Sunday 14 December
Iris van Herpen
Kunsthal
This fall, Kunsthal Rotterdam is dedicating HALL 2 to the groundbreaking Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen. The exhibition ‘Sculpting the Senses’ displays more than a hundred iconic creations that showcase her avant-garde style and innovative techniques in haute couture.
Location: Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341 (Google Maps)
Info: www.kunsthal.nl
The Maker Market
Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December
The Maker Market will be coming to the Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam from December 12 to 14, featuring live music, handmade products, workshops, and delicacies. It’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit and find unique gifts from young, international makers.
Location: Groot Handelsgebouw (Google Maps)
Info: www.themakermarket.nl
The Green Christmas Market
Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum
Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2025
Visit the cozy Christmas market in the green, wintery botanical gardens of Trompenburg, with more than 60 stalls full of plants, gifts, and local products. Stroll through the historic country estate, enjoy festive winter games for children, various food stalls, and a warm Stube with mulled wine and apple strudel.
Location: Honingerdijk 86 (Google Maps)
Info: www.trompenburg.nl
Rotterdam Ice Rink
Schaatsbaan Rotterdam
Saturday 29 November
Schaatsbaan Rotterdam will soon begin its thirteenth season as the city’s premier winter destination. With a 400-meter rink, covered Funbaan, and atmospheric Winterplein, it offers a pleasant place for everyone to skate together, enjoy music, and participate in winter activities. Tickets are available online, and the rink is open almost daily.
Location: Toepad 95 (Google Maps)
Info: www.schaatsbaanrotterdam.nl
Winters at Blijdorp Zoo
Blijdorp Zoo
Friday 12 December 2025 to Sunday 18 January 2026
Winters Blijdorp offers magical winter moments for young and old alike. Enjoy skating 0on the Rabobank ice rink, festive refreshments on the Winter Square, an enchanting Winter Wonder Forest, the polar bear trail with North Pole stories, and an atmospheric light trail during six winter evenings at the zoo.
Location: Blijdorplaan 8 (Google Maps)
Info: www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl
Babyconcert (0+)
Studio de Bakerij
Introduce your baby to classical music in a relaxed way, played by professional musicians performing baroque, tango, and world music. It’s no problem if babies aren’t quiet or need feeding, making it an ideal opportunity for parents and children to enjoy live music together.
Location: Bergweg 283 (Google Maps)
Info: www.studiodebakkerij.nl
A Urban Christmas Tale
A! Urban Christmas Tale is the annual Christmas musical by House of Urban Arts, created by and with young talents from Rotterdam South. With dance, rap, theater, and more, the performance brings a raw, modern version of the Christmas story full of urban vibes and real emotions. A unique, creative show full of talent and Rotterdam Christmas spirit!
Location: Gooilandsingel 95 (Google Maps)
Info: www.theaterzuidplein.nl
Portlantis light tours
Sail past illuminated terminals and impressive container ships during a special winter boat trip, accompanied by a guide and with winter snacks on board for an atmospheric and sparkling experience.
Location: Pr. Máximaweg 301 (Google Maps)
Info: www.portofrotterdam.com
Waluw Vintage Market XXL XMas Edition
The Xmas Edition of the Waluw Vintage Market on Sunday, December 14, is the perfect outing in the run-up to the holidays. This XXL edition spreads across the iconic Feestzaal for mid-century furniture and design, while fashion, vinyl, jewelry, and curiosities can be found in the Willem Burger Hal and the Jurriaanse Kwartier. A stylish market full of unique finds with a view of the bustling city.
Location: De Doelen – Schouwburgplein 50 (Google Maps)
Info: www.waluw.nl
Swan Market
Swan Market Rotterdam is a free creative lifestyle event on the Binnenrotte, where you will find handmade and vintage products, trendy accessories, food trucks, a terrace, bar, DJ, and a cozy atmosphere.
Location: Binnenrotte 1 (Google Maps)
Info: www.swanmarket.nl
West Side Story
Nieuwe Luxor Theater
Until 14 December
West Side Story tells the heartbreaking story of the forbidden love between Tony and Maria, set against the backdrop of a gang war between the Jets and the Sharks in New York. This compelling musical, based on Romeo and Juliet, combines rousing music, impressive dance, and a live orchestra with iconic songs such as “Maria” and “Tonight.”
Location: Posthumalaan 1 (Google Maps)
Info: www.luxortheater.nl
The Jazz Room | 5PM show
The Jazz Room in Rotterdam offers an evening of live jazz music in the style of a 1920s New Orleans bar. Enjoy soulful performances featuring ragtime, brass instruments, blues, and spontaneous improvisations while ordering a cocktail at the bar.
It’s an intimate, chic atmosphere where the rich jazz tradition comes to life and you’re taken on a musical journey full of passion, freedom, and creativity.
Location: Maassilo – Maashaven Zuidzijde 1-2 (Google Maps)
Info: www.dance.maassilo.com
MATT BERNINGER
Matt Berninger, lead singer of The National, released his solo album ‘Get Sunk’ in 2025, an intimate and layered album produced by Sean O’Brien. The album was created with the help of musical friends in a basement studio in California and will be performed live during the Intimate Trio Performance.
Location: Rotown – Nieuwe Binnenweg 19 (Google Maps)
Info: www.rotown.nl