Tulip Time is almost here! Here in Holland, Tulip Time is the marker of Spring’s arrival. From the tulips making their appearance, the crowds coming in, carnival food on every corner, and the sound of wooden clogs in the air, we look forward to it every year! Tulip Time is a wonderful time to visit Holland. There is a magic and energy in the air that is unlike any other time of year. You can enjoy all of the downtown shops and restaurants but also learn about dutch culture, watch the dutch dancers, and enjoy the parades throughout the week. Here are a few tips from a local to help you in planning your Tulip Time experience.
Plan Ahead
During the week of Tulip Time, rental properties in Holland will be booked due to the heavy influx of travelers. Planning your Tulip Time experience at The Beach House at Lake Street is a great option as we are only 10 minutes from Downtown and are a great retreat from the crowds at the end of the day! You can also enjoy the ability to cook full meals and choose from a variety of unit sizes to meet your group’s needs. We are just around the corner from beautiful Lake Michigan, too! Give us a call at 616-219-0505 to see what our Tulip Time availability is for 2026. We still have some weekend options, but a weekday trip is also a great time to visit
Prepare for Festival Crowds
In 2025, nearly 1 million people visited Holland from all over the world during Tulip Time. You can definitely expect crowds, especially during the parades and dutch dancing. Visit TulipTime.com for all details about schedules, parade routes, and when you can reserve parade seatings. Parade seating reservations are almost a sport so come prepared with your blankets, duck tape, and stadium chairs. During this busy time in Holland, it’s also a good idea to research where to park and to watch for one way roads Downtown (and maybe those drivers who accidentally go the wrong way!)
Check the Local Weather Forecast
If you live in Michigan or the Midwest, you know May weather has a mind of it’s own! We have had Tulip Time seasons where people are dressed in shorts and tank tops and we have also had seasons of rain jackets, boots, and blankets. Check the weather before your trip and plan accordingly. If you forget to pack something, a Downtown shop will surely have what you need!
Enjoy your Vacation in Holland
From a lifelong Holland resident, you will have a great time at Tulip Time, experiencing our sweet city. We have families, couples, and friend groups who come every year to enjoy Tulip Time and make amazing memories. You will find your favorite shops, activities, and restaurants and probably feel the inkling to come back again and again. Give us a call for more information on planning your Tulip Time experience. We’re happy to give the best local insight and recommendations.
