The opening bell of the fourth annual Kerstmarkt Dutch Christmas Market rang as wind chills were well below zero Thursday morning. Students from the Career Academy of Pella braved the chilly air to kick off the three-day celebration. The class had built one of the booths used by vendors and patrons in the 2025 market.

With much warmer air settling in starting today, the majority of outdoor entertainment will resume. Food and shop vendors will remain open through Saturday afternoon. While the cold may have slowed things down a bit downtown, that wasn’t the case on the 61st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, as high demand for the event had Visit Pella upgrade the size of a shuttle to the Opa’s Barn display as hundreds of patrons participated. Tickets remain available through Visit Pella.

Sinterklaas will return to the Pella with the annual parade down Franklin Street on Saturday through Pella Historical Museums, the Pella Opera House Christmas Boutique, Festival of Trees, and Merry Martini Huis are all also open, and more. Hear more about the ongoing Christmas Activities in Pella on today’s Let’s Talk Pella. Click here for updates.