With the holiday season quickly approaching, Windmill Island Gardens is excited to bring back the popular Magic at the Mill holiday event for a third year! This season will be brighter than ever with even MORE lights as guests of all ages can experience Dutch attractions and 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 6. 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 holiday greenery generously provided by Engelsman Greenhouse.
While outside, guests can enjoy the festive sounds of the antique Dutch street organ playing old 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 returning food vendors, Waffle Stix 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 27th anniversary this year at Holland’s Civic Center Place.
"We've had two wonderful 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 the first weekend of December 6 and 7 is priced at $10 for adults, $5 for youth 3 to 15, and the second and third weekends of December 12, 14, 20, and 21 prices at $12 for adults and $6 for youth ages 3 to 15. This magical holiday event can be experienced the first 3 Fridays and Saturdays of December from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Being an indoor/outdoor event, guests are encouraged to dress for the conditions. Tickets are limited with sellout evenings expected.
