Tag Archives: Holidays

Handbells at the Kerstmarkt-Holland 2025

November 28 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST

The Kerstmarkt-Holland 2025 is a great opportunity to see and hear local handbell duo Larry and Carla, who will be playing traditional Christmas handbell music on two Friday evenings in November and December.

The Kerstmarkt is an annual open-air European-style Christmas market located at the 8th Street Marketplace in Downtown Holland. Come and listen to beautiful festive music as you shop for unique handcrafted gifts and locally-made holiday treats. Coffee and hot cider will be available to help you stay warm!

Kerstmarkt-Holland handbells

Most of the Kerstmarkt is under cover, so you can shop for gifts comfortably there. The market is located in downtown Holland, so there are plenty of shops and restaurants close by. There’s enough to do that you could easily turn a visit to the Kerstmarkt into a day trip. The city’s famous “snowmelt” system makes it safe to walk on the heated sidewalks, even if the weather is wintry. The Kerstmarkt will give you a taste of a traditional European Christmas market, without having to fly to Europe!

The weather is unpredictable in December. Whilst it’s safe to walk in downtown Holland in the winter months, it’s wise to dress warmly. Here’s a photo from Kerstmarkt opening day, on a chilly Saturday in 2022!

Admission is free, but tips for the musicians are appreciated!

Kerstmarkt-Holland

View Organizer Website

Kerstmarkt – Holland

150 W 8th St
Holland, MI 49423 United States + Google Map

Back Together in California!

After a week apart, we’re back together in California! We were reunited at the airport in San Francisco yesterday. We’re so glad to be back in the same time zone again – especially as we did so badly at staying in touch during our time apart.

Before Carla moved to California, we coped with our long-distance relationship by talking on Skype at crazy hours of the night, and depriving ourselves of sleep. During our week apart, we had a “been there, done that, don’t want to do it again” attitude. We just exchanged a few messages each day, when we had the opportunity. Knowing that the distance was only going to be there for a week helped a lot!

Back together in California
Yay! Together at the airport!


Now we’re happy to be back together in the same time zone. We’re ready to get back into rehearsing for the run-up to the holiday season. Our next performance will be at a Thanksgiving Dinner for international, veterans, EOPS, homeless and out-of-state students at Foothill College, Los Altos on Tuesday evening.

Would you like to book us to play handbells at your holiday event?

You still have time to book us to play duets at your Christmas or holiday event. Take a look at our videos, and contact us if you’d like to find out more!