HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — One of USA Today’s contenders for the 10Best Christmas markets in the U.S. is beginning its 27th season on Saturday in downtown Holland.

The Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt, a volunteer-run Dutch Christmas market, is held outside of the Holland Civic Center Place on W. 8th Street near Maple Avenue.

  • The Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt at the Holland Civic Center Place. (Courtesy of the city of Holland)
  • The Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt at the Holland Civic Center Place. (Courtesy of the city of Holland)
  • The Wilder Creek Workshop at the 2024 Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt.

It started in 1997 with 10 booths. This year, the market will feature 25 European-style wooden booths filled with handcrafted items and Dutch foods from over 40 rotating vendors, Gina Mitchell, owner of The Beard and The Gal and a board member of the Kerstmarkt, said.

Last year, The Beard and The Gal caterers replaced the previous food vendor of 25 years. Mitchell said that it was a huge blessing and a lot of pressure.

“(To) have them think that we are good enough to do it, but also it just goes to show that the people that are part of this stay part of this for a long time, and now what’s happening is this transition of (a) new generation … to help catapult it into the next 10 years and see where we can take it for the community,” she said.

The Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt at the Holland Civic Center Place. (Courtesy of the city of Holland)

The menu this year will include brunch from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with items like buttermilk biscuits, mitch muffin breakfast sandwiches, and saucijzenbroodjes (Dutch pigs in a blanket). Other food items include warm salted sourdough pretzel knots, frankfurters, baked potato and leek soup and more.

“When purchasing hot drinks such as glühwein, hot cocoa, or coffee, visitors will also have an opportunity to receive their beverages in a souvenir mug, that can only be purchased at the Kerstmarkt for the 2024 season!” the city of Holland said in a release.

The 2024 Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt mug.

The mugs are $10 each and come in a box to take home. If you purchase the mug and a drink, it is $12. Mitchell said a refill is around $5.

During the market, there will be special performances, dog sled demonstrations and opportunities to meet Sinterklaas — the Dutch Santa Claus based on St. Nicholas, according to the St. Nicholas Center.

The dog-friendly market is held on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21. Find the hours for the market here.