Tulip Time 2025: Holland’s 10-Day Festival to Feature 6 Million Tulips, World Award, and 90th Dance Anniversary

The 96th Tulip Time Festival runs May 2–11, 2025 in Holland, Michigan. This 10-day celebration showcases millions of tulips while offering cultural experiences, and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages .

Spring Season Spotlight: What Makes May Perfect for Tulips

Peak bloom timing thanks to Michigan’s unique microclimate. Moderate temperatures ideal for longer flower displays. Extended daylight hours for evening garden visits. Spring bird migration coincides with floral displays. Lower humidity levels enhance outdoor comfort.

According to official festival data, Tulip Time attracts between 500,000–600,000 visitors annually and generated $48 million for the local economy in 2018 . With six million bulbs across 850 varieties at Veldheer Tulip Gardens alone, the festival ranks as the longest-running tulip celebration in the United States .

Visitor’s Seasonal Planning Guide

Early May offers first blooms and smaller crowds . Mid-week visits reduce parking challenges . Morning hours provide optimal photography lighting . Weather-appropriate layering recommended for Michigan spring. Rain protection ensures enjoyment regardless of conditions.

Visitor show four primary viewing locations in popularity order: Centennial Park with fountains and yellow brick road dedications; Windmill Island Gardens featuring over 100,000 tulips surrounding the authentic De Zwaan windmill; Window on the Waterfront with 100,000 tulips and playground facilities; and Veldheer Tulip Gardens offering six million bulbs across 850 varieties for those seeking scale and variety .

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) ensures bulb health through rigorous inspections. Imported bulbs arrive September through April from the Netherlands and undergo pre-planting checks to prevent pest and disease introduction, safeguarding both public displays and home gardens. 

Seasonal Bulb Care Calendar

Fall: September–November planting window for next year’s display .
Winter: Cold stratification period essential for spring flowering .
Early Spring: First green shoots appear as soil temperatures rise .
Peak Spring: Bloom period depends on accumulated Growing Degree Days .
Post-Bloom: Allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing .

Environmental initiatives include smart irrigation systems with soil-moisture sensors in public beds at Centennial Park and Window on the Waterfront . Festival food venues provide clearly marked recycle and compost stations with a waste diversion target. Local Michigan growers increasingly partner with the festival to reduce transportation emissions from imported bulbs .

For visitors with mobility concerns, downtown streets feature accessible curb-cut ramps and smooth paths. The official website provides daily-updated parking maps, park-and-ride shuttle information from municipal lots, and Amtrak station connections.

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Seasonal Weather Preparation Tips

Morning temperatures typically range 45–55 °F. Afternoon highs reach 60–70 °F during festival weeks. Sporadic spring showers occur—bring a compact umbrella. Lake effect weather patterns can change rapidly. UV protection is important even on cloudy days.

Cultural & Educational Highlights

Cultural programming includes the Kinderparade (May 8), Volksparade (May 10), and performances by Dutch Dancers in traditional attire . The “Journey of the Tulip” immersion garden, designed by Dutch horticulturist Ibo Gülsen, tells the story of tulip migration from Ottoman Turkey to Holland, Michigan through 50,000 raised tulip beds .

Educational offerings include daily seminars on bloom-timing science using Growing Degree Day models, soil health workshops, and sustainable gardening practices . Children can participate in hands-on planting demonstrations at Centennial Park’s Learning Garden . The Holland Garden Club hosts a free “Gallery of Gardens” floral show May 6–9 at the Armory .

Seasonal Photography Checklist

Golden hour lighting (6:15 AM and 8:30 PM) enhances petal colors . Dewy mornings create natural sparkle effects . Overcast days provide ideal diffused lighting for vibrant colors . Windmill silhouettes against sunset skies at De Zwaan . Spring bird activity adds wildlife elements to garden shots.

Photography enthusiasts can visit Centennial Park at sunrise (approximately 6:15 AM) for soft backlight on dew-laden petals, or Window on the Waterfront at sunset for silhouette shots against the skyline . The annual Cover Contest selects winning images to feature in the 2026 Holland Area Visitors Guide, with prizes including festival merchandise and VIP tour packages .

International Recognition

The festival has received significant international recognition, including the World Tulip Lifetime Achievement Award (presented October 17, 2024, at The Hague’s World Tulip Summit) , 2017 Tulip Festival of the Year, and 2023 Flower Festival of the Year from the International Garden Tourism Network .

Tulip Varieties Timeline

• Early Season: Single Early and Fosteriana varieties begin the display. 
• Mid-Season: Darwin Hybrid and Triumph varieties reach peak color. 
• Late Season: Single Late, Double Late, and Lily-Flowered extend the show.
• Species Tulips: These woodland varieties typically bloom earliest.

Local culinary experiences include Dutch Market stalls offering authentic stroopwafels, poffertjes, artisan cheeses, and wooden-shoe carving demonstrations . 

Additional Experiences

Additional experiences include VIP motorcoach tours with narration and air conditioning, costumed historic walking tours, and the Tulipalooza outdoor concert series. The complete schedule is available on the official festival website .

Planning Your Visit

For the best experience at Tulip Time 2025:

• Book accommodations early: Hotels fill quickly during the festival period
• Visit on weekdays if possible: Weekends bring the largest crowds
• Check the Tulip Tracker
• Dress in layers: Spring weather in Michigan can be unpredictable
• Wear comfortable walking shoes: You’ll cover quite a bit of ground between sites
• Bring a camera: The photo opportunities are countless
• Try a workshop: Pre-book unique experiences that connect you to Dutch culture
  

Connect With Nature’s Renewal

Tulip Time captures the spirit of spring renewal. Each carefully planted bulb represents both Holland’s Dutch heritage and the universal joy of new beginnings after winter. As you wander among millions of colorful blooms, participate in workshops, and watch wooden shoes dance across historic streets, you’ll connect with both nature’s cycles and a vibrant community tradition nearly a century in the making.

For the most current information on Tulip Time 2025, visit www.tuliptime.com or contact the festival office at (800) 822-2770.