Holland is known for its annual Tulip Time celebration in the Spring, and in 2022 Windmill Island Gardens found a way to capture that same magic in the winter. The “Magic at the Mill” has returned for a third year in 2024, dazzling visitors with a field of 1,000 LED tulips that light up in synchronization with music. This beautiful display in front of the De Zwaan Windmill may be the main attraction, but it’s far from being the only thing to see when you visit Windmill Island Gardens this winter. We had a chance to visit on opening weekend and below we will share everything you need to know if you want to visit on one of the two remaining weekends.

Magic at the Mill is a ticketed and timed event, open on Fridays and Saturdays in December. The remaining two weekends are December 13th and 14th and 20th and 21st. Windmill Island Gardens is open for this event only from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on those days. You are able to purchase tickets for one-hour time slots on the City of Holland website. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 3-15, and children 2 and under are free. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets sooner rather than later!

We loved seeing the field of LED tulips in front of the illuminated windmill. Lights cover every walkway in the village, presenting many great photo opportunities. The De Zwaan windmill came here from the Netherlands in the 1960s and is the only working one of its kind in the country.

Another highlight during our visit was getting to see and hear the Dutch street organ operate.

The drawbridge over the canal is another great spot to stop for photos.

The gift shop is open during this event, offering a wide variety of Dutch souvenirs like wooden shoes, shirts, food, and even Christmas ornaments. Food is available in a few spots, and Sinterklaas is on hand for the children. The carousel is also up and running for the younger visitors.

Somehow this was my first time visiting Windmill Island Gardens. We loved our visit and were glad we went on a night with snow cover on the ground. I can’t wait to visit again in the spring and see all of the beautiful flowers and tour the windmill. Below are a few more photos from our visit to this magical, family-friendly holiday experience: