The fourth annual Magic at the Mill holiday light spectacular returns to Windmill Island Gardens beginning this weekend! Running on Friday and Saturday nights December 5-20, there will be 6 nights to experience Windmill Island Gardens covered in lights from stakes in the ground, to the top of De Zwaan’s blades! Magic at the Mill will be brighter than ever with even MORE lights this year as guests of all ages can enjoy Dutch attractions and the park grounds lit up and decorated for the season. Tickets for the event are on sale now, and are expected to go quickly after selling out most nights in previous years.
The main feature of Magic at the Mill is a “tulip field” of 1,000 LED blossoms that light up and dance synchronized to holiday music creating a light show that can’t be missed! In addition to thousands of holiday lights, a variety of attractions will be available to entertain guests of all ages. The carousel will be lit up and running for children to ride, and children of all ages can greet and get a photo with Sinterklaas, the Dutch predecessor of Santa Claus, on all event days except the first Friday, December 5. Sharp eyes might also spy his lighted majestic white horse waiting for him somewhere in the park! There are also many festive photo opportunities with beautiful scenery and fresh holiday greenery generously provided by Engelsman Greenhouse.
New this year, we are excited to share we will have a 250 foot long abstract light walk to stroll between the light field and main campus while surrounded by colorful waves of lights. This double sided light walk will change colors intermittently creating a fun and festive experience where lights ranging 3ft tall to 6ft tall are right at eye level for almost all heights! Guests 21 and older can also now enjoy a hot mug of Bisschopswijn, a Dutch, spiced, mulled wine, while they enjoy the holiday festivities. Bisschopswijn can be purchased in a Magic at the Mill souvenir mug from Nelis’ Dutch Village set up in our white Celebration Pavilion during the event.
While outside, guests can enjoy the festive sounds of the antique Dutch street organ playing both traditional and modern holiday favorites. Of course, no holiday is complete without goodies, and there will be plenty of European style snacks available for purchase from both of our food vendors, Dolce Mini Cakes and Nelis’ Dutch Village! Last minute holiday shoppers can also discover unique gifts for everyone on their list in the Island’s well-stocked gift shop. Visitors looking to keep the evening going will find much more shopping, food, and holiday fun in Downtown Holland including the festive Kerstmarkt (Christmas Market) which is celebrating its 28th anniversary this year at Holland’s Civic Center Place.
"We've had three incredible years of Magic at the Mill. We expect this year to be the biggest one yet both in terms of crowds and lights." explains Windmill Island Gardens Manager Matt Helmus. "This is one of our busiest times of year as we pivot from our regular season to planting tulips to prepping for Magic at the Mill. We have a great team that continues to provide a wonderful experience no matter the season."
Tickets for Magic at the Mill are on sale now, and must be pre-purchased at magic.windmillisland.com where tickets are $13 for adults, $6 for youth 3 to 15, and under 3 can enter free. This magical holiday event can be experienced the first 3 Fridays and Saturdays of December from 5:00pm to 9:00pm in hour long time slots. Being an indoor/outdoor event, guests are encouraged to dress for the conditions. Tickets are limited with sellout evenings expected.
