HAPPENING 31 December | Rotterdam's New Year’s Eve celebrations are a must-experience for residents and visitors alike. The city’s renowned Het Nationale Vuurwerk (National Fireworks) display at the Erasmus Bridge lights up the skyline, creating an unforgettable start to the new year. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this event.
The national fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge
Het Nationale Vuurwerk will take place at the iconic Erasmus Bridge. This centralised location allows spectators to gather along the riverside for a perfect view, without the distraction of multiple fireworks sites. The Erasmus Bridge has become a symbol of Rotterdam's New Year's festivities, providing an ideal setting for this grand event.
From 22:30 onwards, DJ's will play the biggest hits of the as the year. You can enjoy traditional Dutch oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) with family or friends and count down together with all the other visitors during a spectacular countdown! At exactly 00:00 hours the most beautiful fireworks burst out everywhere.
Free entry and the best viewing spots
The fireworks show is free to enjoy from various vantage points across Rotterdam, but the best experience is along the Boompjeskade. Here, you’ll find the heart of the celebrations, with a crowd of approximately 60,000 people joining in a massive countdown at midnight. Arriving early is recommended for securing a prime spot and enjoying the pre-show atmosphere.
Map to Boompjeskade:
Is the fireworks show safe?
Safety is a top priority at Het Nationale Vuurwerk. A designated safety perimeter around the fireworks setup on the Erasmus Bridge ensures that spectators remain at a safe distance from the launch area. With these measures in place, attendees can enjoy the event with peace of mind.
Public transport options and schedules
Rotterdam’s public transport will be running on a special schedule for New Year’s Eve to accommodate the increased demand. Here are some key departure times for metro services near the event:
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Wilhelminaplein (Kop van Zuid):
- 01:27: Metro line E to Meijersplein
- 01:52: Metro line E to Rotterdam Centraal
- 02:10: Metro line E to Slinge
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Beurs (downtown Rotterdam):
- 01:30: Metro line E to Meijersplein
- 01:30: Metro line C to Vijfsluizen
- 01:40: Metro line C to Schiedam Centrum
- 01:55: Metro line E to Rotterdam Centraal
- 02:01: Metro line C to Capelsebrug
- 02:06: Metro line E to Slinge
The last metro service to Nesselande departs from Beurs at approximately 20:51. For real-time updates, plan your trip with the 9292 app, which provides the latest schedules and transport advice.
Parking and bike facilities
For those driving to the event, several car parks in Rotterdam’s city centre will be open 24/7. The closest parking facility to the Erasmus Bridge is the Boompjes car park. Other options include:
- Parkeergarage Schouwburgplein I and II
- Q-Park Zuidplein
- ParkBee Kruisplein/Schouwburgplein
- Meentgarage (Binnenrotte)
- And many more listed on official sites
Cyclists can find bike parking at Terwenakker 33, 3011 XS Rotterdam, located conveniently for accessing the fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge.
