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From December 12th to January 4th, light art and light projects can be admired at various locations in Rotterdam's city centre. The Lijnbaan, Hofplein, Hoogstraat, Koopgoot, Binnenwegplein, and many other spots in the city centre will be ablaze with lights this winter thanks to these unique sculptures, light objects, and unique window displays. Read on for our tips!
This winter, Lijnbaan will transform into a magical China Light Walk. Iconic light artworks from the former China Light Festival will temporarily return, illuminating the city centre during the dark winter months. Stroll past illuminated flora and fauna, admire the large parrot—a nod to Lijnbaan's 1950s theme park—and spot the Blue Fish on Toffler's roof.
In Chinese culture, light symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and happiness. These illuminated figures and animals carry a message of hope in dark times—both literally and figuratively. It's a warm invitation to visit Lijnbaan this winter.
The Lijnbaan plane tree will be transformed into a beautifully illuminated wishing tree, designed by Rotterdam artist Marco Broeders. All Rotterdam residents and visitors to the city centre can leave their wishes for each other or for the city here.
The Hofplein fountain will also regain its sparkle, thanks to the re-introduction of water. Curious what the future green city square at Hofplein will look like? Its contours will be highlighted with lights.
On December 12th, Thijs Kelder (Ruwedata) and Marco Broeders (Co2RO) will take you on a magical journey filled with light, sound, surprising objects, and lighting effects. Never before has the Laurenskerk been illuminated so magically as this evening! Discover a world of moving colours, breathtaking light, graphic lines, and sculptures that will keep you looking and pique your curiosity. Projections, installations, stained-glass color schemes, and spatial forms create a comprehensive experience that will momentarily disconnect you from everyday reality and effortlessly immerse you in a dreamlike dimension.
Please note: this installation can only be viewed on December 12th, starting at 7:00 PM. It will then provide the perfect, festive setting for the closing festivities of the Rotterdam Warme Winter Stoet.
On Hoogstraat, take a look at a six-meter-high light ball that radiates warmth, connection, and positivity into the city. The entire installation is made of recycled materials, because loving the city also means using what already exists.
The open light ball features hearts with short quotes from Rotterdam residents—small stories that evoke what unites us here. The ball forms a gateway through which you walk and briefly experience what connects us. Or, as one Rotterdammer put it: "You don't have to know each other to laugh together." Leave a message too!
In the days leading up to Christmas, a mysterious Advent calendar will be displayed in the Koopgoot shopping mall. This Advent calendar is full of surprises and offers an interactive Christmas experience for all ages.
Are you ready for that warm Christmas feeling? Discover for yourself what the Advent calendar has to offer in Rotterdam City Centre on December 13, 16, 19, 20, and 23!
From December 19th to 21st, the WTC shops will be all about Christmas! Expect (snow) fun for all ages.
Visit the giant shipping container and hop on the six-meter-high swing with friends, family, or yourself for a wonderful "swing"! Besides the high swing, you can take photos in, yes, the snow!
You're probably familiar with the game "The Floor is Lava." Now there's a Christmas version! Do you dare to take a step? Be amazed by all the sparkles and jump from GLOW to GLOW. For the littlest ones, there's a mini Christmas village.
A unique display window is emerging in the vacant corner building near Lijnbaan and Binnenwegplein: twelve screens together form a living collage about safety. This video installation was created by artist Sibe Kokke, with visual contributions from students in the Associate's degree programme in Arts & Crafts at the Rotterdam Academy. They collected images, words, colours, and structures about proximity, care, and boundaries. The students worked from their own perspective and narrative: investigative, engaged, and with an eye for the poetry of the city.
Their visual choices demand attention to nuance and humanity, visibly moving throughout the work. Behind the glass, the screens function like constantly evolving posters; the light moves together, creating a spatial light sculpture that softly breathes into the space. CTRL SAFE demonstrates that safety isn't a wall, but a connection—in a quiet, forgotten showcase of the city.
The city is all lit up! Come to the city centre and be amazed by all the light art. Don't forget to browse the windows of places like Bram Ladage at Binnenwegplein, The Lobby at the Kruiskade and DAKA Sport Rotterdam Centrum for additional decorations.
