pine Ave., Holland, MI
3. Mistletoe Market
South Haven Center for the Arts presents the 36th Annual Mistletoe Market. Discover unique gifts on display by local and Midwest artists and artisans. Browse and shop for handmade jewelry, paintings, photography, and more. This is a wonderful way to cross items off your holiday shopping list! Opening Preview Day is Friday, November 18, 2022.
- Date & Time: November 19 – December 11, 2022 (closed Thanksgiving Day)
- Location: 600 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI 49090
4. Saugatuck Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
Shop and dine at this much-anticipated holiday event where the spirit and twinkle of the season will warm your heart and cheer your soul. Bring your cameras and your Christmas list for a meet and greet with Santa and his reindeer from 3pm-6pm. At 5pm, head to the Wicks Park Gazebo on Water Street for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Call 269-857-1626 for more information.
- Date & Time: 3pm-6pm (Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5pm), Nov. 25, 2022
- Location: Wicks Park, Water Street Saugatuck, MI 49453
5. Downtown Holland Parade of Lights
Holland’s annual Parade of Lights is a popular and joyous event that takes place every year in Downtown Holland. Expect to see Santa Clause himself, as well as thousands of sparkling lights from more than 70 entries. After the Parade, young and old alike will have an opportunity to meet and greet Santa.
- Date & Time: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 6:30pm
- Location: Corner of 8th St. and Columbia Ave., Holland, MI 49423
6. Annual Whootville Christmas Parade
This annual “Whootville” style holiday parade is a wonderful way to kick-off the holiday season. The Whootville Christmas Parade travels in a big circle around most of downtown Saugatuck’s business district. Starting on Water St. at Wicks Park, parade participants will travel north, turn left onto Butler Street, head north to The Post Office, left onto Mary Street, and then left onto Water Street, returning to Wicks Park.
- Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1pm
- Location: Downtown Saugatuck
7. Christmas Concert: Celebrate the Season
Award-winning operatic soprano Michelle Areyzaga from the Chicago area will join the Holland Symphony Orchestra for two traditional Christmas concerts featuring your favorite classics. Areyzaga is held in high regard by orchestras and opera companies throughout the world.
- Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 11 from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
- Location: Dimnent Chapel 277 College Ave. Holland, MI 49423
8. Stay at Castle in the Country
Escape the ordinary by booking your luxurious guest room at our enchanting bed and breakfast in Southwest Michigan. Located just outside the hustle and bustle of town on 65 acres of beautiful wooded and rolling terrain, here are just a few of the wonderful amenities and packages we offer:
Enjoy the Royal Treatment Experience
Add this delightfully romantic Royal Treatment Package to any two-or-more-night’s stay and amp up the romance. You’ll receive a welcome gift bag, in-room breakfast tray daily, side-by-side couple’s massage, picnic basket with your choice of local wine or sparkling juice, and a $60 dinner voucher. Plus, this package is good to use in the guest room or suite of your choice.
Savor a Delicious Breakfast
Every morning, you’ll wake to a scratch-made breakfast to savor in our spacious and beautiful dining room at individual tables for two. You will relish each dish made with fresh, local ingredients from nearby farms and purveyors. First, you’ll enjoy seasonal fresh fruit. Second, you’ll savor the sweetness of a fresh-baked pastry, like fruit-filled croissants or tasty scones. Third, you will experience one of our delicious main entrées, which alternate daily between savory and sweet. Our savory dishes include: soufflés, frittatas, and our signature Royal eggs and cheese. Our sweet entrées include: sourdough French toast, sweet crepes, and seasonal pancakes.
Take a Winter Bike Ride
Bike rides in the winter? Absolutely. In fact, our all-terrain, all-weather, fat-tire bikes are perfect for a winter bike ride. So, be sure to rent a couple during your getaway. What’s more, our expansive 65-acre property provides plenty of trails for an enjoyable afternoon outdoors. Afterwards, come back to your cozy suite to warm up and relax in front of the gas fireplace. Here, you can sip a hot cup of cocoa or fine glass of wine from one of our local Michigan wineries and cuddle to your hearts’ content.
These 8 fun ways to celebrate the holiday season in Southwest, MI are sure to please. However, the reason for the season remains the same. That is, take time to celebrate and appreciate your loved ones. One way to show your special someone (or favorite couple) how much you love them is with a gift certificate to Castle in the Country. Help them escape to the extraordinary to create memories to last for years to come! Book Now