If the dim daylight, the early dark and the general wetness of the season threaten your mood, Christmas markets in and around Rotterdam will definitely lift your spirits. The bright lights, homemade goods and Christmassy smells will tease you into enjoying the time leading up to Christmas.

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. 

From Friday 12 December to Sunday 14 December 2025, 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. Although registration has not yet opened, last year’s market offered more than fifty stalls with handmade gifts, printed art, jewellery, clothing and local food. Keep this section in your article and update the dates when the organiser announces them. The Christmas edition at the Groot Handelsgebouw runs Fri 12 Dec 17:00–22:00, Sat 13 Dec 12:00–17:00 and Sun 14 Dec 12:00–17:00.

Traditional Scandinavian Christmas Markets

Deliplein Winterplein | 6-21 DEC 2025

Residents and entrepreneurs of Katendrecht are embracing the Christmas spirit with the launch of the ‘Deliplein Winterplein. It’s a 16‑day community festival transforming Katendrecht’s Deliplein into a winter wonderland with free daily activities like light installations, children’s workshops, musical performances and winter mealsThe opening weekend usually includes light displays, popcorn popping, marshmallow roasting, and oliebollen. With a packed weekly programme, visitors can enjoy tree shopping, flea markets, pub quizzes, card tournaments, and dancing in the party tent, alongside workshops and clinics.

Waluw Vintage Market XXL‑Xmas Edition | 14 DEC 2025

The Christmas edition of the Waluw Vintage Market is one of the key holiday outings, expanding into multiple halls and turning De Doelen into a vintage department store. The event takes place on Sunday 14 December 2025, from 10:00–16:00.

Day‑trip markets near Rotterdam

WinterFeest Barendrecht | 13 DEC 2025 | 11:00–17:00

A festive celebration in Barendrecht with numerous activities for children. The event typically hosts over 80 stalls across the Schaatsbaan, Dorpsstraat, Doormanplein and Kerkplein, plus a stage with performances and many children’s activities (crafts, rides, karaoke).

Christmas Fairs in Schiedam | 13 DEC 2025

Dickens Festijn, Kaarsjesavond and Kerstmarkt all take place on the same day, with specific times. According to the Schiedam tourism site, all the major events occur on 13 Dec 2025: the Dickens Festijn (11:00–18:00) recreates a 19th‑century street scene with crafts, old trades, street theatre, choirs and kids’ activities; Kaarsjesavond (Candles evening) runs 16:45–19:30 with the mayor lighting the tree at 18:45; and the Kerstmarkt (Christmas market) on Hoogstraat is open 10:00–18:00 with more than 100 stalls. A Makers market in the Havenkerk runs 12:00–17:00.

Warme Wintermarkt Gouda | 14 DEC 2025

Held at the creative hub GOUDasfalt, this market offers unique gifts, winter treats, and a gift exchange wall​​. The GOUDasfalt site confirms the market is 14 Dec 2025, 11:00–17:00 and describes it as a cosy market with local, handmade and vintage goods, winter treats, glühwein, live (Christmas) music and fire pits. Visitors are urged to walk or cycle due to limited parking.

Royal Christmas Fair The Hague | 4–23 DEC 2025

One of the Netherlands’ largest markets returns to Lange Voorhout. The Den Haag tourism board confirms that the Royal Christmas Fair runs from 4 December to 23 December 2025 with free admission and daily opening hours of 12:00–21:00. Dozens of Christmas houses line the avenue, lit by thousands of LED lights; visitors can warm up at fire pits with mulled wine, watch choirs and storytellers and meet Santa.

Gouda by Candlelight (Gouda) | 12 DEC 2025

Gouda’s historic centre glows during Gouda bij Kaarslicht, one of the country’s oldest light festivals. The official tourism site lists the event as taking place annually on 12 December. Around 1,500 candles illuminate the Renaissance town hall and thousands more light up windows across the city. The highlight is the lighting of the giant Christmas tree – a gift from Gouda’s Norwegian sister city Kongsberg – usually between 19:00 and 20:00.

Delft Verlicht & Lichtjesavond – 9 DEC 2025 – 4 JAN 2026

Delft’s winter festival starts with Lichtjesavond on Tuesday 9 December 2025, when the Markt square and canals are bathed in lights, choirs sing and the city’s Christmas tree is lit. The programme includes a Christmas market on 17 Dec 2025, the Rotary Santa Run (13 Dec) and the Royal Beats Delft concerts.

Dordtse Decemberdagen & Decembermarket | 13–31 DEC 2025

Dordrecht’s enormous multi‑day market has evolved into a winter festival with various components. A recent blog on the city’s tourism site states that the Dordtse Decemberdagen run from 13 to 31 December 2025, combining light art, guided walks and music. The Decembermarkt is a cosy weekend market on Saturday 13 December (10:00–22:00) and Sunday 14 December (12:00–20:00). New this year is a Winter Garden (Wintertuin) near the Grote Kerk from 26–30 December, open daily from 14:00–22:00.

Nostalgic Christmas Market (Leiden) | 13–14 & 17–21 DEC 2025

Leiden’s market is part of the Winter Wonder Weeks and takes place on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht. A 2025 guide to Dutch markets lists the Nostalgische Kerstmarkt on multiple days: Saturday 13 December (12:00–21:00), Sunday 14 December (13:00–21:00), Wednesday 17 through Friday 19 December (daily 12:00–21:00), Saturday 20 December (12:00–21:00) and Sunday 21 December (13:00–18:00). Visitors can also skate on the floating ice rink on the Nieuwe Rijn from 6 December 2025 to 5 January 2026.

WinterFar Zwijndrecht | 11-13 DEC

Winterfair Zwijndrecht 2025 runs 11–13 Dec, with the Christmas market on 13 Dec 10:00–18:00. It notes that there is a heated après‑ski tent, live performances and dozens of stalls selling decorations, gifts and food.

Winter Market Poortugaal | 29 NOV 2025

This festive event will feature an indoor Christmas market at the Brinkhoeve, with an indoor market, amaryllis sale and various children’s activities. 

Kerstmarkt Spijkenisse | 20 DEC 2025

Spijkenisse will host a German-themed Christmas market on Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. The previous edition took place in the Zijlstraat near the Dorpskerk, styled as an Anton Pieck-inspired lane. Visitors can expect more than fifty stalls (some with wooden fronts). There's likely to be 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.  

Winter & Christmas Market Rhoon | 13-14 DEC 2025

Still to be announced:

It is still unclear if these events are happening in 2025:

Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt Kerst Editie

Charloise Winterfair

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!

German Christmas market

The traditional Christmas market at the German Evangelical Church at ‘s-Gravendijkwal 65 in Rotterdam is back again this year. On Saturday, 23 November, from 10:00 to 16:00, you can enjoy a variety of treats, including homemade cakes, Lebkuchen, Bratwurst, Glühwein, soup, and much more. Christmas gifts, decorations, handicrafts, and festive prizes in the lottery await you.
 

Christmas Market culture in Rotterdam

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.

ROTTERDAM, 27 August 2025 – A new season of Cinemini kicks off this autumn at LantarenVenster, offering children in Rotterdam their very first cinematic experience in a playful and relaxed setting. The programme features short animated films and light-based installations tailored to toddlers and preschoolers.

Cinemini returns to LantarenVenster with film and play for young children

LantarenVenster will be hosting a new season of Cinemini, a film experience aimed at Rotterdam’s youngest residents. Beginning in September, short animated films will be screened on alternating Sunday mornings. The initiative is designed especially for toddlers, preschoolers and their parents or carers.

Each Cinemini screening takes place in a calm environment with dimmed lights, soft sound and space for movement. After the films, children are invited to explore a tactile light installation. Here, they can play and experiment with light, colour, shape and shadow — engaging creatively with the themes explored in the films.

The Cinemini film programme

Cinemini: Samen (7 + 21 September | 10:30)
This screening follows a group of friends on a mission to return a stone creature to its origin, exploring concepts like friendship and discovery along the way.

Cinemini: Weer en wind (5 + 19 October | 10:30)
This selection explores the unpredictability of Dutch weather. Children observe how seasons can shift dramatically — sometimes all in one day.

Cinemini: Dag en nacht (24 + 26 October | 10:30)
Nightfall transforms the world. As people sleep, other creatures awaken. The screening explores nocturnal life and the transition from darkness to dawn.

Cinemini: Draak Dries (2 + 16 November | 10:30)
Young dragon Dries wishes to fly, roar and breathe fire like the others. The story follows his attempts to find his place and grow into his strengths.

Cinemini: Op zoek (30 November + 14 December | 10:30)
This programme centres on the theme of searching — for a home, a missing pet, or even a misplaced sock. A playful exploration of curiosity and loss.

Cinemini: Mannetje Tak (21 + 29 December | 10:30)
Stick Man’s peaceful life is disrupted when he is mistaken for something else and swept away. A journey unfolds as he tries to return to his family in time for Christmas.

Cinemini: Bijzondere beesten (4 January | 10:30)
This screening invites viewers to see the world from the perspective of animals. Through four short films, viewers follow creatures as they swim, grow and explore.

Cinemini: Ondersteboven (11 January | 10:30)
Combining humour and philosophy, this screening plays with expectations — sometimes in the air, sometimes underground. A light-hearted examination of perspective.

Other family-friendly screenings and activities

Cinekid presenteert: The Invisible Ones (9+) (Sunday 31 August | 14:15)
A special screening for older children includes a short introductory film, followed by a creative workshop in the foyer. Children are invited to draw and take part in an interactive activity inspired by the theme of invisibility.

Cinekid 2025 (11–26 October)
During the autumn holiday, Rotterdam families can participate in the Cinekid Festival. The programme includes films and series for children aged 4–14, alongside workshops in the MediaLab. Children can take on the role of director and explore interactive digital installations.

Venue information

LantarenVenster is located on the Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam. The venue is easily accessible by tram, metro and bicycle. Parking is available in nearby garages, including the Q-Park underneath the Luxor Theatre. The riverside area offers scenic views and several cafés for families visiting before or after the screening.

HAPPENING 20–21 SEP 2025 | Trompenburg Gardens will once again host its seasonal plantenmarkt this September, featuring a wide array of plants, local produce and gardening advice. This year's edition includes several new exhibitors offering sustainable and organic options.

Plantenmarkt returns to Trompenburg Gardens this September

Rotterdam residents and garden enthusiasts can look forward to the upcoming autumn plantenmarkt (plant market) at Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum. Scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September, the event will run from 10:00 to 17:00 each day.

The market is held during a period considered ideal for planting. Visitors will find an extensive selection of flora, ranging from perennials and trees to flowering bulbs, cacti and houseplants. Admission to the plantenmarkt follows the garden’s standard entry prices. Entry remains free for holders of the Museumkaart, Rotterdampas and Trompenburg’s year pass.

Specialist growers and sustainable options

A broad range of specialist growers will be on hand to provide expert advice and offer diverse plant varieties. In addition to plants, visitors can explore stalls featuring garden decorations, honey, ceramics and other nature-related products.

New exhibitors this year include:

• Hoeksche Pompoenen, an organic grower based in Mijnsheerenland, presenting edible and ornamental pumpkins.
• Boschveld Pitcher Plants, showcasing a wide collection of carnivorous plants, particularly Sarracenia species.
• The Planthoarder Bus, a mobile shop filled with handmade terrariums, unusual houseplants and botanical workshops.
• Flevokruid, a small-scale nursery offering organic seeds and herbs, including linseed and ayurvedic plants.

Free planting advice by design students

Visitors seeking advice on sustainable garden design will have access to free consultations by students from the OntwerpAcademie. These aspiring planting specialists (beplantingsspecialist) will offer tips on plant combinations, location-based planting, and long-term garden maintenance.

Food and drink options throughout the gardens

Several food and drink stands will be set up across the gardens. These include:

• Fresh coffee by The Caffeine Boys
• Fries by Dapp Frietfiets
• Crêpes from Krep de la Crêpe
• Local wines, apple cider, and various sweet and savoury snacks
• A pop-up lunch café and terrace for those wishing to take a break amid the greenery

Directions and venue details

Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum

The plantenmarkt will take place at Trompenburg Gardens, located in the Kralingen district of Rotterdam. The gardens are easily accessible by tram or bicycle, and parking is available nearby. The area is known for its tranquil streets and proximity to the Kralingse Bos park.

ROTTERDAM, 15 August 2025 – Ticket sales for World Port Days 2025 excursions and cruises begin this Monday at 12:00. The annual maritime event returns with both free and bookable experiences in and around the Rotterdam harbour.

Tickets for World Port Days 2025 tours and cruises available from Monday

Ticket sales for excursions and boat tours during the 48th edition of Wereldhavendagen (World Port Days) will open on Monday, 18 August 2025 at 12:00. The event will take place on 5, 6 and 7 September, bringing visitors closer to the daily operations and transformation of Rotterdam’s world-renowned port.

Alongside the freely accessible public programme, a wide range of in-depth tours and harbour cruises will also be available, offering a closer look at both operational and historic aspects of the port. Tickets will be sold via the official website: www.wereldhavendagen.nl.

Experience the port from the water

A range of cruises will provide close views of the port and its floating show programme. MRD Marinesupport will offer front-row access, while the Saturday evening show can also be watched from the water aboard various vessels, including the Oceandiva Nova.

P&O Ferries will once again host two full-day harbour cruises, including onboard activities and the traditional “straatje keren” manoeuvre in front of the Erasmus Bridge. Cruises will also be available aboard historical vessels such as the Eendracht, Furie, Helena, and the sea tug Elbe.

Excursions into the working harbour

Visitors interested in the port’s inner workings can take part in excursions by bus or boat to companies normally closed to the public. These include the automated facilities of Impala, Reym, Huntsman, and APM Terminals.

Neighbouring port areas are also involved. The Bedrijvenfestival in Schiedam will highlight local industry, while Damen Shiprepair offers insights into Dutch shipbuilding. Visitors can also observe real-time maritime traffic coordination at the Botlek Traffic Centre or meet the boatmen of the KRVE. The new Portlantis experience centre will focus on the future of the port and its environmental ambitions.

Explore the port by bike or on foot

Several land-based tours have been planned for visitors who prefer to stay dry. These include bike and walking tours through areas such as Landtong Rozenburg, showcasing the greener side of the port.

Other walking tours explore the evolution of former harbour zones, such as the M4H district, which has become a hub for innovation and urban renewal. Additional stops include the Floating Farm, the foundations of the Erasmus Bridge, and culinary locations such as the Markthal, The Boat Bar, and Bar Stroom.

Connecting residents with the modern port

Sabine Bruijnincx, director of Wereldhavendagen, said: “Through our excursions and boat tours, we quite literally open the port’s gates. We show the reality of daily operations, introduce the people behind the port’s innovations, and highlight how the harbour impacts our daily lives.

“With the walking and cycling tours, our audience also discovers what the port is becoming – a place for recreation, or a former industrial site transforming into a liveable district. By giving people direct experiences, we aim to foster understanding and appreciation of what the port is and what it can become.”

Practical information

Ticket sales for all excursions and tours will start at 12:00 on Monday, 18 August 2025 via wereldhavendagen.nl. Tickets for P&O day cruises are already available via the dedicated excursion page.

Most of the World Port Days programme remains free of charge, including various events along the quays, maritime demonstrations on the river, the Food Festival Square, and the fireworks show on Saturday evening.  The full schedule of activities is available on the official website.

Directions and location

Wereldhavendagen takes place across Rotterdam’s central quays, with main activities centred around Willemsplein and the Erasmus Bridge. The area is accessible by metro (Leuvehaven station), tram (lines 7 and 25), and water taxi. Visitors arriving by train can walk from Rotterdam Blaak or take a tram from Rotterdam Centraal.