Christmas Events for Kids in Rotterdam (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

10 min read · Lees in het Nederlands

For 2026, we confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam. The season opens on November 14 with Sint Nicolaas Arrival in Dordrecht (Intocht Sint Nicolaas Dordrecht) and runs until January 3 with Feest op zondag: Kerst en Nieuwjaar (Sunday Party: Christmas and New Year). Of these, 2 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Schiedam and Capelle aan den IJssel: 14
  • First: Sint Nicolaas Arrival in Dordrecht (Intocht Sint Nicolaas Dordrecht), Dordrecht, November 14
  • Free events: Sinterklaas Arrival in Rotterdam 2026 (Sinterklaasintocht Rotterdam) and Visit Sinterklaas in His Warehouse (Bezoek Sinterklaas in zijn pakhuis)

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Schiedam and Capelle aan den IJssel
Season
November 14 to January 3
Free events
2
Last checked

Free 2Ticketed and paid 12

Free Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Arrival in Rotterdam 2026 (Sinterklaasintocht Rotterdam)

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On Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) comes to Rotterdam for the 75th time. The party starts at Willemsplein at 11 am, the show begins there at 12:30 pm and around 1 pm the Sint arrives. Then he travels with the parade through the center to Grotekerkplein, where he arrives around 2:30 pm. There is a big show there this year where everyone can sing along.

The arrival is free and you do not need to buy a ticket. Willemsplein can be reached through two entrances: entrance 1 on the west side of the square and entrance 2 under the bridge, near the restaurant Prachtig. It is one of the biggest arrivals in the country, so expect crowds and agree in advance which entrance you will use.

Parent tip: Use entrance 1 (west side) or entrance 2 (under the bridge by restaurant Prachtig) to get onto Willemsplein.

Host
Sinterklaasintocht Rotterdam (SNIC) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Willemsplein (start) and Grotekerkplein (finish), 3016 DR Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Sinterklaasintocht Rotterdam (SNIC) (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 13 more Rotterdam events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 11 Santa
  • 10 Shows
  • 4 Parades
  • 3 Crafts
  • 2 Free

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Christmas events for kids in Schiedam

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Visit Sinterklaas in His Warehouse (Bezoek Sinterklaas in zijn pakhuis) (Schiedam)

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After the arrival, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) moves into his warehouse at Hotspot Hutspot, Kloosterplaats 6 in central Schiedam. Children can meet the Sint, bake pepernoten (little spiced cookies), draw and enjoy performances. Admission is free.

The warehouse is open on Sunday, Nov 15, Wednesday the 18th, Friday the 20th, Saturday the 21st, Sunday the 22nd, Wednesday the 25th, Friday the 27th, Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th, and on Wednesday, Dec 2. Usually from 2 pm to 5 pm; on Fridays from 3 pm to 5 pm. A different performer appears each afternoon: the Pietenband, balloon clown Pinkolet, accordionist Suzette or Miss Minetti. Check ahead which act your kids will like best. It is a nice spot for young children who want to see the Sint up close without the crowds of the arrival.

Parent tip: On Fridays the warehouse opens only at 3 pm; the other days at 2 pm.

Host
Sintstad Schiedam (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hotspot Hutspot (Sinterklaas's Warehouse), Kloosterplaats 6, Schiedam (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Sintstad Schiedam (opens in a new tab)

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Saint Nicholas visit

Feest op zondag: Sinterklaas (Sunday Party: Sinterklaas)

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At the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam it is a party every Sunday, and in November the museum celebrates Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas). In the Feestkeuken (Party Kitchen) you make surprises together (homemade gifts, traditionally given on Sinterklaas evening), decorate shoes to set out on gift night (pakjesavond) and learn about wrapping traditions from around the world, such as furoshiki from Japan, where gifts are folded into a beautiful cloth.

The Sinterklaas party is on Sundays, Nov 15, 22 and 29, each time from 12 pm to 4 pm. You can walk in until 3:30 pm. The museum is on the Willemskade, right near Willemsplein where the Rotterdam arrival begins, so you can easily combine a visit with a walk along the Maas. You do not need to sign up in advance and can simply drop by.

Parent tip: Walk-in until 3:30 pm; check the museum's yearly calendar for the other party Sundays.

Host
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, Feestkeuken (Party Kitchen), Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Wereldmuseum Rotterdam (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

Sinterklaas in Walhalla: Sint Salabim! (ages 2 to 6)

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The annual visit of the Sint (Saint Nicholas) is on the calendar again and the theater director wants everything spick and span for his reception. Luckily Pleun and Job help out. While tidying up, they find a magic wand that can conjure anything you want, like mountains of candy and marzipan or countless presents. Of course, that does not go quite as planned.

Sint Salabim is an enchanting show with lots of music, made for children ages 2 to 6. At the end the real Sint is ready for photos. The show plays in the Kleine Walhalla in Katendrecht on weekends from Nov 15 through gift night (pakjesavond) on Dec 5, each time at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets cost €10 to €12.50.

Parent tip: Some shows were already sold out; pick a date early. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Theater Walhalla (opens in a new tab)
Where
Theater Walhalla, Kleine Walhalla, Sumatraweg 9-11, 3072 ZP Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Theater Walhalla (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

Sint Sing Along

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Jeugdtheater Hofplein and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra invite children to a Sint Sing Along full of humor and music. Well-known Sinterklaas songs are turned upside down, and this time it is all about language: the wish lists no longer add up, letters are in the wrong places and words have disappeared. Together, children sing, guess, read and play to get the lists back in order.

After the show you can earn a Piet diploma on the Piet obstacle course (pietenparcours), and for up to half an hour afterward everyone can have a photo taken with Sinterklaas in the foyer. On Wednesday, Nov 18 the show plays at De Doelen (tickets through the orchestra), and on Nov 21 and 22 at the Hofpleintheater. Suitable from age 3. The show lasts about 45 minutes, comfortable for young children.

Parent tip: For Nov 18, order tickets through the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra; for Nov 21 and 22 only a few tickets were left for sale. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Jeugdtheater Hofplein (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hofpleintheater, Grote Zaal (Main Hall) (Nov 18 at De Doelen), Benthemplein 13, 3032 CC Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Jeugdtheater Hofplein (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

Pakjesboot Days at the Marine Museum (Pakjesbootdagen bij het Mariniersmuseum)

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During the Pakjesbootdagen (Gift Boat Days) at the Mariniersmuseum in Rotterdam, you step aboard Sinterklaas's Steamboat. From Thursday, Nov 19 through Sunday, Nov 22, 2026, your family can enjoy a Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) adventure with theater and cheerful Pieten (his helpers).

One of the Pieten takes the children along in an interactive theater show of about 30 to 40 minutes. You learn how the Sint and the Pieten live and work on board, from wrapping the presents to reading in the Big Book. You admire the decorated gift boat with colorful presents and the workspace, and you look into Sinterklaas's bedroom, galley and study. The ship is moored at the museum on the Wijnhaven; it does not sail.

Parent tip: Plan for a tour of 30 to 40 minutes; check the website for time slots and tickets. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Mariniersmuseum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mariniersmuseum, Wijnhaven 7-13, 3011 WH Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Mariniersmuseum (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

De Mega Sint Show 2026: Chaos in de Cadeaufabriek (The Mega Sint Show 2026: Chaos in the Gift Factory)

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In the gift factory of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) there is total chaos. The conveyor belt is acting up, the presents are piling up and nobody knows where the wish lists went. Luckily Party Piet Pablo and Love Piet (two of the Pieten, Sinterklaas's helpers) come to the rescue. Children sing and dance along to songs like De Pieten Sinterklaas Move and Pietenliefde, and without their help the gifts may never be sorted out.

The brand-new interactive family show plays on Saturday, Nov 28 and Sunday, Nov 29 in the RTM Stage at Rotterdam Ahoy, on both days at 10:30 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Tickets start at €22. At Ahoy, restaurant '71 and Rivers are open, so you can make a full day of it. With three shows a day, you can pick a time that fits the youngest children's nap.

Parent tip: Entrance RTM B. Cyclists can park for free on the Ahoy forecourt. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Rotterdam Ahoy (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rotterdam Ahoy, RTM Stage, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Rotterdam Ahoy (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas crafts

Feest op zondag: Kerst en Nieuwjaar (Sunday Party: Christmas and New Year)

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Christmas is about many different things: eating together with family, gifts and decorating the tree. All over the world, people have their own Christmas traditions. In Mexico the celebration lasts nine days, and in South Africa families get together for a braai (barbecue) around a wood fire. At the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam you celebrate Christmas by making Christmas ornaments and ice stars.

The activity takes place on Sunday, Dec 6 and Sunday, Dec 13, and then from Dec 19 through Jan 3, each time from 12 pm to 4 pm with walk-in until 3:30 pm. That gives you a crafting spot in the city throughout the Christmas vacation. You do not need to sign up in advance and can simply drop in during the walk-in hours. The museum is on the Willemskade, right by the Maas.

Parent tip: Walk-in until 3:30 pm.

Host
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, Feestkeuken (Party Kitchen), Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Wereldmuseum Rotterdam (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

The Ashton Brothers Christmas Circus at Rotterdam Ahoy: PART III (Het Ashton Brothers Kerstcircus)

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For the third time, the Ashton Brothers conjure up a Christmas circus at Rotterdam Ahoy. It is a show full of spectacle and their trademark mix of poetry, chaos and heartwarming humanity. Acrobats fly through the air, musicians play live and wondrous characters pop up from unexpected corners. Together with international top acts they bring breathtaking circus arts, made to let grandparents, parents and children laugh side by side.

The circus plays in Hall 1 on Dec 19 and 20 and from Dec 22 through 26, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There are morning, afternoon and evening shows. Tickets start at €29.75 through NTK, the organizer. More than 2,500 parking spots and a metro and bus stop a five-minute walk away make Ahoy easy to reach.

Parent tip: Entrance RTM A. A parking ticket with a guaranteed spot costs €20; metro and bus stop a five-minute walk away. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Rotterdam Ahoy (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rotterdam Ahoy, Hall 1, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Rotterdam Ahoy (opens in a new tab)

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Visit with Santa

Gi-Ga Gantische Kerstshow (Gi-Ga Giant Christmas Show)

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After the 2025 edition, this Christmas spectacle returns to Rotterdam Ahoy. Studio 100, the Efteling and Genzee (the junior version of the Toppers) join forces for a show full of music and magic. In a fairy-tale setting you take a festive journey past K3, Mega Mindy, Piet Piraat, Bumba and many others, alternating with melodies from the Efteling fairy tales.

Santa (the Kerstman) and his wife are there too. The show is on Sunday, Dec 27 in the Ahoy Arena, at 10:30 am and 2 pm. The price is not yet known; tickets are sold through Ticketpoint. It is ideal for young fans of the Studio 100 characters and a festive way to get through the Christmas vacation.

Parent tip: Entrance Ahoy Arena. Check the current ticket price through the link on the Ahoy page. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Rotterdam Ahoy (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rotterdam Ahoy, Ahoy Arena, Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Rotterdam Ahoy (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Dordrecht

Saint Nicholas visit

Sint Nicolaas Arrival in Dordrecht (Intocht Sint Nicolaas Dordrecht)

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On Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, Sinterklaas and his Pieten (his helpers) arrive at 12 pm at the Wolwevershaven and Kuipershaven. At 12:15 pm they are at the quay of the Kuipershaven and at 1 pm the parade through the city center begins, passing along the Aardappelmarkt, Grote Markt, Wijnstraat, Voorstraat, Vest, Vriesestraat and Groenmarkt, among others. At the Stadhuisplein a warm-up program starts at 1:30 pm and the Sint is welcomed there at 1:45 pm.

In the afternoon there is a second party at the Crabbehof shopping center. The warm-up program starts at 3 pm, Sint and Pieten arrive at 3:30 pm and from 3:45 pm you can have your photo taken with them. The program ends at 4:30 pm. The foundation's website also has parking and cycling advice for the city center.

Parent tip: Park at the edge of the center (Weeskinderendijk or the Energiehuis garage); the Spuihaven garage is temporarily closed. Want fewer crowds? Come to Crabbehof for the photo.

Host
Stichting Intocht Sint Nicolaas Dordrecht (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wolwevershaven/Kuipershaven, the city center and Stadhuisplein; afterward Crabbehof shopping center, Dordrecht (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Intocht Sint Nicolaas Dordrecht (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

Fien en Teun: Het Geheim van Sinterklaas (2+) (Fien and Teun: The Secret of Sinterklaas) (Dordrecht)

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It is almost Dec 5 and Fien, Teun and little cousin Sem cannot wait for the good holy man (the goedheiligman, a nickname for Sinterklaas) to come to the farm. But this year something odd is going on: Sinterklaas is acting mysterious and it is a question whether gift night (pakjesavond) can go ahead at all. Can the party still be saved, and what is the Sint's secret?

Children sing and dance along with the many cheerful songs, together with the animal friends, little cousin Sem and of course Sinterklaas. The show is made for children ages 2 and up and plays on Saturday, Nov 28 in the Grote Zaal of Kunstmin, at 1:30 pm and 4 pm, and lasts about an hour. Tickets cost €28.50 (first tier) or €24.50 (second tier), drink included.

Parent tip: For the 4 pm show, only the last tickets were left. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Kunstmin (opens in a new tab)
Where
Schouwburg Kunstmin, Grote Zaal (Main Hall), Sint Jorisweg 76, 3311 PL Dordrecht (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Kunstmin (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Schiedam

Saint Nicholas visit

Sinterklaas Arrival in Schiedam (Intocht Sinterklaas Schiedam)

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On Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, Sinterklaas and his Pieten (his helpers) come to Schiedam, and this year the arrival looks different: the Sint does not arrive at the Maasboulevard. Around 2 pm he moors his Pakjesboot at the landing in front of the Havenkerk on the Lange Haven, where the mayor welcomes him. Then he travels via the Hoogstraat and the Broersveld to the Stadserf.

At the Stadserf the party already starts at 1:30 pm, with music, Sportpieten, KomKids, MICS and all kinds of activities for children. Around 3:15 pm Sinterklaas, the Pieten and the mayor are expected there for a finale with music, singing and dancing. The program lasts until about 4:15 pm. According to the organizers, around 10,000 children will come.

Parent tip: Note that this year the arrival is not at the Maasboulevard but at the Havenkerk on the Lange Haven.

Host
Sintstad Schiedam (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lange Haven (arrival) and Stadserf (party), Lange Haven / Stadserf, Schiedam (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Sintstad Schiedam (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Capelle aan den IJssel

Saint Nicholas visit

Sinterklaas Arrival in Capelle aan den IJssel (Intocht Sinterklaas Capelle aan den IJssel)

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On Saturday, Nov 14, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) arrives, as is tradition, in the morning at the quay of Vuykpark. Around 10 am he moors at the pontoon with his helpers and the music Pieten (his helpers). Before the arrival, balloon and stilt Pieten walk around and Sinterklaas music plays. After the welcome by the mayor and the children's mayor, the Sint takes plenty of time to greet the children.

At 11 am Sinterklaas climbs onto his white horse Ozosnel and travels with the brass band D.K.V. via the Dorpsstraat, A. Vuyklaan, Kerklaan, Lijsterlaan and Rivierweg to the Stadsplein, arriving around 11:30 am. There is a large stage there, and De Pietenclub starts a performance at 11:15 am, with a conga line and, from 12 pm, even more celebration.

Parent tip: If you want to see the Sint up close, go to Vuykpark; for the stage program you can also go straight to the Stadsplein.

Host
Stichting Capelse Festiviteiten (opens in a new tab)
Where
Pontoon at Vuykpark (arrival) and Stadsplein (program), Capelle aan den IJssel (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Capelse Festiviteiten (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands

A story for the trip home

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Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

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Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam?

For 2026, we confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam, each on its host’s own page: Visit Sinterklaas in His Warehouse (Bezoek Sinterklaas in zijn pakhuis) (Schiedam), Sint Sing Along, Feest op zondag: Sinterklaas (Sunday Party: Sinterklaas) and 11 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam?

Yes, 2 of the 14 events here are free: Visit Sinterklaas in His Warehouse (Bezoek Sinterklaas in zijn pakhuis) (Schiedam) and Sinterklaas Arrival in Rotterdam 2026 (Sinterklaasintocht Rotterdam). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Rotterdam?

Where to see Santa: Visit Sinterklaas in His Warehouse (Bezoek Sinterklaas in zijn pakhuis) (Schiedam), Sint Sing Along, Feest op zondag: Sinterklaas (Sunday Party: Sinterklaas) and 9 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Rotterdam?

Christmas story times on this page: Sint Sing Along.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Rotterdam

In 1960 Rotterdam broke a pattern: the national Sinterklaas arrival, which had always been held in Amsterdam, came to the city on the Maas that year. Today Sinterklaas steps ashore in Rotterdam every November, and in December the Ahoy arena has hosted a Christmas circus for decades. Here is what a visiting family can expect.

How Rotterdam celebrates, and what is different for visitors

In Rotterdam the holiday season starts in mid-November, not in December. That is when Sinterklaas arrives by boat and the Sinterklaas season begins, with the big gift night on December 5. Christmas comes after that, with lights in the city center and a family circus at Ahoy.

The city has its own arrival, run by a local committee that pays special attention to children in the Sophia Children's Hospital. Rotterdam also hosted the national televised arrival in 1960 and again in 1979.

For a visiting family this means you can see two seasons in one trip: Sinterklaas in November and early December, Christmas shows and circus later in December.

Traditions your child will meet: Sinterklaas, shoes and pakjesavond

Sinterklaas is the gift bringer in the Netherlands. He arrives by steamboat in mid-November, welcomed by the mayor, and the arrival is the signal that children may start putting out their shoe. They can keep doing that until pakjesavond, "present evening," on December 5. Belgian children celebrate a day later.

On the steamboat, the Pieten (Sinterklaas's helpers) wrap presents and bake pepernoten, a traditional Sinterklaas treat. Between the arrival and pakjesavond the boat sails around the country, and in Rotterdam it has stopped at the Marines Museum.

The national arrival has been shown on television since 1952. It used to be in the second half of November, but in 1994 it moved to an earlier Saturday for commercial reasons.

Planning a Christmas visit to Rotterdam with kids

The season on this page opens on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with Rotterdam's Sinterklaas arrival, which is free to watch. Nearby towns such as Schiedam, Capelle aan den IJssel and Dordrecht hold their own arrivals the same day, so you can choose a smaller crowd.

Through the rest of November there are several family shows and activities: sing-alongs, a musical for ages 2 to 6, Sinterklaas crafts on Sundays at the Wereldmuseum, and the Pakjesbootdagen at the Marines Museum from November 19 to 22. A free visit to Sinterklaas's warehouse in Schiedam runs on selected days from November 15 to December 2.

In December the focus shifts to Christmas. The Ashton Brothers Christmas circus at Rotterdam Ahoy runs from December 19 to 26, a Christmas show with K3 and Bumba follows on December 27, and the Wereldmuseum has Christmas and New Year crafts. Many events need tickets, so book ahead.

A blue fish on the Lijnbaan

During the winter weeks of 2025 the Lijnbaan shopping street had glowing plants and animals hanging over it, and a big blue fish sat on the roof of the Toffler building.

The winter weeks also started with a parade. On December 12, 2025, the mayor lit the Christmas tree at city hall, and a lit parade of three kilometers set off from the Doelwater to the Grotekerkplein, with roller skaters, dancers, freerunners, a brass band and the fire brigade.

Traditions today

  • The Sinterklaas arrival at the Willemskade: Sinterklaas steps ashore at the Willemskade and parades with a band, stunt Pieten, stilt walkers and the fire brigade to the Grotekerkplein. In 2026 it takes place on November 14 and is free to watch.
  • The steamboat at the Marines Museum: Between the arrival and pakjesavond, children can see the Pieten wrap presents and bake pepernoten on board. In 2025 you had to reserve a time slot.
  • Putting out a shoe: After the arrival, children may put out their shoe until pakjesavond on December 5, hoping for a small treat.
  • The Christmas tree at city hall: The mayor lights the Christmas tree at city hall. In 2025 that kicked off a lit winter parade.
  • Light art in the city center: In 2025 there were light installations on the Lijnbaan, the Hofplein, the Binnenwegplein and at the Laurenskerk.
  • The Christmas circus at Ahoy: Rotterdam Ahoy has had a Christmas circus for decades, since at least 1981. This year the Ashton Brothers circus runs from December 19 to 26.

A fact for kids

During the 2025 Christmas season a huge glowing blue fish sat on the roof of a building on the Lijnbaan shopping street.

Questions about Christmas in Rotterdam

Is Rotterdam worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes, especially if your kids like shows and parades. The Sinterklaas arrival in mid-November is free to watch, and later there are family shows, craft Sundays and a Christmas circus at Ahoy. Rotterdam is less about one big Christmas market and more about lights, theater and circus.

When is the Sinterklaas arrival in Rotterdam in 2026?

Rotterdam's arrival is on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 11:00 to about 14:30. It starts with a show and Sinterklaas's arrival at the Willemsplein, then he parades through the city to a big show at the Grotekerkplein. It is free to watch.

Who is Sinterklaas and how does he differ from Santa Claus?

Sinterklaas is the Dutch gift bringer. He arrives by steamboat in mid-November, and the big gift night, pakjesavond, is on December 5 rather than on Christmas. Children put out a shoe in the weeks before, hoping for a small treat.

What is pakjesavond?

Pakjesavond means "present evening." It is the night of December 5, when the Netherlands celebrates Sinterklaas and children get their presents. In Belgium the celebration is a day later, on December 6.

Why do Dutch kids put out their shoes?

Once Sinterklaas has arrived, children may put out their shoe. Until pakjesavond on December 5, something small may turn up in it. If you are visiting in late November, your kids can join in at your hotel or rental.

Has the national Sinterklaas arrival ever been in Rotterdam?

Yes, twice. On November 16, 1960, Rotterdam hosted the national televised arrival, a rare break from Amsterdam, which had it every year through 1963. Rotterdam hosted it again on November 17, 1979.

Since when has the Sinterklaas arrival been on TV?

Since 1952. The first broadcast, on November 22, 1952, reported on the arrival in Amsterdam. Each year a town that has applied is chosen to host it.

Why is the Sinterklaas arrival in mid-November?

It is held on the first Saturday after Saint Martin's Day (November 11), so between November 12 and 18. It used to be in the second half of November, but in 1994 it moved earlier for commercial reasons.

What was Rotterdam's Sinterklaas arrival like in 2025?

On Saturday, November 15, 2025 the mayor welcomed Sinterklaas at the Willemskade. There was a Piet show, a band, stunt Pieten, stilt walkers and the fire brigade. Expect something similar in 2026, and wear warm clothes because it is by the water.

Can kids visit Sinterklaas's steamboat in Rotterdam?

Yes. In 2025 the steamboat was moored at the Marines Museum, and children toured it in small groups and got a little gift when they left. Reservations were required. In 2026 the Pakjesbootdagen run from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22.

What do kids do on the steamboat at the Marines Museum?

They see the preparations for pakjesavond: wrapping presents, collecting wish lists and baking pepernoten. With luck, Sinterklaas is in his study with the Big Book or having hot chocolate in the galley. The boat sails around the country between the arrival and pakjesavond.

Where can kids meet Sinterklaas in Rotterdam?

There are several options. The Sint Sing Along from November 18 to 22 includes photos with Sinterklaas, and the musical at Theater Walhalla on Katendrecht (for ages 2 to 6) ends with a photo too. In nearby Schiedam, free visits to Sinterklaas's warehouse run on selected days from November 15 to December 2.

Are there free Christmas events in Rotterdam?

Yes, several. The Sinterklaas arrival is free to watch, and so is the visit to Sinterklaas's warehouse in Schiedam. The Sunday crafts at the Wereldmuseum are included with your museum ticket. The shows at Ahoy and the theaters need tickets.

Are Christmas events in Rotterdam in English?

Most events are in Dutch, especially the Sinterklaas shows and sing-alongs. Parades, crafts and the circus are easy to enjoy without the language, but check with the host if you need English. Younger kids usually follow the action anyway.

What Sinterklaas events are good for toddlers and preschoolers in Rotterdam?

Theater Walhalla has a musical Sinterklaas comedy for ages 2 to 6 on weekends from November 15 to December 5, with tickets from 10 to 12.50 euros. The Sint Sing Along is for ages 3 and up, and Fien and Teun in Dordrecht on November 28 is for ages 2 and up.

What is the Ashton Brothers Christmas circus at Ahoy?

It is a family Christmas circus at Rotterdam Ahoy with acrobats and live music. In 2026 it runs on December 19, 20 and 22 to 26, with tickets from 29.75 euros. At the first edition the ring had singing stuntmen, fire-breathing balancers and funny magicians.

How long has there been a Christmas circus at Ahoy?

At least since 1981. The earliest known edition of Ahoy's own Christmas circus was on December 24, 1981, and a new show followed almost every year. Nobody knows whether there was an earlier one.

Is there a Christmas show at Ahoy on December 27?

Yes. The Gi-Ga Gantische Kerstshow is on Sunday, December 27, 2026, at 10:30 and 14:00. It is a Studio 100 and Efteling Christmas show with K3, Bumba and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Ticket prices were not yet known.

What Christmas lights can you see in Rotterdam?

In 2025 the Lijnbaan had glowing plants and animals, with a blue fish on a roof. The Hofplein showed a future green square, the old Donner building on the Binnenwegplein had a living shop window, and the Laurenskerk had light art with optical illusions.

What was the Rotterdam Warm Winter Parade?

A lit parade on December 12, 2025, that opened the first Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks. It covered three kilometers from the Doelwater to the Grotekerkplein, with roller skaters, dancers, freerunners, a brass band and the fire brigade. The city carillonneur played at the end, and the winter weeks ran through January 4.

Where is the Christmas tree lit in Rotterdam?

At city hall. On December 12, 2025, Mayor Carola Schouten lit it, and that started the winter parade. In 2017 the then mayor lit it during an open evening with the city hall garden turned into a winter garden.

Can we see Sinterklaas arrive somewhere quieter near Rotterdam?

Yes. On November 14, 2026 Schiedam welcomes Sinterklaas by Pakjesboot at the Lange Haven, Capelle aan den IJssel at the Vuykpark, and Dordrecht at the old harbor. All are street parties.

What can kids do at the Wereldmuseum around Christmas?

The museum's Feest op zondag (Party on Sunday) program has Sinterklaas crafts on November 15, 22 and 29, such as decorating shoes and Furoshiki wrapping. Christmas and New Year crafts, including ornaments and ice stars, run on December 6 and 13 and from December 19 to January 3. Hours are 12:00 to 16:00 and it comes with your museum visit.

What is the Mega Sint Show?

An interactive Sinterklaas family show with Party Piet Pablo at Rotterdam Ahoy, called Chaos in de Cadeaufabriek. It runs on November 28 and 29 at 10:30, 13:00 and 15:30, from 22 euros.

Sources

  1. Landelijke intocht van Sinterklaas, Wikipedia
  2. Sinterklaasfeest, Wikipedia
  3. Sinterklaas returns to Rotterdam: parade details, Rotterdam Style
  4. Sint-Nicolaas Intocht Rotterdam, Uitagenda Rotterdam
  5. Persbericht: De Stoomboot komt naar Rotterdam, Mariniersmuseum
  6. Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks puts the city and its residents in the light, Uitagenda Rotterdam
  7. Kerstcircus Ahoy' (Ahoy' Rotterdam N.V.), TheaterEncyclopedie
  8. Het eerste kerstcircus van de Ashton Brothers in Ahoy, Uitagenda Rotterdam
  9. Open City Hall marks festive start of winter season in Rotterdam, Rotterdam Style
Kelsey Cecil
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