# Must sees
Together we turn on the light
Just come! to the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks
On 12 December, the heart of Rotterdam lit up during the launch of the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks. More than 2,000 people took part in the brand-new light parade, which was organised for the first time this year by enthusiastic entrepreneurs, residents, makers and creatives from the city.
The goal: to bring more light, warmth, and connection to Rotterdam's city centre during the darkest months of the year. And it seems to have been a success!
An impressive procession filled with smiling faces made its way through the city. Young and old alike joined in, adorning themselves with flashing lights and illuminated accessories. The spectacle began on the steps of City Hall, where Mayor Carola Schouten, together with the assembled audience, was serenaded by more than 200 children, the Zangexpress school choir and singer Zoë Livay. Together, they lit up the Christmas tree as well as a large illuminated heart on City Hall: the city warmth heart, a symbol for all Rotterdammers. Together, they form the beating heart of the city.
On stage, the mayor symbolically handed over the city warmth heart to Sander de Kramer, presenter of the light parade. In this way, the heart travelled through the centre of Rotterdam, carrying the light onwards in a very literal sense.
After a festive start at the Doelwater, the procession set off with a countdown at Hofplein, where the fountain — including a disco ball specially installed for the evening — was illuminated by Alderman Pascal Lansink and ‘Hofplein architect’ Cor Geluk. This officially marked the opening of the festivities. Under a spectacular laser show, the parade made its way along Weena, straight through Central Plaza, across Lijnbaan and through the Koopgoot. Along the route, there was music, entertainment and plenty of fun.
The light parade ended at the Binnenrotte, with an exciting display by the fire brigade and ambulance services. This was followed by a convivial gathering at Grote Kerkplein and in the Laurenskerk.
The organization looks back with great satisfaction on this first pilot edition:
