ROTTERDAM, 9 December 2025 – LantarenVenster is turning December into a month of cinema for families, with animated adventures, winter stories and children’s classics on the Wilhelminapier. From toddlers to older children, there are screenings for almost every age group in one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable film venues.
December film fun for families
Throughout December, LantarenVenster presents a family-focused programme that invites Rotterdammers to swap the sofa for the big screen. The line-up mixes new European animation, festive specials and familiar titles that parents may remember from their own childhood.
The cinema on the Wilhelminapier positions the programme as an easy December outing before or after a visit to the Kop van Zuid, with most films suitable for children from around three, four or five years upwards. Families can choose screenings that match their children’s age and attention span, without having to leave the city.
New family films with the kids
Under the heading “Met de kids”, LantarenVenster shows a series of recent family films. In Arco (NL, 6+), a ten year old accidentally travels to the wrong year in a colourful animated story about the future of the earth. Boets & Ik (5+) follows a girl without a home and an uncle who has lost his inspiration, as they go in search of what family can mean.
Het geheim van de Meesjes (6+) sends Lucie and her mother Caroline to an archaeological dig, where Lucie slowly uncovers a long hidden family secret from her mother’s past. In Mary Anning (5+), children meet the nineteenth century fossil hunter whose curiosity challenges the way adults think about science and status.
Winter tales and short films
For younger children, Dieren vieren kerst (3+) plays on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December at 10.00. Five winter stories come to life in a warm, illustrative style, with themes of wonder, friendship and the importance of staying together. The film aims to bring the atmosphere of a winter book to the cinema screen.
On Sunday 21 December at 13.00, LantarenVenster marks the Day of the Short Film 2025 – Kids (4+) with a special selection of European short films for children aged four and up. This year’s programme has an animal theme, offering a mix of playful and imaginative stories in a compact format that suits younger audiences.
Children’s classics on the big screen
The section “Kinderklassiekers” brings two well known titles back to Rotterdam. On Thursday 25 December at 12.30, The Polar Express returns as a Christmas Day matinée, following a boy who doubts the existence of Father Christmas and is invited on a night-time train journey to the North Pole.
On Friday 2 January at 14.15, Het Zakmes (5+) revisits a children’s classic from a pre smartphone era. Mees tries to return a pocket knife to his friend, without the option of sending a quick message, and turns a simple promise into an inventive city adventure about loyalty and creativity.
Cinemini for the very youngest
For the smallest cinema visitors, LantarenVenster runs Cinemini, aimed at toddlers, pre schoolers and their parents. Children aged roughly two to six experience their first film visit in a gentle light landscape, with short animated films and an environment where they are allowed to move around and play.
On Sundays, the cinema adjusts sound and light levels for this series, so parents can stay close while their children explore the cinema at their own pace. The setting is designed to feel less formal than a standard screening, which can make a first film visit less overwhelming for Rotterdam’s youngest residents.
Practical information
Exact dates and ticket links for all December family screenings are available on the LantarenVenster website. The cinema is located on Otto Reuchlinweg on the Wilhelminapier, a short walk from metro station Wilhelminaplein and easy to reach from both the city centre and Rotterdam-Zuid.
