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

 

Trompenburg Christmas Market

From 6 to 8 December 2024, 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​​​​.

Green Christmas Market at Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum Rotterdam

The Maker Market

On 14 and 15 December 2024, the courtyard of the iconic Groothandelsgebouw, right next to Rotterdam Central, transforms into a vibrant market filled with festive stalls. This special Christmas edition of The Maker Market promises unique gifts from talented artisans and creative entrepreneurs, alongside locally brewed beers and live music to set the holiday mood.

The Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt on Noordplein hosts special Christmas editions on 14 and 21 December 2024. All year round, the Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt is a vibrant farmers' market held bi-weekly in Rotterdam, showcasing locally produced food and sustainable goods. It is a popular spot for residents and visitors to explore a diverse range of fresh produce, artisan bread, cheeses, meat, flowers, and other regional delicacies. The market places a strong emphasis on sustainability, supporting small-scale farmers and producers from the Rotterdam region.

 

Residents and entrepreneurs of Katendrecht are embracing the Christmas spirit with the launch of the first-ever ‘Deliplein Winterplein,’ running from Saturday 7 to Sunday 22 December 2024. This festive event features Christmas stalls, food, drinks, performances, and activities. The opening weekend (7-8 December) includes light displays, popcorn popping, marshmallow roasting, and oliebollen. With a packed weekly programme from Wednesday to Sunday, visitors can enjoy tree shopping, flea markets, pub quizzes, card tournaments, and dancing in the party tent, alongside workshops and clinics.

Vintage aan de Maas (OASE)

 

Join the cosy Charloisse Winterfair on Saturday, 14 December, from 11:30 to 19:00 at the field on Charloisse Kerksingel. The whole market is covered with tents, so you can stay warm and dry even if the weather isn’t ideal, surrounded by festive lights and decorations. Expect a variety of stalls, live music, Christmas bingo, and even a special visit from Santa himself!

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. From cosy knit sweaters and Moomin mugs to fika with cinnamon buns, these markets offer an array of local snacks, handmade products, and traditional decorations​​.

Rotterdam will host several Scandinavian Christmas markets in 2024. Here’s a list of the ones to explore:

• Norwegian Christmas Market at the Norwegian Church on Westzeedijk 300: Open on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, and Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November.

• Christmas Shop at the Finnish House on ‘s-Gravendijkwal 64: Running from Thursday 21 November to Sunday 24 November and again from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December.

• Market at the Danish Seamen's Church on Coolhaven 1. 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​​. Open on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November.

• Swedish Christmas Market at the Scots International Church on Schiedamse Vest. Experience the magic of the holiday season with delicious Swedish treats, unique Christmas gifts, and a warm, festive atmosphere. Open on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November.

Each market offers a unique Scandinavian holiday experience!

Dickens Christmas Fair Schiedam (14 December 2024): A large Christmas market in the Van Hogendorpkwartier featuring many stalls and festive decorations​​.

WinterFeest Barendrecht (14 December 9, 2024): A festive celebration in Barendrecht with numerous activities for children, including a carousel and Christmas karaoke​​.

Warme Wintermarkt Gouda (8 December 2024): Held at the creative hub GOUDasfalt, this market offers unique gifts, winter treats, and a gift exchange wall​​.

Dordtse december markt (Dordrecht) (14-15 December 2024): In the charming Grotekerksbuurt and Groenmarkt located in the historic heart of Dordrecht, you'll find over 50 Christmas stalls offering unique, handcrafted gifts and artisanal products. Enjoy delicious treats from food trucks set up in the beautiful garden of the Grote Kerk, surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Grote Kerk and the city hall.

Weekend Kerstmarkt Maassluis (14-15 December 2024): Numerous Christmas stalls will be set up at Bloemhofje, the Markt, and Marelplein. Both days will feature street theatre, music, singing, dancing, a carousel, and other entertainment in the beautiful city centre.

Kerstmarkt Spijkenisse (21 December 2024): Spijkenisse will host a German-themed Christmas market on Saturday from 11:00 to 21:00 in the Zijlstraat near the Dorpskerk, styled as an Anton Pieck-inspired lane. Visitors can expect more than fifty stalls (some with wooden fronts), a stage with live performances throughout the day, tasty treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate, illuminated tractors, a merry-go-round, and festive appearances by Santa, a reindeer, and a snowman. If it goes well, the organisers plan to make it much bigger next year. 

Winter Market Poortugaal (30 November 2024): On Saturday, 30th November, Poortugaal will host a winter market, or “winterbraderie.” This festive event will feature an indoor Christmas market at the Brinkhoeve, along with an amaryllis sale. There will be a special visit from Sinterklaas and his helpers between 12:00 and 13:30, adding to the seasonal excitement. Visitors can enjoy Dickens-themed entertainment, various attractions for children, and photo opportunities with Santa. Additionally, there will be live music performances by Elly Bezemer & friends, setting a warm and inviting atmosphere. The winter market will be open from 10:00 to 16:00.

Christmas Market Rhoon (14 December 2024)- On Saturday, 14th December, Rhoon will host a Christmas market spread across three locations: Julianastraat, Strawinskyplein, and Dorpsdijk. The market will feature 40 stalls, providing a variety of festive goods and treats. Open from 10:00 to 20:00, the event also includes an ice-skating rink and a curling track, making it a family-friendly day out with activities for all ages. Additionally, there will be live performances throughout the day to add to the festive atmosphere.

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.

Winter Fair Ahoy