The Beach House at Lake Street Holland Winter Vacation Travel Tips

When thinking of the perfect vacation, most people are not imagining snow. But here in West Michigan we know that there is so much to offer in the Holland area during the winter. Each winter, West Michigan sees the beauty that lies in this season of rest. From ice capped waves to snow covered trees and the most amazing sunsets on Lake Michigan, we treasure this time of year. The crowds lessen, the air is quiet, and people are gearing up for spring. There is still plenty to do in West Michigan in the winter! Here are our top 8 Holland winter travel tips for planning your vacation this season!

1. Prepare for any type of weather

The winter season in West Michigan varies greatly from November to February. We often have more mild weather in November and December and it tends to get colder, windier, and snowier in January and February. Depending on your travel reasons, try to plan accordingly. The weather can vary day to day so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time and pack your boots, mittens, and jackets! However, don’t be alarmed if you forget something, our local stores will always be stocked with winter gear.

2. Stock up on cozy essentials

When the weather is not ideal for outdoor activities, make sure you plan ahead to enjoy your time indoors. At The Beach House at Lake Street we meet those needs with board games in each unit, a fireplace in each unit and TV’s in every room. However, it never hurts to stock up on cocoa supplies, ingredients to make a hearty soup, or some local baked goods so you can enjoy relaxing with your family and friends.

3. Plan on a winter sunset viewing at Holland State Park

Have you heard of a car sunset? Locals know that every evening (that the sun decides to make an appearance) there is a line of cars at Holland State Park waiting to enjoy the sunset from the comfort of their warm vehicle. We’ve done it, too! If you are bundled up and brave you can also walk out on the paved path and watch from the pier. Another bonus? Generally you don’t have to pay the daily parking fee during the winter season.

4. Visit Downtown Holland for a snow-free shopping experience and winter festivals

One of the most impressive things about Downtown Holland is our snow melt system on the sidewalks and streets. 120 miles of tubing heats these areas to keep snow from building up. This makes your shopping experience much more enjoyable even on a snowy day! We recommend taking a half day to visit some of our local downtown favorites including Bowerman’s, The Peanut Store, and Seasoned Home. Coming up, we have Holland on Ice February 6-7, 2026 featuring ice sculptures, a 5k, and more.

5. Flying in? Prepare for the trip to Holland

If you are flying into the area, most likely you will be coming into Grand Rapids. Be sure to reserve a rental car that you can pick up at the airport or arrange a taxi/ride share service ahead of time. Depending on the season, there may be a wait for ride shares from Grand Rapids to Holland.

6. Have indoor plans on hand

If you don’t want to brave the cold, have a few indoor activities planned. Check out options at the Holland Aquatic Center, Urban Air Trampoline Park, Zero Latency Virtual Reality Arena, and more! If you have a vehicle with you, Grand Rapids is also only 35 minutes away and has a variety of family friendly places to check out.

7. Visit outdoor attractions and parks

Winter can be a very beautiful season and warrants some time spent outside enjoying it, especially if you live in a climate without snow. If you’re visiting pre-Christmas, check out the holiday Kerstmarket and Magic at the Mill at Windows on The Waterfront. After Christmas, make a reservation at Holland Ice Park to ice skate on Michigan’s largest ice ribbon at 700 ft or take a walk through Hope College’s beautiful campus right near Downtown.

8. Reserve a property that meets your families needs with The Beach House at Lake Street

Last but certainly not least, choose an accommodation that will meet your family’s needs. The Beach House at Lake Street offers a variety of unit sizes ranging from sleeping 8 people up to 15 and is open year round. Our full kitchens, multiple floors, full bathrooms, and stocked amenities will offer you a home like stay close to everything you might need! You’ll never want to book a hotel for a visit to Holland after you’ve stayed at The Beach House!