A Season of Tradition & Dutch Heritage at Pella Historical
As we approach Christmas Day, we find ourselves reflecting on a truly meaningful holiday season at Pella Historical Museums. From parades and pastries to music and memories, this season was a beautiful reminder of why preserving and promoting Pella’s Dutch heritage remains at the heart of everything we do.
Welcoming Sinterklaas to Pella
The season began with one of Pella’s most beloved traditions: welcoming Sinterklaas to town. Families lined the streets for the festive parade, cheering as Sinterklaas made his way into Pella - a moment that feels timeless for so many who grew up here and for those experiencing it for the first time.
Following the parade, families gathered at the Scholte Church for a special meet-and-greet with Sinterklaas. Each child went home with a goodie bag, a small but joyful keepsake from a day filled with wonder. Being part of this tradition year after year is an honor, and it speaks directly to our mission: to preserve, promote, and pass along Pella’s rich Dutch heritage to future generations.
Holiday Cheer Across Our Historic Sites
Throughout December, our historic sites were dressed for the season, glowing with classic holiday décor that invited visitors to slow down and imagine Christmases past. At the Village Bakery, guests were welcomed with free hot cocoa and Sinterklaas cookies, a favorite stop for families exploring the Historical Village.
Five Years of Kerstmarkt in the Molengracht
This year marked the fifth annual Kerstmarkt, Pella’s Dutch Christmas Market held in the Molengracht and hosted by Visit Pella. We were proud to once again be part of this growing tradition. Having participated in Kerstmarkt every year since its beginning, we’ve loved watching it become a cherished holiday experience for locals and visitors alike.
From selling warm cocoa to offering Wyatt Earp’s Gunpowder Coffee and freshly baked Dutch letters, our presence at Kerstmarkt allowed us to share a taste of history - quite literally - while celebrating the sights, sounds, and flavors of a Dutch Christmas.
Welcoming Royal Visitors
The holiday season also brought a special visit from our very own Tulip Queen and her Royal Court, whom we were delighted to host for tours of our historic sites. Sharing Pella’s story with these ambassadors of our community is always meaningful, and their visit beautifully bridged our town’s past traditions with the future they represent.
A Timeless Holiday at the Scholte House
We closed the season with one of our most cherished events: the Scholte Christmas Tea. Guests gathered in the historic Scholte House to enjoy elegant refreshments, live harp music performed by Mary DeJong and Kris DeWild, and the warm glow of holiday décor. This year, guests also took part in a hands-on holiday tradition by creating pomanders - oranges decorated with cloves and ribbon - a fragrant craft that has been part of Christmas celebrations for centuries. It was a simple, meaningful way to connect with traditions of the past while making something to take home.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, our museums will soon begin their annual winter pause, closing for the first few months of 2026. This time allows us to care for our collections, plan for the season ahead, and continue stewarding the stories entrusted to us.
To everyone who joined us this holiday season, whether at a parade, a market, a tea, or a quiet visit to a historic site, thank you. Your presence, enthusiasm, and support make it possible for us to remain part of Pella families’ traditions year after year.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring. Until then, may the warmth of the season stay with you, and may the stories of Pella continue to be shared around your own tables at home.
Photo courtesy of KNIA/KRLS