Arizonan from Phoenix, RJ
Here are some tips to plan your visit.
Make your travel arrangements now to Nelis’ Dutch Village and the charming city of Holland, Michigan in time for Tulip Time. Tulip Time 2022 will take place from May 7 through May 15, 2022. Many of the well-known events from previous years are expected to return this year.
The Holland, Michigan, Tulip Time celebration, which celebrates flowers and enjoyment, has drawn visitors from all over the world since 1929. Since the commencement of the festival, Nelis’ Dutch Village and the Nelis family farm before it have been honored to participate.
Holland, Michigan received tulips along with Dutch settlers. At a meeting of the Woman’s Literary Club in 1927, a biology teacher from Holland High School suggested holding a day festival. The concept gained popularity, and the city began selling bulbs to locals for one penny in 1928. This led to the first Tulip Time celebration in 1929. The Detroit News of 1933 reports that Nelis Tulip Farm was used to buy the tulip bulbs during these early years.
The beautiful tulip
Tulips are a spring-blooming flower that only blooms for about 3 to 4 weeks before being replaced by annuals. Many visitors to Nelis’ Dutch Village expect to see tulips there all year round.
Tulips historically came from the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) and were brought to the Netherlands by Dutch traders in the 16th century.
The blossoms grew so well-liked that garden break-ins and bulb thefts became frequent occurrences. A financial bubble known as “Tulip Mania” that occurred in the middle of the sixteenth century resembled the recent crashes of the tech and real estate markets.
Tulips at Nelis’ Dutch Village
Each year, we plant more than 30,000 bulbs in more than 100 different tulip types for Tulip Time. The park is covered in beds with tulips.
While you can see a few lovely tulips from the outside of the park, for a truly unforgettable experience, you need enter the park.
Nelis’ Dutch Village stays open later during Tulip Time to accommodate visitors. During this wonderful week, come early or stay late.
When to Visit
May 7–15, 2022, are Festival days. It starts on May 7 and lasts until May 15 on Sunday.
With the reintroduction of parades, klompen dancers, shows, and performances, Tulip Time 2022 plans to recreate the thrilling event of previous years.
The two busiest days of the festival are always the Saturdays. We strongly advise visiting during the week if you can because you will escape the vast majority of crowds. You will have the best opportunity to see and appreciate the festival’s beauty queen, The Tulip, during the week.
Best Tulip Locations
Right here in Dutch Village, you can find one of the best places to watch tulips. However, we are aware that you’ll want to check out the other stunning tulip displays in the area.
Tulip Time, in contrast to other festivals, takes place all across Holland, Michigan, not simply in a fair park in the city center. Holland’s roadways are lined with Tulip lanes for six kilometres. There are numerous locations where you can see the amazing blooms.
During Tulip Time, Windmill Island Gardens, Riverview Park, and Kollen Park all feature breathtaking tulip displays. These bigger parks feature impressive displays and are less crowded than Centennial Park or Tulip Lane downtown.
Another notable tulip attraction is Veldheer’s Tulip Farm, which is on US-31 north of Nelis’ Dutch Village.
When is the Best Time to See Tulips in Holland Michigan?
Holland’s annual tulip festival will take place from May 7 to 15, which is typically at the end of the best time for tulip blooms.
In Michigan, tulips normally bloom from mid-April until mid-May. We are dependent on mother nature for all growing seasons. The season’s blossoms would arrive later if winter was longer. The timing of the Holland tulip festival ensures that tulips will still be in bloom even if our growing season is delayed.
If you merely wanted to see tulips, you may visit areas like Windmill Island Gardens or Veldheer Tulip Gardens early in the season, before the crowds hit. Many Tulip Time attractions are open before the festival starts.
Where is the Best Place to See Tulips at the Tulip Festival?
The central part of Holland is devoid of tulips. To see the bloom, you must go to parks, particular streets, and locations. See below for information on where to see tulip fields and roadways that are miles and miles long.
How long is the Holland Tulip Festival?
Every May, the tulip festival spans two weekends and lasts slightly over a week. Try traveling to Holland, Michigan a little early in the year if you can’t make it there for the festival. Both before and occasionally after the celebration, flowers have been seen to bloom.
What happens to the Tulips after the Tulip Festival?
A local organization (Holland in Bloom) collaborates with the city of Holland, Michigan, to organize a community tulip dig a few weeks after Tulip Time is gone, typically in late May.
The price was $10 per 5-gallon bucket in 2021. (bring your own bucket.) Tulip bulbs could be dug up from certain locations at Windmill Island Gardens, Window on the Waterfront Park, and Centennial Park. Keep checking back for information on the 2022 Community Tulip Dig.
Is the 2021 Holland Tulip Festival postponed?
The Holland Tulip Festival, scheduled to take place in May 2021, has been canceled by the Kiwanis Club of Holland. On the Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page on last Thursday, this announcement was made. The notice was published early on February 4 and bears Laura Pfister, president of the Kiwanis Club. It states:
“I regret to inform you that COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of this year’s Tulip Festival. The Kiwanis officers and committee chairs came to the conclusion that there are too many hazards associated with the numerous public events we would typically arrange that weekend after weeks of deliberation.
The club’s statement goes on to address fundraising initiatives made in light of the pandemic.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now compelled to run our club extremely differently in terms of fundraising and meeting logistics. We are pleased to inform you that, despite the cancellation of our flagship event, the Tulip Festival, the Kiwanis Club of Holland will still find methods to earn money and support the youth and families in our neighborhood. Our March Calendar Raffle is still ongoing, three other library swaps across town will be added in the coming months, and we expect to have more amusing activities planned very soon.
“Our effort is ongoing. As we anticipate better days in the future, we would like to thank everyone who has supported Kiwanis during these trying times and appreciate your understanding.
The Holland Tulip Festival will last how long in 2021?
The festival is held where? The Tulip Time Festival does not take place in a single, guarded area. The majority of the events and activities take place within a 4-mile radius of Downtown Holland over the course of 8 days in May. Public parks and the streets in the city’s center are free places to admire tulips.
No tickets are required to visit Holland, explore the area, or take in the sights. Even though the specific Tulip Time activities and events are over for 2022, there are still plenty of other things to do and see nearby.
Throughout the festival week and beyond, there are tulips and events at a lot of independent sites. Their own set of operation hours and admission conditions apply. Visit the Area Attractions page to learn more.
The fall of 2023 will see the announcement of information on shows and activities. Follow updates!
How much are tickets for the Holland, Michigan, tulip festival?
Few destinations can compare to the splendor of Holland in the spring when tens of millions of tulips bloom and cover parks, attractions, and the streets with stunning color. Holland will be stunning, and we’ll keep celebrating Tulip Time even though there will be a change. While we must use extreme caution, we can go outside, enjoy the fresh air, stroll among the lovely tulips, and usher in spring.
We place the highest value on the health and safety of our community members, volunteers, and visitors. We will abide by the CDC recommendations and instructions provided by the State of Michigan.
- On May 7, there will be a Tulip Time Run. Starting at Kollen Park, run or walk. A participant bib and medal are given to registered participants. There are also run shirts and hoodies available.
- Immersion Garden for Tulips A week-long immersion experience in the history of the tulip, from its roots in Turkey to the Netherlands and eventually to the small town of Holland, Michigan, is created by internationally famous Dutch gardener Ibo Glsen. In order to provide you an experience that brings the tulips up to eye level and creates Instagrammable photo opportunities for friends and family alike, we planted 50,000 tulips of various sorts and hues.
Adult tickets are from $15 to $20 (depending on the day), $5 for kids aged 5 to 12, and they are free for kids under 5 years old.
Three 2-hour time periods are available for purchase: 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. The fairgrounds offer FREE parking.
For the first time, internationally renowned photographer Rem van den Bosh brings his exhibition of Zeeland Girl (Zeeuws Meisje) to the United States. A collection of images and handcrafted ethnic clothing are given a contemporary twist. Come be inspired by the 10-foot-tall displays, captivating photographs, and incredible garment artisanship. Van den Bosh will be accessible for select meet & greets at selected times at the historic Holland Armory.
Market for Artists
On Saturday, May 7, from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday, May 8, from 12 pm to 5 pm, at Beechwood Church. Enjoy shopping for a selection of handcrafted, unique items presented to you by juried artisans from throughout the nation at the Artisan Market! Paintings, art glass, ceramics, metal sculpture, and many other special gifts are available.
Midway tulip time carnival
Enjoy the thrill of the spinning, flashing rides, the lively music, and the aroma of festival food filling the air. The Carnival Midway, which promises excitement for all ages throughout the week, is a welcome addition from Tulip Time. Tulip Time begins on May 6th, Friday night, and continues every day through May 15th, Sunday. It will be situated in Holland Civic Center Place’s north parking lot.
- Pedestrian Tours Come on this entertaining and educational 1.5 hour walking tour with our costumed guide. Both locals and visitors may take in the splendor of Tulip Time while learning about Holland’s vibrant past and present. The trip offers a close-up look at many of the landmarks and attractions that make up our magnificent city, where more than 500,000 tulips blossom each spring. Participants will view a lot of tulip displays and have lots of chances to take beautiful flower photos! $35 for each person.
- On Passport, Klomp
Utilize this free passport* to sip, taste, and savor some of downtown Holland’s greatest handmade libations. You’ll get something incredibly cool to show off to your friends if you collect a stamp from each site. Both the Tulip Time Festival office and the Visitors Bureau are in the city’s center where you may pick up your passport. You must be at least 21 years old to take part.
The Maritime Museum of Michigan
Visit their tall ship “Friends Good Will” dockside and take tours. The ship will arrive in port and dock against the Boatwerks Restaurant’s north wall. The Museum will soon have information on booking and tickets available.
Early-season tulip sales
With your own potted tulips, you can bring a piece of the beauty of Tulip Time indoors. The tulip pot sale raises money for upcoming Tulip Time events and programs. The price for a 10-inch pot is $15. ( 10 bulbs planted in each pot). Sales start on March 15.
2022 Tulip Time Quilt Raffle
Soon, tickets will be available for the annual quilt raffle. You can buy tickets for a chance to win this year’s lovely handmade quilt starting on May 1 through May 15. The Tulip Time Office, Holland Visitors Bureau, and Apothecary Gift Shop, where the quilt will also be on display the week of the festival, will also sell tickets. On May 15, the drawing will take place. To win, you don’t have to be there.
Locations for Tulips Brochure
Our lovely Tulip Locations Brochure will show you where to discover tulips in the Holland Area by type and quantity of planted bulbs. It is packed with interesting facts, historical information, and maps.
The CDC, the State of Michigan, and our local health department’s suggestions and guidelines will continue to be followed by Tulip Time, and we will modify our preparations in accordance with their advice.
The Holland Tulip Festival: Is it worthwhile?
This event is exceptionally well-organized in Holland, and it is well worthwhile to attend each year. This region of Lisse is unique in the world. Tulips of all different colors are all you can see.
Is a trip to Holland, Michigan worthwhile?
Holland, Michigan, is a year-round community. Holland is a charming and extremely cultural town that is well worth a visit. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan (across the lake and a little to the north of Chicago).
Let me give you seven reasons why you HAVE TO go during Tulip Time before you book your vacation to the Holland Tulip Festival, also known as Holland Tulip Time. But first, some background information about the city I call home.
Tulips are in flower in Holland, Michigan?
During Tulip Time, the park opens at 9am and remains open until 7pm with entry sold until 6pm. Only visitors who have purchased admission by 6pm will be permitted in, so please plan ahead. Due to the high volume of visitors on the weekends, there may be lineups to park in our lot and pay for entrance. Entry inside the park is not guaranteed without paying for admission. The remainder of our season, from April 18 to October 2, is from 9:30 am to 6 pm, with tickets being offered until 5 pm.
Our park is highly busy during Tulip Time, so to ensure access, we recommend going during the week or outside of Tulip Time. Tulips typically blossom both before and after the festival. Tulip Time weekends are particularly crowded, and our parking lot will be full. Weekdays are typically a little less hectic.
Our tulips typically start blooming in late April and continue until mid-May, however it is too early to determine when they will reach their peak. Instead of all blossoming at once, our tulips flow into color because to their variety.
To track the development of tulips throughout the city, go to the City of Holland’s Tulip Tracker HERE!
Adult admission costs $12, while children aged three to fifteen pay $6. To avoid dealing with actual cash, we advise visitors to use a credit card to make their payment.
Yes, we have a ~250 car parking lot. Our causeway blocks incoming traffic when it is full until space becomes available. There is additional free parking in Downtown Holland, including a building on 7th Street between Columbia and College Avenues (just past our entrance on the right). It is a short distance from there to our ticket booth.
We are collaborating with Zeeland Public Schools to offer a FREE shuttle service on our causeway from 10 am to 7 pm on the Saturdays and Sundays of Tulip Time (May 7/8 & 14/15). Visitors won’t have to walk the entire two and a half miles to our entry location because a bus will pick them up at the top of our causeway (behind Freedom Village and the bus/train terminal). After their tour, it will take visitors back to the causeway’s top. In order to prevent congestion and harmful conditions on our causeway, we advise walkers to use this bus. Please be aware that only guests parked in the downtown area are eligible for this service (NOT our parking lot.)
Although we don’t presently sell advance tickets, visitors can buy a membership online HERE, which grants free access to our website as well as free or discounted access to dozens of other American Horticultural Society reciprocal gardens across the US and Canada. Please give your membership card two weeks to arrive. Keep in mind that there can still be queues to enter the park and the parking lot. We are unable to promise entry to the park during peak hours due to visitor quantity restrictions.
All of our structures and attractions are currently open, including:
tours of “De Zwaan” windmills. Visitors are welcome to have a socially disengaged, self-guided tour of the mill. To prevent crowding, a certain number of visitors are only permitted at once, and some locations have restrictions.
Tulips and a variety of other flowers and plants can be found in our lovely gardens and grounds.
All day long, ‘The Four Columns’ Amsterdam Street Organ will be played.
To ensure sufficient social distance, the Welkom Movie and Virtual Windmill Tour was relocated to Celebration Pavilion.
We will keep an eye on state health regulations to see if any adjustments are required.
There are only a few food alternatives available to us, including weekday food wagons and snacks from our gift shop. Boxed lunches will be offered in our pavilion every day on the weekends. Check out the many eateries and specialty festival vendors in the downtown area for delicious culinary selections.
We will abide by all regional, national, and local regulations that tell us how to operate and maintain our attractions.
Shared surfaces will be cleaned during the day by staff, with a complete cleaning done every evening and as needed. The park will have hand sanitizer available for both visitors and employees to use.
We kindly request that anyone who has COVID-19, has had contact with someone who has COVID-19 within the last two weeks, or is displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of sense of taste or smell) avoid going to our park at this time.
Yes, our gift shops have a variety of regional and Dutch mementos. Please be aware that at this time, mill products like flour and grits are not accessible.
Please consider becoming a member HERE to support our work. They provide free or discounted entrance to several gardens participating in the reciprocal arrangement with the American Horticultural Society, in addition to the Windmill Island Gardens. Donations are gratefully accepted HERE to support our future activities.