Kerstmarkt: Pella’s Dutch Christmas Market (2026)
A Dutch Christmas market beside a canal, right here in Iowa. Kerstmarkt brings holiday shopping, warm drinks, and seasonal treats to Pella’s Molengracht Plaza.
Inspired by outdoor Christmas markets in the Netherlands, the event is a chance to browse artisan booths and enjoy Pella’s Dutch heritage during the holiday season. The canal and surrounding buildings make a fitting setting, especially as evening arrives and the lights come on.
Kerstmarkt 2026 dates and hours
- Thursday, December 3: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Friday, December 4: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Molengracht Plaza, 700 Main Street, Pella, Iowa.
Official information: Visit Pella’s Christmas page
Event updates: Kerstmarkt Pella on Facebook
What to expect at Kerstmarkt
Stroll along the canal, browse holiday and Dutch-themed items from local artisans, and pick up something warm to drink. It’s an outdoor market, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for exploring downtown.
Check the official event pages before your trip for vendor previews, entertainment announcements, and any schedule changes. The photos below are from a previous visit, so individual booths and decorations may vary.
Pair it with Pella’s Christmas Tour of Homes
Pella’s Christmas Tour of Homes also takes place December 3–5, 2026. The separately ticketed event offers a look inside homes decorated for the holidays and can be combined with a stop at Kerstmarkt.
Visit Pella’s Christmas page for tour details and the ticket link. Note that the home tour has its own hours, which differ from the market’s schedule.
More Christmas experiences in Pella and beyond
- Pella’s Christmas Tour of Homes: Learn about the separately ticketed tour of homes decorated for the season.
- Christmas lights in Pella: Leave time for a walk through the illuminated displays in Central Park.
- Iowa’s best holiday markets: Discover more seasonal markets across the state.
Leave time to explore downtown Pella
After browsing Kerstmarkt, leave some time for a walk through downtown. During our visit, the Christmas lights in Central Park made a great addition to the evening.
Thursday and Friday offer the chance to experience the market after dark. Browse the booths, enjoy the canal-side setting, and then continue your walk through Pella’s decorated downtown.
Check Visit Pella for this season’s holiday activities before planning your stops.
