The One Thing To Do in Iowa Before the End of the Year

Have you ever wanted to experience the magic of the holidays in a traditional European setting. Think cozy streets, twinkling lights, and traditional flavors. Fortunately, you can skip the long flight and head to Pella, Iowa, to enjoy its Dutch Kerstmarkt and other festive delights.

Transport yourself to the Netherlands with the historic architecture, canals, and windmills of Pella. A community of immigrants from the Netherlands fleeing religious persecution made their home here in 1847. They named their settlement Pella after a biblical city of refuge. Today, the city continues to honor its Dutch heritage and even has its own dialect called Pella Dutch.

Time your visit with Pella’s Dutch Kerstmarkt for maximum holiday cheer. The Old World-style, outdoor holiday market is inspired by traditional markets in the Netherlands. Stroll Molengracht Plaza and shop the vendor booths featuring seasonal delights. You will find plenty of Dutch flavors to sample, like pannekoeken (Dutch pancakes) and Gouda cheese. Don’t miss the Christmas Tour of Homes featuring houses lavishly decorated for the holidays, which coincides with the mart. Sip on hot cocoa under the glowing lights in this winter wonderland.

If you need to warm up, no visit to Pella is complete without tasting some traditional Dutch pastries. Pella’s Dutch bakeries have delivered authentic recipes for generations. Start at Jaarsma Bakery, which was founded by Harmon Jaarsma  in 1898 after he immigrated from Holland. Vander Ploeg Bakery began back in 1847 as Pella Bakery and Grocery store before Jan Vander Ploeg renamed it in the early 1900s.  Banketletters are the preferred Dutch seasonal treat to order. The S-shaped pastry filled with almond paste are the perfect sweet treat.

The enchanting European atmosphere continues as you explore Pella’s traditional architecture. Wander the 22 buildings of the Historical Village including the blacksmith shop, authentic log cabin, and boyhood home of Wyatt Earp. See how wooden shoes are made at the Werkplaats. Stroll the shops along the canal and imagine that you’re in the Netherlands. You can’t miss the Vermeer Windmill, because it is the tallest working grain windmill in the United States. Tour the windmill, which was transported from the Netherlands, and learn about how they work. The observation deck upstairs offers a gorgeous view of the city.

If you’re thinking that the charm of Pella has all the makings of a Hallmark movie, you are right. In 2024, a short film called “The Spirit of Pella Christmas” debuted on YouTube. The heartwarming story follows a couple rekindling their relationship in Pella during the holiday season. Admire the city’s Christmas cheer as you try to spot local landmarks like the Vermeer Windmill, Cheesemaker’s Inn, and the Tunnel of Lights in Central Park.

It’s no surprise that Pella was named one of the best small town vacations. With a timeless setting that honors its heritage and promotes its local business community, Pella is the perfect destination to enjoy seasonal magic or a family getaway before the end of the year. Whether you visit for a holiday event, historic tour, or shopping spree, you can’t help but get charmed by the small town. For more information about the holidays and other winter activities in town, head over to the Visit Pella website. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.