26026 Holly Jolly Holiday Hop
Twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the warmth of the season come together on our Holly Jolly Holiday Hop.
View Dates & BookDecember 9-13, 2026
December Twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the warmth of the season come together on our Holly Jolly Holiday Hop. This merry getaway is filled with the sights, sounds, and sweet traditions that make the holidays feel truly magical. From beautifully decorated venues and charming seasonal stops to joyful entertainment and cozy moments shared with fellow travelers, every day unwraps a new surprise. Leave the planning behind, sit back, and soak in the spirit of the season as Windstar Travel turns holiday cheer into unforgettable memories.
Tour Includes:
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Deluxe Roundtrip Motorcoach Transportation
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On-Board Friendly Host
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8 Nights Hotel Accommodations
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10 Meals
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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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Grand Rapids Christkindl Market
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Frankenmuth River Place Shops
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Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
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Dutch Kerstmarkt in Holland
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Holiday Show at the Knickerbocker Theatre
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Magic at the Mill at Windmill Island Gardens
Tour Pricing:
$1,075 pp Double
$1,350 Single
Non-Members Please Add $30
Day 1
Day 1 – Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Your holiday adventure begins as you board our luxury motorcoach, where comfort, laughter, and festive cheer set the tone for the journey ahead. As we make our way north, we’ll enjoy rest breaks and time for lunch on your own before arriving at our welcoming hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for an included dinner, a wonderful opportunity to relax and connect before the excitement of the days ahead.
Day 2
Day 2 – Thursday, December 10, 2026
After a hearty breakfast, we set out for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each winter, the gardens transform into a sparkling wonderland during their Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition. More than 40 trees and displays are decorated to showcase holiday traditions from countries near and far—from Dutch Sinterklaas customs to German Advent calendars and Scandinavian candle displays. It’s a magical, cultural experience that will leave you in awe.
Following your visit, we’ll stop for lunch (on your own) before exploring the Grand Rapids Christkindl Market, styled after the open-air Christmas markets of Germany and Austria. Wooden chalets line the paths, filled with handcrafted ornaments, artisan gifts, and mouthwatering treats like bratwurst, strudel, and mulled wine. It’s an authentic European experience right in the Midwest! This evening, enjoy another included dinner before returning to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 3
Day 3 – Friday, December 11, 2026
This morning after breakfast, we travel to Frankenmuth, Michigan, lovingly called “Little Bavaria.” This charming town is famous for its Bavarian architecture, hospitality, and festive spirit. Our first stop is the legendary Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland—the world’s largest Christmas store. Imagine more than 7 acres of ornaments, lights, nativity scenes, and décor for every style and tradition—it’s impossible not to feel the magic of the season here.
After Bronner’s, enjoy time at the Frankenmuth River Place Shops, a collection of Bavarian-style buildings adorned with wreaths, garlands, and glowing lights. Browse specialty stores offering everything from chocolates and candles to unique holiday décor. With lunch on your own, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a tasty bite at one of the cozy eateries scattered throughout the village. Tonight, we’ll gather for another included dinner, a warm and festive end to the day.
Day 4
Day 4 – Saturday, December 12, 2026
Following breakfast, we continue our holiday hop in Holland, Michigan, where Dutch heritage and holiday cheer come together. Our first stop is the Kerstmarkt, a traditional Dutch-style Christmas market. Here, you’ll find artisan booths filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, baked goods, and seasonal treats. Watch local craftspeople demonstrate old-world techniques and maybe pick up that perfect gift for someone special. Lunch is on your own at the market, giving you a chance to sample authentic holiday foods.
In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a charming live performance of a holiday show at the Knickerbocker Theatre.
Tonight, enjoy a delicious included dinner, then prepare for one of the highlights of the trip—Magic at the Mill at Windmill Island Gardens. Holland’s historic Dutch windmill, “De Zwaan,” becomes the centerpiece of a breathtaking light display. Thousands of LED tulips glow in vibrant colors, synchronized to holiday music, creating a magical scene unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
Day 5
Day 5 – Sunday, December 13, 2026
Enjoy one final breakfast before boarding the motorcoach for our return home. With shopping bags full of treasures, memories of dazzling lights, and new friendships made, you’ll carry the joy and warmth of this holiday adventure with you into the season.
Activity Level 3: MODERATE
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures. Please be aware that on tours with flights and cruises you will be required to handle your own luggage and walk longer distances in airports and cruise terminals. In addition, you may need to handle your own luggage at hotels where luggage handling is not available.
Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion.
Deposit & Final Payment: A $150 deposit per person is required within one week of reservation. Must be paid in full by October 23, 2026.
No refunds will be issued after 5:00pm on October 23, 2026.
Payment Methods:
Cash, checks, credit/debit cards and money orders are accepted. Make checks payable to Windstar and mail to 3211 Division Street, Burlington, IA 52601. There is a $30 fee for insufficient funds or returned checks. Credit/debit card payments (Visa, Mastercard and Discover) are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Travel Protection:
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Please call to inquire about travel protection options.
A final departure letter packet will be sent approximately 10 to 14 days prior to the departure date. This will contain the scheduled departure times and locations, as well as other important information in regards to your upcoming tour. If the tour involves overnight accommodations, luggage tags will be provided as well.
Windstar Travel, parking lot owners and shopping center management assume and accept no responsibility for the safety of your vehicle or its contents at the place of departure. If you choose to park and leave your vehicle there, you do so willingly and at your own risk. If you choose to leave your vehicle, please park only in the areas designated in your final tour information packet. Vehicles not parked in the indicated areas may be subject to towing and all expenses incurred are the responsibility of the owner.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Burlington, IA | Lowe's 3435 E Agency St. |
| Davenport, IA | Comfort Inn & Suites, 8300 Northwest Blvd |
| Ft. Madison, IA | Lee County Historical Society 814 10th St. |
| Mediapolis, IA | Mepo Foods 111 N. Wapello Rd. |
| Muscatine, IA | Wal-Mart 3003 US-61 |
| Wapello, IA | Family Dollar | Dollar Tree 503 US 61 |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favorites |
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