AT WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS
Fridays & Saturdays December 4 - 19, 2026
EXPERIENCE WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS FOR
DUTCH HOLIDAY FUN
‘TULIP” LIGHT FIELD
Watch as 1,000 LED ‘tulips’ light up and dance synchronized to holiday music!
TASTY DUTCH TREATS
Warm up with some delicious Dutch treats during these chilly winter nights! Grab some hot cocoa or coffee in a souvenir mug, and snack on delicious Dutch pigs in a blanket, roasted almonds, and so much more provided by Nelis’ Dutch Village!
TRADITIONAL STREET ORGAN
Enjoy classic holiday tunes played on our authentic Dutch street organ! A unique opportunity to hear the classics like you’ve never heard before!
CHILDREN’S CAROUSEL RIDES
Children 12 and under are welcome to enjoy a carousel ride during the event at no additional charge!
MEET SINTERKLAAS
The Dutch predecessor of Santa Claus, Sinterklaas, will be on site during Magic at the Mill!* Meet him, grab a photo, and you’ll even receive a chocolate coin - a Dutch holiday tradition!
*Sinterklaas will NOT be onsite on Friday, December 4. Find him in Downtown Holland for the Sinterklaas Shuffle presented by the Tulip Time Festival!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Magic at the Mill runs the first 3 Friday and Saturday nights in December. For 2026, This falls on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19.
Magic at the Mill runs 5pm - 9pm each of those nights with tickets available for hour long time slots throughout the event.
-
No, we do not have wheelchairs available to borrow during Magic at the Mill.
-
Yes! Our Gift Shop contains a wide variety of Dutch treats and souvenirs and will be open for shopping for the duration of the event each night.
Note: Flour from the mill is unavailable at this time. -
We find visitors can enjoy the event, attractions, and even dine on some Dutch treats in about an hour to an hour and a half.
Your hour long ticket slot will not require you to leave at the end of the hour, but note the event will shut down by 9pm.
Please note this is an outdoor winter event. Be sure to dress warm for the cold temperatures!
-
No, De Zwaan windmill will not be open for viewing during Magic at the Mill. Due to its historic nature, the windmill is not equipped to handle moisture from wet and snowy shoes, damages from salting icy walkways, and interior floors are very slippery when wet.
We invite you to explore the interior of De Zwaan during our open season each year from mid-April through early October!
-
Sinterklaas can be found in our brick visitor services building, or the Posthouse, during the event each night except Friday, December 4 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. He is available for photos, and children can even receive a tasty chocolate coin after their visit!
PLEASE NOTE- Sinterklaas is NOT on site during the event on Friday, December 4. He can be found in Downtown Holland during the Sinterklaas Shuffle event presented by the Tulip Time Festival!
-
Yes, our on site parking lot is able to accommodate around 250 vehicles.
-
No. Tickets for Magic at the Mill are limited each night, and only available for purchase online. We recommend buying tickets in advance as nights have been known to sell out!
-
Yes! Our partner, Nelis’ Dutch Village is on site during Magic at the Mill with a variety of tasty treats to enjoy during the event! From hot drinks to snacks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
-
Due to safety restrictions, we do not allow dogs or other pets in the park during Magic at the Mill.
-
Yes! If you are no longer able to attend your originally selected date, there is a button to change your tickets in your confirmation email.
If you have any issues with this, please reach out to us at magicatthemill@cityofholland.com for assistance.
-
Yes! The entire event is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, or wagons. Please note indoor spaces are small and may be congested with other visitors and difficult to navigate.
Our team works hard to keep all outdoor walkways clear of snow and ice throughout the event, but please note we may not always be able to keep up with Mother Nature. Be prepared for winter conditions.
BE A PART OF THE HOLIDAY MAGIC
VOLUNTEER
SEASON OF GIVING
Hope PKGS donation drive
In the spirit of the season of giving, we will be collecting donations for HopePkgs during Magic at the Mill! Last year, we were able to fill their donation box FIVE times providing daily essentials to so many children entering foster care! Hope Pkgs is a local Holland, Michigan organization that provides 'first night bags' for children of all ages entering foster care. These new backpacks are filled with new pajamas, socks, underwear, and more essentials to help provide hope and comfort to children during traumatic times. If you would like to join us in supporting Hope Pkgs, please consider bringing a donation with you to Magic at the Mill to help fill our donation box! The box will be located inside Visitor Services during the event. Learn more about Hope Pkgs below.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
We’re here to help! Reach out to our Programs team for assistance and they will get back to you as soon as they can.
