From twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces, and festive good cheer to the many seasonal events, you’ll set the stage for the many ways to celebrate the holidays with someone you love and adore. Magic fills the holiday season and delivers abundant joy and awe — especially here in West Michigan — and there are endless ways to make your stay just as enchanting and memorable as the season itself.
So, head out to Allegan and stroll through our charming seasonal markets. You never know what treasures you’ll find. Enjoy the holiday parade — or two.
Better yet, savor some quiet moments together, surrounded by a winter wonderland and the Michigan countryside.
Hint: Our igloo is an excellent place for this — private, insulated from the cold, warm, and toasty with an electric fireplace, and the perfect spot for a glass of wine, an indulgent charcuterie board, and a romantic conversation.
However, you spend the holidays, embrace the season’s spirit, and allow your fairytale getaway to unfold.
Shop the Holland Farmers Market
Whoever said farmers’ markets are only for summer has yet to visit the Holland Farmers Market. And this isn’t your typical popup roadside farm stand, either. The winter Holland Farmers Market is inside the Holland Civic Center, so there’s no need to worry about frostbite or bundling up to stay warm while perusing the goods. Over 25 vendors participate throughout the season and offer a wide range of artisan products, tasty treats, fresh produce, and much more.
This shoreside Michigan city is a must-visit for any romantic winter getaway when you’re looking for something to do beyond the Castle Kingdom.
Discover Holiday Charm at Kertsmarkt
If you’ve never been to the holiday Kerstmarkt and are ready to explore the surrounding area, you simply must visit it! This market has all the enchanting charm of a European snow globe but in West Michigan. Think romance, a couple’s festive holiday shopping adventure, and blend that with seasonal charm, a little Christmas magic, and plenty of local artisans — and you’ve got the Kerstmarkt.
The aroma of mulled wine and fresh pine entices you each step of the way. A romantic stroll through Kerstmarkt is a beautiful way to spend time together while embracing the holidays. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to pick up a few unique gifts for yourself or someone else this holiday season.
Unique Gifts at Mistletoe Market
Speaking of unique holiday gifts and events, the Mistletoe Market in Saugatuck is another excellent place where holiday magic takes center stage. Tucked into this quaint Lakeside town, the Mistletoe Market sparkles with creativity, joy, festive cheer, and, yes, even holiday romance.
Abundant artisans welcome you while each hand-crafted treasure tells its own story. Browse the shops long enough, and you will find a gift as unique and special as the person on your shopping list.
And when we say this market ‘sparkles with romance,’ it’s because the enchanting atmosphere feels like stepping into a holiday postcard — lots of garland and twinkling lights, and plenty of holiday music and crafty cheer to set the mood.
Feel the Glow at Saugatuck’s Tree Lighting
What’s more festive and charming during a romantic winter getaway than heading to the Wicks Park gazebo the evening after Thanksgiving and celebrating the annual Christmas Tree lighting? A gazillion tiny, colorful lights glowing in the night while you sip some hot chocolate and maybe sample an indulgent dessert with your love is a fantastic seasonal date night idea!
Watch the holiday come alive with the glow of lights, the aroma of warm chocolate, and the iconic sounds of Christmas carolers filling the air. Afterward, retreat to the Castle and let the evening’s events and special moments together linger. After all, this is what a winter getaway is all about.
Light Up the Night at Holland’s Parade
Another charming event is the Holland Parade of Lights. Christmas parades are full of magic, joy, and a jolly good time, and this one delivers all that twinkles after dark. If you love illuminated floats, then this is the parade to watch. Lighted float after float glide through the streets of Holland, ready to delight your senses and fill you with joy.
Live music, smiling faces, and enough holiday lights to rival the night sky — that’s what you’ll greet. So, get comfortable. Huddle next to someone special and savor the magic of the parade.
Of course, you could always begin your celebration early here at the Castle with a couples massage and romantic rendezvous in the igloo. Then, follow that up with an early dinner at one of Holland’s cozy eateries. After your meal, join the crowd and let the parade magic fill you with wonder, awe, and festive good cheer.
Join the Fun at the Whootville Christmas Parade
“What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.” — Dr. Seuss
Why enjoy one parade when you can enjoy two? The Whootville Christmas Parade happens during the day, and it’s as lively, fun, and nostalgic as the Dr. Seuss literary world. Live music, plenty of Dr. Seuss-inspired characters, and more march, ride, and glide down the streets of Saugatuck Douglas. Yes, Santa always makes his presence known, but keep your eyes out for the Grinch, too. This parade is bursting with nostalgia and fun for all Seuss fans.
Celebrate the Season with a Christmas Concert
Let the season’s sounds sweep you away and into each other’s arms with a charming Christmas concert. From soaring choirs and graceful string quartets to melodic keyboards, the seasonal music envelops you with a warm embrace. A Christmas concert is the perfect way to elevate your holiday experience while sharing a magical moment with someone special.
Whether you’re looking for a grand performance or a small and cozy recital, holiday concerts are the perfect way to enhance your celebration, spend some enchanting moments together, and embrace the season’s charm.
Ring in the New Year with Magic in Allegan
If you’re visiting during New Year’s Eve, celebrate in style with the Allegan New Year’s Eve celebration, which includes a ball drop, a festive atmosphere, and an impressive fireworks display. Book a stay at the Castle and add a dinner package for two at the inn to make the most of your New Year’s celebration. Then, toast the last evening of 2024 with someone special as the enchanting night sky comes to life with a vibrant fireworks display over the Allegan Riverfront. What better way to ring in the coming new year and open the next chapter of your love story?
Escape to Castle in the Country for Winter Enchantment
There’s no better time to embrace the holiday season than with a dreamy winter escape for two to the Allegan countryside and the Castle Kingdom. Here, you can create your own fairytale — enhance your holiday love story, and indulge in a getaway where every moment feels magical and full of charm.
From quiet moments by the fireplace to toasting each other in the igloo, enjoy a cozy walk on the trail from the Castle Keep through the pergola and woods. There are four different walking trails to enjoy on our Adventure Map. And if you’d like to indulge in some winter activities or snowshoe our trails, just let your innkeeper know. Celebrate the holidays at Castle in the Country and embrace the season’s enchantment with love, romance, and cheer.
Photo Credit: © MNstudio via canva.com, © jinsungKim via canva.com