Rotterdamse Warme Winter Weken lights up the city

The days are getting shorter and it's getting dark outside, but in Rotterdam the lights are coming on during Rotterdamse Warme Winter Weken! From 12 December to 4 January, the heart of the city will be transformed into an atmospheric winter décor full of light, encounters and conviviality, with the Rotterdam Warm Winter Parade kicking off festively on 12 December.

Entrepreneurs provide extra atmosphere and cosiness in the city centre during the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks, while creative makers make the city centre shine with special light projects. On Lijnbaan is the China Lightbaan, with illuminated flora and fauna such as the Blue Fish on the roof of Toffler. Hofplein is vrlit, showing the contours of the future green city square. There is a living shop window in the former Donner building on Binnenwegplein, created by artist Sibe Kokke in collaboration with students from the Rotterdam Academy.

The Rotterdam Warm Winter Parade

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall by Mayor Carola Schouten marks the start of the Rotterdam Warm Winter Parade on 12 December, with performances by Zangexpress and singer Zoë Livay.

Afterwards, the illuminated procession, presented by Sander de Kramer, departs from the adjacent starting point at location Doelwater. The three-kilometre route leads past illuminated squares, streets and light projects, through a city centre bathed in light.

The light procession is open to all ages and, in cooperation with Skateland Rotterdam, will be framed by roller skaters, dancers, skaters, freerunners, soundbikes, a brass band, music, light effects and the Rotterdam fire brigade.

The Rotterdam Warm Winter Parade ends in a cosy gathering on the Grote Kerkplein with food and drinks, dancing and music by DJs from Rotter Wieler Bende together with the city carillonneur. The Laurenskerk will be enveloped in light art full of optical illusions and installations by Marco Broeders (CO2RO) and Thijs Kelder (Studio Ruwedata).

In the Laurenskerk, the programme will continue until 23:00 with performances by Menno van Gorp, three-time world champion and Olympian in breakdance, Rotterdam spoken word artist Moze Nael, singer Damaris and AMPFEMININE, among others. The evening will be closed by night mayor Thys Boer, together with the Rotterdam Safe Night.

'Warmth, togetherness and doers committed to each other'

Mayor Carola Schouten: "During the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks, we show what our city is great at: warmth, togetherness and doers who dedicate themselves to each other. From entrepreneurs to artists, from residents to volunteers - all these 'city warmers' make Rotterdam a little nicer and a little brighter. At a time when it sometimes seems like we are on opposite sides of the street, we turn on the light together. For connection. For hope. For each other. I look forward to meeting each other this winter in the heart of our city."

Pilot edition

The Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks will start in 2025 as a pilot edition. "The light procession and the programme came about in a short time with the help of many enthusiastic Rotterdammers. Together we turn on the lights. Not only for extra atmosphere and cosiness, but also for more visibility, connection and a safer feeling on the streets. With sustainable, smart and more economical lighting, the city will literally get a greener glow this year that will remain visible for weeks after the holidays," says the organising Rotterdam Centre.

Photo: Mark Bolk