# Must sees
Together we turn on the light
Just come! to the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks
In a new interview series, we meet the initiators and creators of the Rotterdam Winter Weeks: the "city warmers." They are the driving force behind the activities that bring colour and meaning to the city this winter.
From December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Rotterdam's city centre will be the setting for the Rotterdam Warme Winter Weeks. Rotterdam entrepreneurs, creators, and residents are collaborating on a programme filled with light, connection, and creativity, to offer the city extra warmth and connection during the winter months. The initiative is free to attend and is open to all Rotterdammers and visitors to the city centre.
We kick off the series with Pauline Buurma, director of the Rotterdam Centrum Organization and co-initiator of the Rotterdam Warme Winter Weeks, and Reinier Weers, programme and project leader of this new winter event.
Pauline: “My organization, which works daily for the retailers and real estate agents in Rotterdam City Centre, is busy every winter decorating the city centre. We noticed that many Rotterdam residents are eager for a cozy, warm winter. Yet, a cohesive plan that connects all the initiatives in the city was always missing. This year, we've achieved that with the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks: a collaborative approach with which we truly want to bring warmth, light, and connection to the city.”
Reinier: “My involvement began when Pauline was looking for someone to brainstorm about a heartwarming winter event. I've been involved with several Rotterdam events before, and for me, the people of Rotterdam are always the centre of attention. Their creativity and commitment to neighbourhoods, districts, and each other—that's the foundation. I want to contribute to a city that remains human and highlight the warm, soft side of the city. There seems to be a great need for that.”
Pauline: “Rotterdam deserves a warm project this winter that everyone can participate in and enjoy. The National Fireworks, which thankfully will still go ahead, will be a wonderful finale.”
Reinier: “I want people to want to go to the city. I want people to be surprised by light, by China Light art, by atmospheric lighting, and by sparkling pop-up programming. I want the city centre to be inviting to stroll, meet each other, and shop. And perhaps the best part: despite challenging times, entrepreneurs, creative partners, the entire city council, and many enthusiastic Rotterdam makers are wholeheartedly embracing this initiative. That positivity adds colour to Rotterdam. The city is revealing itself in all its diversity.”
Pauline: “For me, it’s a success when every Rotterdam resident gets a warm feeling from it. That’s what we do it for. I’m proud of the collaboration between all the parties involved, so many people who want to give back to the city.”
Reinier: “For me, it’s a success when the city centre becomes more than just a nice place to shop: a place where people gather, spend time, and feel at home. When Rotterdam residents say, ‘This is why I live here,’ then it’s a success.”
Pauline: “That's Annemieke van Wegen-Delhaas, without a doubt. She lights a fire in the city wherever she goes.”
Reinier: “Frans Dietvorst! His network, energy, and Rotterdam mentality make almost anything possible. He brings together artists, creatives, skaters, and other Rotterdammers. And he gives young people around him plenty of opportunities. His enthusiasm is infectious. His wild idea of hanging a large disco ball above the Hofplein fountain at the opening? Exactly the kind of courage I love.”
Pauline: "That every Rotterdammer looks out for each other. If we do that, together we'll create a beautifully lit city, inside and out."
Reinier: "That the city centre remains a place where people feel at home, not just a commercial hub but a meeting place full of inspiration, where people come together and connect. And... let the fireworks at the Erasmus Bridge return in the years to come!"
