HOLLAND — The first snow of the season has fallen and lakeside communities are turning their attention to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The holiday season brings with it a variety of events, from shopping to twinkling lights to parades.
We have compiled some highlights.
Dutch shop “Till You Drop”: Friday, November 10th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at 8th Avenue in Holland. During this annual event, participating shops and restaurants stay open late and offer deep discounts. Bring the family and head downtown to save money for a late night.
Dutch Holiday Open House: Saturday, November 18th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm in Downtown Holland. Members of the community can stroll the decorated and brightly lit streets while shopping for holiday gifts. Santa and his favorite elves, a reindeer petting farm, chestnut roasting and carolers will also be featured.
Community Tree Lighting in Saugatuck: Friday, Nov. 24 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Wickes Park, 502 Water St., Saugatuck. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6pm, followed by hot drinks and desserts including Crane Orchard pie.
Crane’s Handmade Holiday Market: Sunday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crane’s Pie Pantry, 6054 124th Ave., Fennville. This holiday his market sells gifts, cookie decorations, mulled cider, apples, donut holes and more. Artisans will be selling handmade jewelry, specialty woodwork, handmade soaps and more.
Magical Christmas Parade in Zeeland: Monday, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Zeeland. The tree lighting will take place at 6:15 p.m. The parade down Main His Avenue will include marching bands, walking groups, and eventually Santa and his Claus himself.
Dutch light parade: Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Holland. Santa Claus will arrive on Eighth Avenue, escorted by nearly 100 floats, parading banks, commercial vehicles and more. The parade begins at the corner of 8th Street and Columbia Avenue and continues until it reaches Holland Civic Center Place.
Feel the Christmas fever: Wednesday to Friday, November 29th to December, 5:30pm to 8:00pm 1, located in downtown Zeeland. This three-day celebration of his is perfect for the whole family and includes carriage rides, visits with Santa, letters in Santa’s mailbox, extended holiday shopping hours, in-store promotions, and more.
The magic of the Dutch mill: Held at Windmill Island Gardens, 1 Lincoln Ave., Holland, from 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 1-16. Set to holiday music, he strolls through a “tulip field” filled with 1,000 LED flowers. There will also be a merry-go-round for children and a street organ playing holiday songs. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-15, and free for children 2 and under.
Winterfest at Felt House: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Dutch Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave. This free children’s event offers the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The first 500 children will receive a goody bag.
Saugatuck Arts Center Outdoor Holiday Market: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 400 Culver St. in Saugatuck. Enjoy handcrafted artisan cocktails and browse products made in Michigan. Local creators will be showcasing homewares and décor, handmade wearables, delicious treats, and more.
Ridge Point Night Carol: Sunday, Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at Ridge Point Community Church, 340 104th Ave. in Holland. Sing your favorite Christmas carols at Lens Her Cafe in Ridge Point.
Holland is on the roof: Friday, December 15th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm in Downtown Holland. After a three-year hiatus, Up on the Rooftops is back, giving ticket holders exclusive access to private condos, apartments, and office space throughout downtown Holland. Tickets are $45 and include a light snack and dessert reception at the Howarth Hotel.
Dutch shopping jam: Saturday, Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in downtown Holland. Participating businesses will open early and offer special perks to their customers.
Dutch New Year’s Eve Party: Sunday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St. Enjoy live music from cover band Starfarm, plus appetizers and a midnight champagne toast. Early bird tickets are $125 through November 20th and $150 through December 1st.
— Contact Austin Mets reporter at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.