Holland’s Tulip Festival

Travel

Holland’s Tulip Festival, also known as Tulip Time, is a breathtaking celebration of Dutch heritage and the arrival of spring in Holland, Michigan. Held annually in early May, the festival transforms the city into a vibrant sea of color, with over six million tulips blooming across parks, streets, and gardens. Visitors can enjoy traditional Dutch dancing, parades, artisan markets, and cultural performances, all while soaking in the stunning floral displays. Windmill Island Gardens, home to the historic De Zwaan windmill, offers a picturesque backdrop for photos and tulip viewing. With its charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Tulip Time is a must-visit event that captures the heart of springtime in the Midwest.

Holland’s Tulip Time Festival offers a variety of activities that celebrate Dutch heritage. Here are some of the best things to do during the festival:

Enjoy the Tulip Gardens

Visit Windmill Island Gardens, home to over 100,000 tulips and the historic De Zwaan windmill.
Walk through Veldheer Tulip Gardens, featuring millions of tulips in full bloom.
Explore the city streets and parks, like Centennial Park, lined with vibrant tulip displays.
NEVER pick a tulip. Picking tulips from public property could be considered a criminal misdemeanor.

Experience Dutch Culture

Watch traditional Dutch dancing performances by costumed dancers performing Klompen (wooden shoe) dances.
Visit the Holland Museum to learn about the city’s rich Dutch heritage.
Go to Neli’s Dutch Village (great for kids).
Shop at the Dutch Marktplaats, where you’ll find wooden shoes, Delftware, and Dutch treats like stroopwafels.

Attend Festival Events

Parades: Enjoy the Muziekparade (Music Parade) and the Volksparade (People’s Parade) featuring marching bands and floats.
Carnival & Rides: Take a spin at the carnival with classic rides and festival food.
Fireworks Show: End the festival with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Macatawa.

Book a family photo session

A family photo session during Holland’s Tulip Time Festival is a magical way to capture memories in a vibrant, once-a-year setting. Here are some key benefits:

Stunning, One-of-a-Kind Backdrop. With millions of tulips in full bloom, your photos will have a colorful and picturesque setting, making them unique and visually stunning. The combination of bright florals, historic windmills, and charming Dutch architecture adds timeless beauty to every shot.
Perfect for Updating Family Portraits. Spring is the season of renewal, making it the perfect time to update your family photos. A session during Tulip Time provides fresh, cheerful images that you can cherish for years to come.
A Fun & Memorable Experience. A photo session during the festival isn’t just about the pictures, it’s about creating fun family memories. Kids love exploring the tulip fields, and the festival atmosphere adds excitement and joy to the experience.
The soft spring sunlight during the festival provides ideal conditions for photography, enhancing the warmth and depth of your family portraits. The golden hour light reflecting off the tulips adds an extra dreamy touch.
BOOK YOUR SESSION HERE.

Get engaged or married during Tulip time!

Tulips symbolize love, passion, and new beginnings—making them the perfect floral representation for a wedding. What better way to start your marriage than being surrounded by a flower that represents lasting love?

Holland, Michigan offers charming venues that shine even brighter during Tulip Time. Consider Windmill Island Gardens for a fairytale-like setting, Centennial Park for a floral wonderland, or a blueberry field at Tanglewood winery or waterfront venue like Boatwerks to capture the best of both worlds.

Explore Holland

Rent a bike and ride along Lakeshore Drive for scenic views of Lake Michigan.
Take a boat cruise on Lake Macatawa for a different perspective of the festival.
Hike Mt. Pisgah at Holland State Park and snap a picture with Big Red Lighthouse.
Watch a sunset at Tunnel Park beach.