HAPPENING DEC 2025 | When the lights dim and the first scenes flicker on the screen, something special happens at Cinema Culinair. Each dish that appears in the film is served to you at precisely the same moment — the same recipe, the same timing, the same flavour. What you see is what you eat.
This winter, Cinema Culinair returns to Rotterdam with a festive programme of film-and-dining experiences that warm up the colder months. Imagine watching Julie & Julia while tasting boeuf Bourguignon at the exact second Meryl Streep takes her first bite. Or experiencing Chef and Chocolat with matching courses, paired with fine wines, laughter and candlelight.
A Rotterdam original
The idea for Cinema Culinair began more than a decade ago as a small neighbourhood initiative in Rotterdam, created by food and film enthusiasts who wanted to merge their two passions. It has since grown into one of the Netherlands’ most beloved cultural dining experiences, touring annually through Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague and Antwerp, and selling out many of its evenings weeks in advance.
Every edition pairs a carefully selected film with a four-course menu that mirrors what is shown on screen. A team of chefs, sommeliers and cinema hosts work behind the scenes to ensure the timing is perfect to the second — so when the characters take a sip of wine, you do too.
2025 edition in Rotterdam
In December 2025, Cinema Culinair brings its signature setup back to Rotterdam for the festive season. The event will be held at a selection of atmospheric venues across the city, transformed into intimate cinemas with elegantly set tables and large projection screens.
This year’s line-up includes audience favourites such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Hundred Foot Journey, The Menu, Chef, Chocolat and Ratatouille.
Each screening includes a perfectly timed multi-course dinner with matching wines or non-alcoholic pairings. Vegetarian options are also available on request. The Rotterdam dates can be found here: https://cinemaculinair.nl/agenda-rotterdam/
How it works
Guests are welcomed with a drink, followed by a short introduction to the film and the evening’s menu. Once the film starts, every course is served in sync with the story — when a dish appears on screen, it appears on your table. The result is an immersive experience that stimulates every sense.
The event typically lasts about three hours, combining fine dining, storytelling and cinema in one unforgettable night.
Tickets and registration
Tickets for Cinema Culinair Rotterdam 2025 are available via the official website www.cinemaculinair.nl. Prices vary per film and venue, starting from around €79 per person, including the full dinner, drinks, and film screening. Early booking is recommended, as most Rotterdam editions sell out quickly.
Group bookings and company packages are available, making it a popular alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner or office party.
Why go
Whether you’re a cinephile, a foodie or simply someone looking for a unique night out, Cinema Culinair offers a rare kind of magic — a multisensory feast that brings storytelling to life through taste and timing. Few experiences capture the warmth of the holiday season quite like sharing a beautifully prepared meal that unfolds in rhythm with the silver screen.
Where?
In Rotterdam, the screenings take place at Keilepand in Rotterdam West.
