Weekend tips Rotterdam: Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2025

Friday 12 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.

Locatie: Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.kunsthal.nl

Superstraat

Wereldmuseum

Tot 26 januari 2026

Ga op avontuur met Freddy, de ceremoniemeester van Burendag, en ontdek Super Street, waar je kunt helpen in Aga's winkel, kunt leren dansen voor het zomercarnaval en Winston's Party Kitchen kunt steunen op wereldfestivals. Een spannende hands-on tentoonstelling vol activiteiten voor nieuwsgierige kinderen!

Locatie: Willemskade 25 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.rotterdam.wereldmuseum.nl

Depot museum Van Beuningen

Boijmans Extended

until 31 December 

Boijmans Extended brings art to life in unexpected places outside the museum, such as streets and studios. In this way, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen invites everyone to experience art in a new, active way.

Locatie: Museumpark 24 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.boijmans.nl

Omni

Onni Rotterdam presents the last Culture Night of the year, curated by artist and activist Sioe Jeng Tsao (SEEYOUSIOE), with the theme ‘Claiming Space’.

The evening focuses on the visibility and representation of Asian creators in the creative sector and explores how they can claim space in a world where they are often invisible. Together, we will search for inspiration, answers, and practical tools to create more space and equality.

Adres: Theater Zuidplein – Gooilandsingel 95 (Google-kaarten)
Info & tickets: www.laurenskerk.nl

YOUNG RICH BALKAN

Locatie: Villa Thalia – Kruiskade 31 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.villathalia.nl

Best of Stand-Up Early Show

Comedy Club Haug

At Comedy Club Haug, you can enjoy a fun evening of stand-up comedy with top comedians in a pleasant atmosphere. The show lasts approximately 75 minutes without intermission, and drinks can be easily ordered via a QR code. Check the website for the current lineup and reserve your tickets in advance!

Locatie: Boompjeskade 11 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.comedyclubhaug.com

The Music and Johannes Offerhaus, curated by Studio Boris Acket

Shelter is a musical and visual experience in which composers Michael Gordon, David Lang, and Julia Wolfe explore the universal desire for a safe place. The ensemble Het Muziek plays their intense, expressive music, while visual artist Johannes Offerhaus creates a kinetic textile installation that functions as a breathing refuge and moves in sync with the music.

Curated by Boris Acket, the performance combines sound, space, and visual art into a sensory experience about vulnerability and protection.

Locatie: Schouwburgplein 50 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.dedoelen.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.

Locatie: Blijdorplaan 8 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.diergaardeblijdorp.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.”

Locatie: Posthumalaan 1 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.luxortheater.nl

LIVE MUSIC CAPTAINS LOUNGE

ss Rotterdam

Friday 5 & Saturday 6 December

Every Friday and Saturday evening, live music brings jazz, soul, and classics to life in the atmospheric Captains Lounge of the ss Rotterdam. Enjoy a pleasant evening with friends, family, or colleagues aboard this iconic ship and celebrate the weekend in Rotterdam style.

Locatie: 3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.ssrotterdam.nl

Saturday 13 December

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.”

Locatie: Posthumalaan 1 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.luxortheater.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.

Locatie: Groot Handelsgebouw (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.themakermarket.nl

IJsbaan Rotterdam

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.

Locatie: Toepad 95 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.schaatsbaanrotterdam.nl

Vintage on the Maas Winter Market

Oase

Saturday 13 December

Visit the Vintage aan de Maas Winter Market in Rotterdam for a cozy winter market full of unique vintage finds, handmade gifts, and art. Enjoy warm drinks, fun activities such as a Happiness Walk and bobsled race, and discover special products from Rotterdam makers.

Locatie: Schiehaven 15-A (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.oaserotterdam.nl

Nosagenda christmas fair

The Nosagenda Christmas Fair at the Nieuwe Instituut Rotterdam is the perfect Christmas market for unique, handmade gifts and supporting local entrepreneurs.

In addition to delicious food, you can enjoy live music and a warm Christmas atmosphere. Admission is free, so come along for a fun day full of Christmas cheer and special finds.

Adres: Nieuwe Instituut – Museumpark 25 (Google-kaarten)
Info & tickets: www.nosagenda.com

Best of Stand-Up Early Show

Comedy Club Haug

At Comedy Club Haug, you can enjoy the best comedy talent in a great atmosphere, for an evening full of guaranteed laughs—solo or with friends! The lineup changes regularly, so check the website for the most up-to-date information. The show lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes without intermission.

Locatie: Boompjeskade 11 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.comedyclubhaug.com

LIVE MUSIC CAPTAINS LOUNGE

ss Rotterdam

Every Friday and Saturday evening, live music brings jazz, soul, and classics to life in the atmospheric Captains Lounge of the ss Rotterdam. Enjoy a pleasant evening with friends, family, or colleagues aboard this iconic ship and celebrate the weekend in Rotterdam style.

Locatie: 3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.ssrotterdam.nl

LET IT HAPPEN! – DJ’S ST. PAUL’S INDIE EUPHORIA

DJ St. Paul, known as the “indie disco king of the Netherlands” and a regular at festivals such as Best Kept Secret, Pukkelpop, and Lowlands, will transform his festival sets into an energetic club night at Rotown on Saturday, December 13. Expect a mix of indie, rave, synthpop, and post-punk in an atmospheric and euphoric set.

Locatie: Nieuwe Binnenweg 19 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.rotown.nl

Rotterdam Rave

Rotterdam Rave returns with its annual Winter Special in December 2025, this time at the iconic Maassilo. Doors open at 2 p.m., and visitors can look forward to an impressive lineup of well-known DJs.

Locatie: Maassilo – Maashaven Zuidzijde 1-2 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.dance.maassilo.com

BlackBeach

On December 13, BlackBeach and Gespuys will bring their unique electronic sound to springtij GROUNDS during the EB&VLOED Tour.

BlackBeach mixes raw rave with cinematic synths, while Gespuys highlights the absurdity of everyday life with poetic Dutch lyrics and hypnotic beats. An evening full of energetic and danceable electronic music!

Locatie: Grounds – Pieter de Hoochweg 125 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.grounds.nu

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.

Locatie: Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: Groot Handelsgebouw (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.themakermarket.nl

IJsbaan Rotterdam

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.

Locatie: Toepad 95 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: Blijdorplaan 8 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: Bergweg 283 (Google-kaarten)
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!

Locatie: Gooilandsingel 95 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: Pr. Máximaweg 301 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: De Doelen – Schouwburgplein 50 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: Binnenrotte 1 (Google-kaarten)
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.”

Locatie: Posthumalaan 1 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: Maassilo – Maashaven Zuidzijde 1-2 (Google-kaarten)
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.

Locatie: Rotown – Nieuwe Binnenweg 19 (Google-kaarten)
Info: www.rotown.nl