Christmas Markets in and around Rotterdam

Christmas markets have always been a vibrant part of the festive season in Rotterdam and its surroundings, offering a diverse and joyful experience. Let's explore some of the most enchanting Christmas markets you can visit in the area.

Danish Christmas Market

Taking place from November 23 to 26, 2023, the Danish Christmas Market at the Dansk Sømandskirke (Danish Seamen's Church) in Rotterdam offers a true taste of Danish “hygge”. Expect traditional Danish food, drink, music, and design, immersing visitors in Scandinavian Christmas cheer​​.

Design Market Delfshaven

For design enthusiasts, the Design Market Delfshaven on November 26, 2023 is a must-visit. Featuring unique pieces from local Rotterdam designers and creators, this market held in their studios is a hub of inspiration and creativity, complete with delicious homemade Indonesian dishes​​.

Trompenburg Christmas Market

From 8 to 10 December 2023, the Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum transform into a magical Christmas market. Amidst beautifully lit greenery, visitors can browse products from regional entrepreneurs, enjoy winter delights at the food trucks, and soak in the festive atmosphere on the terraces​​​​.

The sustainable Kerstmarkt aan de Maas at OASE on December 10, 2023 offers a mix of local, vintage, and handmade shops. It’s an opportunity to support local artisans and enjoy the cozy Christmas atmosphere, all for a nominal entry fee​​.

 

From 14 to 17 December 2023, the Winter Fair at Ahoy Rotterdam is a large indoor Christmas market. With over 200 exhibitors, you can shop for festive decorations, food, fashion, and more. The fair also offers daily performances, fashion shows, and workshops for all ages​​​​​​.

 

The Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt on Noordplein hosts special Christmas editions on 9, 16, and 23 December 2023. It's a local market where you can find the finest local products in a festive setting​​.

Experience Scandinavian Christmas traditions at various churches in Rotterdam. The Norwegian Seamen's Church, Danish Seamen's Church, Finnish House, and Swedish Church host markets with their respective country’s specialities. These markets usually take place in November, offering an array of local snacks, handmade products, and traditional decorations​​.

A Dickens Christmas Fair Vlaardingen (December 9, 2023): A large Christmas market in the Van Hogendorpkwartier featuring many stalls and festive decorations​​.

WinterFeest Barendrecht (December 9, 2023): A festive celebration in Barendrecht with numerous activities for children, including a carousel and Christmas karaoke​​.

Warme Wintermarkt Gouda (December 10): Held at the creative hub GOUDasfalt, this market offers unique gifts, winter treats, and a gift exchange wall​​.

Kerstmarkt Maassluis (December 9-10): Find perfect Christmas gifts while enjoying winter delicacies and various performances​​.

Dordtse Decemberdagen: As part of the Christmas celebrations in the region, the Dordtse Decemberdagen in Dordrecht stand out with their unique blend of festive activities. A highlight of this event is the Decembermarkt, a cozy and intimate market held on 16th and 17th December 2023, in the Grotekerksbuurt. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the local charm of Dordrecht, browsing through a variety of Christmas items in a quaint setting​​. Adding to the festive cheer is the Winterplein, open from 26th to 30th December 2023. Located in the garden of the Grote Kerk, the Winterplein features enchanting wooden chalets, a nostalgic carousel, and musical entertainment, creating a magical atmosphere each evening. This spot is perfect for enjoying the holiday spirit with family and friends​​.

Generally speaking, Rotterdammers are not actually famous for their Christmas markets. It’s more the little communities within the communities that have brought them from their home countries and are not willing to give up their Christmas-market-tradition just because they have relocated. So, the ones in Rotterdam are often connected to churches. But if that makes you itch; nobody will say the slightest if you are an atheist and still turn up.

There are also the ones in Rotterdam's surrounding areas. These are held at castles, country houses and the like, but not without a bit of a hiccup: they often tend to charge hefty entrance fees and are mainly aimed at ladies above 50. There’s one close to Rotterdam that comes close to Christmas markets as known in other countries and is ideal for friends and families, but you’ll have to get out of the city.