December in Rotterdam
There’s plenty happening in Rotterdam this December, from the traditional Sinterklaas celebrations to winter dance festivals, as well as Christmas ice skating and firework celebrations. Find out what’s happening this month in Rotterdam here.
December in Rotterdam is a month to celebrate; with Sinterklaas, Christmas and a spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display all providing plenty of festive cheer. The city is illuminated as Coolsingel shopping street is lit with decorations from Hofplein to Westblaak, and a large Christmas tree is featured in front of the City Hall. Come and visit to enjoy our traditional Dutch festivities!
There’s also plenty of live music, dance and art exhibitions, along with ice skating and the Christmas Circus Ahoy – the oldest in the Netherlands. Enjoy some traditional food at the fresh produce market; the iconic Markthal. There’s a choice of 96 stalls and 20 shops and restaurants for some festive food and drinks, or one of the Christmas markets around town for some warm wine and traditional Dutch pea soup.
Traditional Sinterklaas Celebrations and Sinterklaasavond
Sinterklaas is the Dutch versions of Santa Claus (in a red cape and with a white beard); a figure of folklore based on Saint Nicholas who arrives from Spain mid November to visit the children. On Saint Nicholas’ Eve (5th December), he gives out gifts to the children. Instead of reindeer he rides a white horse called Amerigo and has a bishop’s outfit and staff, as well as a book which tells him which children have been good and naughty! He is accompanied by Zwarte Piet his companion and he gives out sweets to the good children and carries some branches to punish the bad ones!
The big celebration takes place on 5th December where you can expect to receive your presents if you have been good!
Christmas Markets & Ice skating
There are plenty of Christmas Markets in Rotterdam where you can buy festive products and enjoy gluhwein. Around town there are smaller Scandinavian style Christmas Markets and the iconic Market Hall will of course also be transformed. For the largest market in the Netherlands you can hop on the waterbus to Dordrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands. And last but not least there’s also the Swan Market, the vintage lifestyle market of Rotterdam and surroundings. Not a real Christmas market, but a very nice alternative!
One of the highlights in December is also the Iceskating rank in the Park at the Euromast (IJsvrij Park Festival). Here you can slide into the weekend while listening to Christmas tunes, sing-alongs and other request songs during silent disco on ice.
You can also enjoy a winter BBQ from ROFFA streetfood bar. And, of course, top it off with some gluhwein tasting on the heated pavilion. All of this on the most perfect and spectacular location of Rotterdam; the Park at Euromast!
Art & Photography Exhibitions
Rotterdam is known for its international exhibitions. The Nederland Foto Museum is always cool to visit, Especially because it’s located on Manhattan at the Maas. For the ultimate Rotterdam experience take a watertaxi to get there. Have lunch in Fenix Food Factory or Hotel New York afterwards!
Don’t miss the Beyond Surrealism exhibition at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, one of the oldest and nicest museums in the Netherlands.
Happy New Year 2026!
Finishing the year is the annual firework display at the iconic Erasmus Bridge for New Year’s Eve. There are also live music performances to see out 2025 and free Dutch traditional snack, ‘Oliebollen’. After the countdown to 2026 you can hit one of the parties in town.
Where to stay in Rotterdam?
Well.. that’s pretty easy: Hostel ROOM! This hostel will provide you the best genuine backpacker experience in town. Local tips from the staff, weekly music live concerts and other activities make this hostel the best choice in Rotterdam.
Updated: October 2025
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