The days are getting colder and shorter, people start lighting fires at home and decorating their house with candles, the first Christmas trees are being put up and hot chocolate is the most favourite drink of the season: this can only mean that winter is almost in town! And what better place to spend your winter holidays than Rotterdam? We will give you five reasons why you should book a trip to Rotterdam this winter!
Christmas Shopping in Rotterdam
Looking to buy some fun presents for your kids, something romantic for your spouse or simply some new clothes to treat yourself? Then Rotterdam is the place to be! Rotterdam counts many shops and during the holiday seasons there are a lot of extra shopping nights. Take a look at the shopping calendar from November until the end of December.
Rotterdam’s Art Scene
Two of the largest cultural festivals of the Netherlands take place during the winter in Rotterdam: the Art Rotterdam Week and the International Film Festival Rotterdam. The film festival starts on the 24th of January and ends on the 4th of February. The Art Rotterdam Week takes place from the 8th until the 12th of February.
Indoor Food Markets
Too cold for a food truck festival outside? No worries, Rotterdam offers two indoor food halls where you can enjoy great food without standing in the cold outside. First we have the Markthal in Rotterdam which offers over 100 different food stalls in a beautiful building that also houses apartments and retails space. Next you can also visit the Fenix Food Factory which opens its doors every Saturday.
New Year’s Eve in Rotterdam
Rotterdam people know how to party, and their New Year’s Eve celebration is a good example of this. First there is a countdown with lots of musical performances, a lighted boat parade and free ‘Oliebollen’. At 12 the biggest firework in the Netherlands bursts from the famous Erasmus bridge. Still full of energy the next day? Then you can participate in the yearly ‘nieuwjaarsduik’.
Lots of Festivals
Last but not least: Rotterdam also has a lot of festivals to offer during the winter season! There is the Ijsvrij Park Festival which is a mini festival with a tiny skating rink. You can also attend the Festival Stille Nacht which is a cosy indoor festival featuring pop and folk singer songwriters. Or you can go the Secret Winter Garden which is a hidden oasis in the city centre of Rotterdam.
Looking to stay with us when visiting to Rotterdam this winter? Check out all of our Special Offers!
