Rotterdam Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the Waluw Vintage Market XXL-Xmas Edition, a premier destination for stylish holiday shopping. This event transforms De Doelen into a vintage warehouse, featuring an expansive collection of design, fashion, furniture, and unique collectibles. Browse through curated items, enjoy live music from DJ Richelle Soigni, and savor delicious food and...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Rotterdam's enchanting Christmas markets. Discover a vibrant collection of holiday events offering unique handmade gifts, artisanal treats, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From historic harbors to botanical gardens, explore a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, delicious food, and joyful entertainment for all...

Experience the festive spirit at The Maker Market's Christmas Special in Rotterdam's iconic Groot Handelsgebouw. Discover unique handmade gifts from over 60 daily vendors, enjoy delicious winter treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate, and engage in family-friendly activities and inspiring workshops. It's the perfect place to find special Christmas...

Discover the Rotterdamse Oogst Kerstmarkt, a vibrant celebration of local produce and artisanal crafts. This festive market brings together farmers, bakers, chefs, and makers from the region, offering a unique opportunity to purchase the freshest ingredients and discover handmade gifts. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and connect with the...

Experience the magic of De Rotterdamse Kerstmarkt, transforming the Oude Haven into a winter wonderland from December 19-23, 2025. Visitors can enjoy a festive après-ski bar, warm mulled wine, and cozy fires. The event features live performances by Christmas choirs and storytellers, along with activities for children and regular visits...

Deliplein Winterplein! transforms the heart of Katendrecht into a magical winter wonderland from December 6th to 21st, 2025. This free event offers a festive atmosphere with light installations and winter decor, alongside a diverse program of activities for all ages. From creative workshops and live music to communal meals and...

Discover a unique 'Green Christmas Market' at Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum. This intimate event showcases local entrepreneurs offering sustainable gifts like plants, bulbs, and garden decorations. Wander through the beautifully illuminated botanical garden and enjoy the festive atmosphere with seasonal treats.

Experience the largest indoor Japanese market in the Netherlands at TomoFair Rotterdam's Xmas Edition! Dive into a festive atmosphere filled with anime, cosplay, unique merchandise, and authentic Japanese street food. Participate in creative workshops, enjoy live idol performances, and test your skills in various gaming zones. It's a vibrant celebration...

Discover a charming Christmas market experience, likely featuring local artisans and festive goods. While specific details are currently unavailable, this event promises a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and find unique seasonal treasures.

Experience the magic of the Winterfeest and its expansive Christmas market in Barendrecht's historic old village. Over 80 stalls line the Schaatsbaan, Dorpsstraat, Doormanplein, and Kerkplein, offering a delightful array of festive goods. This vibrant market is a highlight of the annual Winterfeest, promising a day filled with entertainment, children's...

Experience a grand, sparkling festival in a winter wonderland at WinterFeest Barendrecht. This event transforms Het Oude Dorp into a festive hub with a sprawling WinterMarkt, live music, and enchanting Christmas activities for all ages. Discover unique crafts, enjoy seasonal treats, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Delft transforms into a winter wonderland during the 'Donkere dagen van Delft' festivities. Experience the magical 'Lichtjesavond' as the city's Christmas tree is illuminated, marking the start of a season filled with joy. Glide across the ice at the Winters Delft rink, browse the charming Christmas market for unique gifts...

Experience the enchanting Dordtse Decemberdagen in Dordrecht's historic city center. This festive event features an expanded December Market with over 50 chalets offering unique gifts and decor. Enjoy culinary delights from food trucks, a nostalgic carousel, and a magical Dwaalspoor light route. Don't miss the ice skating rink for a...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague. This expansive market transforms the historic Lange Voorhout into a festive paradise with thousands of lights, cozy fires, and dozens of charming cottages. Visitors can find unique gifts, enjoy live entertainment, and meet Santa Claus. It's...

Experience the most festive winter celebration in IJsselstein! The Winterfair transforms the city center into a magical wonderland with numerous stalls offering unique Christmas items, artisanal crafts, and festive decorations. Enjoy delicious seasonal treats from food trucks and vendors while soaking in the cheerful atmosphere filled with music and lights.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Gouda bij Kaarslicht, one of the Netherlands' oldest light festivals. Thousands of candles illuminate the historic city center, including 1,500 behind the windows of the iconic city hall. The event features a vibrant winter fair, captivating concerts, engaging performances, and guided walks, creating...

Gouda transforms into a magical winter wonderland for the annual Gouda by Candlelight event. Witness the historic city center illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The centerpiece is the magnificent Christmas tree, a traditional gift from Gouda's Norwegian sister city, Kongsberg, which is ceremoniously lit during the...

Discover the magic of Dwaalspoor, a highlight of the Dordtse Decemberdagen. This enchanting walking route winds through Dordrecht's historic heart, showcasing impressive light projects on monumental buildings. It's a perfect evening stroll, offering a unique perspective on the city's beauty, with a special scavenger hunt available for younger visitors.

Step into a fabled world of light and story at Archeon's Light Festival. This spectacular event transforms the park into a dazzling display, guiding visitors through historical eras from prehistory to the Middle Ages with life-sized light presentations. Enhanced by engaging narratives from Archeotolken, the experience is both visually stunning...

Experience the magic of Winter Wonderland Noordwijk, a spectacular winter event for all ages. They offer a charming Christmas village atmosphere complete with a 120m2 real ice skating rink. Indulge in delicious winter dishes and heartwarming treats, surrounded by beautiful decorations and sparkling lights.

Experience the true winter feeling at the Gorcums Winterfestijn, set around a fountain on the Grote Markt. Glide across the ice from December 13, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Enjoy themed skating events, including disco nights and special hours for young children, making it a perfect festive outing for all...

Prepare for a spectacular tradition as the world's tallest Christmas tree, standing at an astonishing 366.80 meters, is set to be lit. This iconic event, a beacon of holiday cheer, has been a symbol for the start of Christmas in the Netherlands since 1992. Join the community in IJsselstein for...

Ring in the New Year aboard the historic ss Rotterdam with a spectacular Sylvester Party. The ship's grand, authentic halls will be transformed with glitter and glamour for an unforgettable night. Enjoy a full evening of entertainment, including live bands, DJs, and sing-along sessions, complemented by unlimited drinks and delicious...

Experience a magical Christmas dinner show aboard a party ship in Rotterdam. Indulge in a festive 3-course meal, be captivated by live entertainment with dazzling costumes and hit songs, and enjoy a scenic cruise offering stunning views of the Rotterdam skyline. This unique event promises an unforgettable evening of dining,...

Experience the magic of the holidays in Katwijk aan Zee, where ten beach pavilions are open year-round, offering a warm escape after a refreshing seaside stroll. Indulge in culinary delights with special Christmas menus and arrangements at local restaurants, or enjoy themed evenings and cozy gatherings at beach clubs. From...

Join the Nieuwjaarsgala Noordwijk for a memorable New Year's Eve celebration at the prestigious Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. This cherished tradition, organized by and for the community, offers a festive evening of music, dancing, and toasting to welcome the year 2026. Dress in your finest black-tie or gala attire...

Celebrate the holiday season with warm, flavorful, and cozy Christmas dinners at various Fletcher Hotels. They offer a choice of stylish 4- or 5-course meals, engaging shared dining experiences, and lively live cooking buffets. Some locations even feature dinner with live music, promising a memorable festive celebration.

Celebrate Christmas Day and Boxing Day with a festive family brunch. This special event offers a delightful array of hot and cold dishes, complemented by unlimited beverages including dairy, juices, coffee, and tea. Reservations are highly recommended as availability is limited.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra's "Christmas Concerts 2025." They present a captivating lineup of classical performances, from Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker Suite to enchanting works by Bach and Mozart. Families can delight in "The Nutcracker" puppet show, while vocal enthusiasts will enjoy "Christmas with...

Immerse yourself in a magical Christmas celebration with Sinfonia Rotterdam's performance of 'Magical Christmas with The Nutcracker'. This enchanting concert features the beloved second act of Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet, bringing to life famous pieces like the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The program...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a special Christmas concert by La Parranda de Teror. This event promises a festive musical experience, perfect for celebrating the season.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of J.S. Bach's Weihnachts-Oratorium, a cherished tradition at Pieterskerk Leiden. This year's performance features the acclaimed Nederlands Kamerkoor alongside the distinguished German ensemble Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, led by conductor Peter Dijkstra. Experience the complete masterpiece, from the festive cantata for Christmas Day through...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the 36th annual Christmas Concert, held in the magnificent Grote Kerk of Gorinchem. This enchanting evening features the Koninklijke Harmonie De Bazuin, the acclaimed Ettens Mannenkoor, and the talented soloist Renée van Wegberg. Experience a night filled with beautiful music and holiday cheer...

Rotterdam hosts its annual National Fireworks display at the Erasmus Bridge, offering a breathtaking spectacle to welcome the New Year. While consumer fireworks are prohibited throughout the city, attendees can enjoy the professionally orchestrated show. Public transport, including metro lines C and E, offers free travel to and from the...

Join the magical Stadsintocht Sinterklaas Delft on November 22, 2025, as Sinterklaas and his beloved Pieten arrive by boat and parade through the historic city. Witness their grand entrance on Pakjesboot 7, followed by a festive procession culminating in an exciting end-of-event party on the Markt. It's a day filled...

Experience the magic of Scheveningen transformed into a luminous spectacle on November 22, 2025. This enchanting evening walk invites participants to choose from 5, 10, or 15-kilometer routes, each offering a unique journey through the illuminated streets. Discover surprising light moments, enjoy ambient music, and embrace the cozy winter atmosphere.

Dive into the new year with the iconic Nieuwjaarsduik in Scheveningen! This massive tradition, dating back to 1960, sees thousands brave the chilly North Sea. Participants receive a signature orange Unox hat and a warming bowl of pea soup post-dive. Join the collective warm-up and the exhilarating plunge for a...

Lace up your Santa suit for the Rotary Santa Run Leiden, a heartwarming 5km walk through the city's historic center. Over 1,500 participants, all dressed as Santa, create a vibrant spectacle for a good cause. Enjoy music, entertainment, and festive treats along the route, making it a memorable experience for...

Experience the magic of winter by the sea in Katwijk! Discover festive holiday dining options, cozy cafes for warm drinks, and unique themed evenings at beachside restaurants. Explore the charming fishing village, wander through the beautiful Dutch dunes, and enjoy family-friendly activities like a special steam train ride. Immerse yourself...

Join the joyous celebration as Sinterklaas and his cheerful Pieten arrive in Maarssen! Witness their grand entrance by boat along the canals, followed by a festive carriage procession through the village streets. This beloved tradition promises smiles and excitement for all ages.

Join the festive celebration as Sinterklaas and his beloved Pieten make their grand arrival in Maarssen. Experience the traditional procession as they sail through the picturesque canals, bringing joy and excitement to the town. This beloved annual event marks the beginning of the Sinterklaas season, promising a memorable experience for...