Tulip Time 2026 runs May 1 to 10 in Holland. It is the city's biggest event of the year.
I live in Holland, so here are a few tips for making the festival easier. They are simple, but they make a big difference.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: A Weekend in Holland in 6 Easy Stops
My Tulip Time Tips
1) Go early
The tulip lanes and Windmill Island are prettiest and quietest in the morning.
Get out early, see the flowers, and save the afternoon for downtown. Windmill Island in the morning is one of my favorite ways to start a Tulip Time day.
The morning light is beautiful on the tulips, and you will have more room to take photos. Bring a coffee and enjoy the quiet. By late morning the crowds start to build, so the earlier the better.
2) Weekdays are easier
Weekends are busiest. If you can visit on a weekday, do.
If you have school age kids like I do, even one weekday afternoon makes a difference.
Weekdays are a good way to see the tulips with fewer people around. It is also easier to find a table for lunch. A weekday visit also means shorter lines at the bakeries and shops. Even a Friday can feel calmer than a Saturday.
3) Park once
Park in one spot and walk. Downtown and the parade routes are close together.
You will spend less time looking for parking and more time seeing the town.
Walking is the best way to see Tulip Time. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light jacket, and plan to walk a lot. Bring a small bag with water and snacks so you can stay out longer without heading back to the car. Walking also lets you see the tulip lanes and downtown at your own pace, without fighting traffic between them.
READ: 4 Places to See Holland's Dutch Roots Up Close
4) Book ahead
Get tickets and reservations early. The festival is popular, and the best options go first.
That goes for dinner and your place to stay. Holland fills up for this one.
Check the Tulip Time site for the full schedule and tickets. If you are planning to see a parade or a show, book early.
Tulip Time is a lot of fun when you plan it right. Go early, walk a lot, and give yourself time to enjoy the flowers. May in Holland is something everyone should see at least once. It is the kind of weekend you will want to plan again next year. The tulips are beautiful, the town is in full bloom, and there is a lot to see if you pace yourself.
Holland Home Retreat is a short walk from downtown, which makes the park once rule easy. Come stay with us for Tulip Time.
More favorites in my Holland area guide.