# Must sees
Together we turn on the light
Just come! to the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks
The annual lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall by Mayor Carola Schouten on Friday, December 12, marks the start of the Rotterdam Warm Winter Procession, featuring performances by the Zangexpress school choir, 200 Rotterdam primary school children, and singer Zoë Livay.
Preparations for the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks are well underway. Soon, Rotterdam's city centre will be showcasing its warmest, brightest side. Everyone is welcome to join the colourful parade of lights through the heart of the city that evening.
Today, students from Mytylschool De Brug and Fatimaschool rehearsed for their joint performance on the steps of City Hall. The atmosphere was immediately great!
They belted out songs by Zoë Livay, such as "Everyone is of the World" and "I Sing." Christmas classics like "Rudolph," "Oh Christmas Tree," "Jingle Bells," and the energetic "Sing & Dance Today" by ZangExpress also resonated enthusiastically throughout City Hall.
During the rehearsal, Zoë met the students and gave them some singing tips. "Enjoy the moment and be yourself," she encouraged them. The children's enthusiasm visibly touched her. Sander de Kramer, presenter of the light parade, was also impressed: "I had goosebumps all the way to my eardrums," he said enthusiastically.
On December 12th, everything will come together on the steps of City Hall. Then, everyone will feel how singing connects—exactly what ZangExpress stands for. Since 2011, this organization has been helping children, parents, and teachers experience how music brings people closer together.
“We allow thousands of children to sing—not just for fun, but also to grow in self-confidence, resilience, and solidarity,” says Melissa ’t Hart of ZangExpress.
Come and see for yourself on December 12th and be moved!
