Friends know how much I love Pella, Iowa. This charming town has been a favorite getaway for our family for years. We enjoy the strong Dutch heritage, the Vermeer windmill, and the delightful bakeries tempting us with homemade treats. And let's not forget the wonderful Dutch Christmas celebrations.
One of the most special events in Pella is the Kerstmarkt, a Dutch Christmas Market held on the first weekend of December. It's a time when guests can immerse themselves in the European-inspired Christmas market and join the city's cherished Christmas Tour of Homes. This is a charming small-town "Hallmark Christmas" experience we love.
Christmas in Pella, Iowa
This is our Guide to Celebrate Christmas in Pella, Iowa featuring Kerstmarkt, a Dutch Christmas Market, Sinterklaas, delicious foods, and fun traditions.
Tour Vermeer Mill & the Historic Village: Pella's Windmill
Vermeer Mill is an 1850s-style Dutch grain mill in Pella's historic village since 2002. Visitors are invited to tour the five-story mill and learn how grain is ground into flour. You may even purchase a souvenir bag of flour in the gift shop. Guides teach visitors about the process, you learn about the various types of wood used to build the windmill and why each wood was selected, and children try to lift flour bags. A highlight is standing on the windmill deck where you can see the town below, Pella's canal, and shops. Admission to the windmill also includes admission to the miniature Dutch Village display (note the miniature Sinterklaas) and the historic village which includes Wyatt Earp's home, a blacksmith, a grist mill where corn is ground into cornmeal, a bakery, and a wooden shoemaker's shop. My girls love the Goliath street organ, the pastries served at the Bakkerii, and the decorations.
Experience Kerstmarkt.
The Kerstmarkt, Pella's annual Christmas festival is held the first weekend of December with an outdoor European Christmas market for shopping, wassail, sleigh rides, and the chance to meet Sinterklaas (Santa of the Netherlands). Artisans sell homemade ornaments, decorations, jewelry, candy, honey, and kettle corn. Hot wassail, cocoa, and pastries are holiday favorites.
Horse-drawn wagon rides, the Sinterklaas parade, and the outdoor ice skating rink add to the fun.
Enjoy Dutch pastries from Jaarsma Bakery.
Jaarsma Bakery is an Iowa landmark offering Dutch ambiance and goodness! Their Dutch letters, an S-shaped pastry filled with specialty almond filling, are a must-try. The S represents Sinterklaas, but the bakery makes the treats year-round. Their puff pillows are my personal favorites, but the apple ring, goat legs, and cream horns are amazing as well. During festivals, the lines to shop at Jaarsma's wrap around the block. If possible, arrive early or shop during a parade.
Shop for meat and cheese at In't Veld's Meat Market and Ulrich Meat Market.
Buy traditional bologna, gouda cheese, and other delicious items at In't Veld's. Their bologna is made in-house, and they host live music on the rooftop during weekends.
Watch the Klokkenspel.
The iconic attraction in Pella showcases eight mechanical figures standing at 4 feet tall, depicting scenes from the town's history while music plays. You can first catch a glimpse of the Klokkenspel from Franklin Street before heading to the courtyard behind. Daily performances take place at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. The courtyard, adorned with stunning Dutch murals, provides access to the canal.
Discover more tips and a calendar of events at Visit Pella.
Bonus: Check Out Pella's 5 Most Adorable VRBO Rentals
Pella is a delightful town boasting a variety of charming boutiques and homes. Here are our suggested VRBO accommodations in Pella:
The Rock House resembles a fairytale setting. This charming cottage has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and accommodates up to 4 guests. Situated just a quick two-mile drive from Downtown Pella, with convenient amenities, it serves as an ideal retreat for couples. Average nightly rate: $110.Book The Rock House in Pella, Iowa.
The Rock House Amenities
Parking available
Washer
Outdoor Space
Air conditioning
Dryer
Free WiFi
The charming "Little Yellow House" located in Downtown Pella offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and accommodates up to 7 guests. Boasting a delightful kitchen, convenient access to the nearby shops, historic landmarks, and dining spots of Downtown Pella, along with cozy amenities, this is an ideal choice for families exploring Pella. Average price per night: $205. Book Little Yellow House in Pella, Iowa.
Little Yellow House Amenities
Parking available
Washer
Barbecue grill
Outdoor Space
Kitchen
Air conditioning
The Corner Huis Main is perfect for groups, offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and accommodating up to 13 guests. Situated within walking distance of Downtown Pella, this charming home provides numerous cozy amenities, making it an excellent choice for families and groups. The average nightly rate is $301. Book Corner Huis Main in Pella, Iowa.
Corner Huis Main Amenities
Toys/Games
Game room with arcade games and foosball table
Kitchen with microwave
Living/Dining area
Parking available
Washer
Barbecue grill
Outdoor Space
Air conditioning
Dryer
Free WiFi
Highchair / Travel crib
Smart TV
The charming historic home offers a cozy and comfortable stay with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and accommodation for up to 10 guests. It combines historic allure with modern conveniences, and guests can easily stroll to Downtown Pella from this lovely abode. The average nightly rate is $149. Book Historic Home in Pella.
Historic Home Amenities
Kitchen with microwave
Living/Dining area
Parking available
Washer
Outdoor Space
Air conditioning
Dryer
Free WiFi
Smart TV
Toys / Games
This charming cabin by Lake Red Rock includes 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a 2-person jacuzzi tub, and accommodates up to 5 guests. Nestled in a wooded area, the rustic cabin provides a lovely view of the lake. The average nightly rate is $169. Book Luxury Cabin on Lake Red Rock.
Luxury Cabin at Lake Red Rock Amenities
Toys/Games
Kitchen with microwave
Living/Dining area
Parking available
Hot Tub
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Barbecue grill
Outdoor Space
Free WiFi
Water view
Cross-country skiing nearby
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