In 2021, Visit Pella hosted the first annual Kerstmarkt, Dutch Christmas Market, and announced an expansion of the market with funding from the Meet in Iowa grant.

Lowell Olivier-Shaw, Chair of Kerstmarkt, said “With the extra funding from the Meet in Iowa program, we will be able to expand the market along the Molengracht Canal. We plan to purchase more vendor booths for people to sell handcrafted gifts and Dutch food. We would also like to add more entertainment and activities to create a friendly, inclusive Dutch Christmas Market reminiscent of a true Netherland market. We are thankful for the partnerships with the City of Pella, The Amsterdam, and Meet in Iowa.”

The 2nd Annual Kerstmarkt will be held Thursday-Saturday, December 1-3. This event coincides with Pella’s Tour of Homes, where four community homes are open for people to visit, decorated to reflect a Country Christmas. Find more details here: www.facebook.com/pelladutchchristmasmarket