The Rotterdam Christmas Market is not a reason to book a trip. Cancelled last year and expected back this December, it’s a small event that works as a pleasant addition to a visit you were already making, and little more. What does justify the trip is the architecture, since the city was almost entirely rebuilt after 1940 and looks nothing like its Dutch neighbours.
Rotterdam Christmas Market 2026
Status: Expected
Dates: 18th to 23rd December 2026
Last checked: August 2026
Update: Last year’s event was cancelled. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified via each of the event organisers.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location:
Rotterdam.
Opening times: 10am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Rotterdam architecture walking tour.
Public transport: Metro and bus stop: Zuidplein.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Parking is available directly at Ahoy.
Where to stay: Supernova Hotel is a popular hotel in central Rotterdam.
Amenities and Attractions
Tickets: €9 online, €10 at the door. Children under 8: free. Book online.
Santa: Yes. Santa Claus visits and there is a carousel.
Ice skating: Schaatsbaan Rotterdam. Plan your visit.
Reason to visit: Indoor fair with a huge range of exhibitors.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Specialities: Dutch stroopwafels, poffertjes, oliebollen, Rotterdam cheeses, local craft beers, artisanal chocolates, speculaas cookies.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes, the event space is fully accessible as is the parking garage.
Pet-friendly: No.
Convenient Hotels
Even though Ahoy is outside the centre, Central Rotterdam is the best place to stay. The popular Supernova Hotel is a nice boutique hotel in this area.
Recommended Tours
With its modern skyline, iconic Cube Houses and impressive maritime museums, Rotterdam has plenty to keep you busy. I recommend taking this city tour to get an overview of its history and architecture. This tour takes you past the unique Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge, the Lijnbaan, City Hall, the Timmerhuis, and the Cube Houses.
Alternatively, you might want to try this food tour, which lasts four hours and lets you to sample cheese, poffertjes, bitterballen, craft cider, and other specialties. I like this tour because you get to see many of the main sights at the same time.
Event Location
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmas on social media.
What to Expect
Rotterdam hosts a few small winter events. The Winter Fair at Ahoy is an indoor event held at the exhibition centre, featuring numerous shopping stalls and entertainment options. It’s the main Christmas event this year.
Regional Specialties
- Oliebollen: Deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, a Dutch winter treat.
- Speculaas cookies: Thin, spiced biscuits often shaped into festive designs.
- Poffertjes: Tiny, fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter.
- Bitterballen: Crispy, deep-fried balls filled with a creamy meat mixture, usually served with mustard.
- Stroopwafels: Thin waffles with a layer of sweet syrup, often made fresh on the spot.
- Glühwein: Hot, spiced red wine, a typical winter drink.
- Bratwurst: German sausage typically served in a bun with mustard or ketchup.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Warm, sweet, and slightly smoky, a popular winter snack.
- Banketstaaf: Pastry log filled with almond paste, shaped into letters symbolising family initials.
What to Buy
- Dutch Cheese: Various types of Dutch cheeses, from mild Gouda to nutty aged varieties.
- Handmade Crafts: Intricately carved wooden items, decorative glasswork, and unique jewellery pieces by local artists.
- Dutch Gin (Jenever): Traditional Dutch spirit with a unique juniper berry flavour.
- Clog Slippers: Soft, comfortable slippers designed to look like traditional wooden clogs.
- Dutch Sweets and Biscuits: Traditional treats include speculaas cookies, stroopwafels, and Dutch licorice (Drog).
- Ornaments: Hand-painted baubles, wooden ornaments, and decorative Dutch houses reflecting local traditions.
Sustainability Tips
- Use of Renewable Energy: Book hotels like Supernova Hotel that use renewable energy sources.
- Reducing Food Waste: Order portions you can finish and support vendors who compost organic waste.
- Ethical Consumption: Buy from local artisans using recycled or upcycled materials.
- Sustainable Diets: Try vegetarian or vegan options, which have a lower impact.
- Transport: Use the tram, bus, and metro systems or rent a bike to explore the city.
- Reusable Containers: Bring your own containers and bags when shopping to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
- Eco-friendly Activities: Participate in eco-tours or visit green spaces like Het Park and Kralingse Bos.
- Community Initiatives: Support local initiatives such as urban farming projects or community clean-up events for a unique visitor experience.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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