It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas in Rotterdam! 2020 has been difficult for everyone, so how about enjoying this Christmas period as much as we can and closing the year on a pleasant note?
In line with the recent measures, I offer you some ideas to make the most of Christmas traditions. Let’s see what Rotterdam has to offer this Christmas!
Festive Christmas boxes from restaurants in Rotterdam
Such a pity we can’t go to a restaurant this year to celebrate Christmas eve. But do not worry! Lots of restaurants in Rotterdam offer fantastic Christmas boxes that you can enjoy from the comforts of your own home.
This way you don’t have to be in the kitchen the whole day and you also help the local restaurants. A win-win situation!
George Cocktails & Food
Photo by @marionro.cks.
During this Christmas time, George Cocktails & Food had transformed a part of the Lijnbaan into a little Christmas Market. Unfortunately they had to close this cosy market due to the new measures.
But luckily George Cocktails & Food also delivers a special box composed of several dishes and cocktails for both Christmas and New Years Eve. A delicious treat to still enjoy this Christmas time!
You can order the boxes via 010-2400099 or via Thuisbezorgd.nl.
Address
Lijnbaan 36 – 42 3012 EP Rotterdam
Williams Canteen
Photo by Hannah Rosalie Photography.
Williams Canteen is serving a great Christmas dinner. The dinner box contains a shared dining menu for two persons, a bottle of wine and several other nice goodies.
Also, you can still go to their restaurant for sandwiches, coffee and cocktails to takeaway.
You have until the 22nd of december to order the Christmas menu via their website.
Address
William Boothlaan 5A, 3012 VG Rotterdam
Old Scuola
Order your DIY Christmas box at Old Scuola to enjoy their delicious pizza. There are different choices of DIY boxes available.
In the Christmas box, you will find the DIY kit to make your own pizza, but also a dessert and a bottle of wine specifically chosen by their sommelier.
You can order it on their webshop and they are open for delivery every day.
Address
Achterklooster 1, 3011 RA Rotterdam
By Jarmusch
This year, By Jarmusch has turned its garden terrace into a Drive-Thru. Most importantly, By Jarmusch is offering its special Christmas breakfast deals. They are open on Christmas day and Boxing day for your breakfast take away!
You can come by car or bike to take your order in take-away. By Jarmusch is open every day.
Address
Goudsesingel 64, 3011 KD Rotterdam
Jordy’s bakery
Christmas is also about pastries. Jordy’s bakery is selling a Christmas Breakfast box, in which you will find delicious Christmas specialties. Plus, the box is customizable!
Address
Nieuwe Binnenweg 97a 3014GG Rotterdam
Mamma Licia
Photo by @marionro.cks
If you want to enjoy a delicious and authentic Italian meal, I recommend ordering food from Mama Licia.
Recently, they launched a super cool concept: the PupediPasta workshops. Pick up your box of ingredients at the restaurant. Then you are ready to make delicious authentic Italian pasta at home with their live cooking workshop via Instagram.
You can join the workshop every week and eat fresh Italian dishes every Sunday. For Christmas, they have a special PudiPasta Christmas dinner workshop!
Address
Oudedijk 159A, 3061 AB Rotterdam
Hotel New York
Enjoy the famous dishes from the Hotel New York at your place. For this particular Christmas, the Hotel New York chefs has created two festive menus to celebrate Christmas at home.
You can pick up the box between December 17 and December 31 or it can be delivered at home.
Address
Koninginnenhoofd 1, 3072 AD Rotterdam
Get glühwein or other hot beverage for take away
If you go for a walk, why not get a coffee, glühwein, chai latte or another hot beverage on the go? Below I share some great places for a nice and hot take away drink.
The Rumah
Did you already taste some “Glühwein”, famous winter drink in the Nordic countries? It is a mulled wine, composed of red wine and spices.
The Rumah, located in the city centre of Rotterdam is offering Glühwein during the weekend.
After spending some time walking around Rotterdam, this is a nice way to warm up. With moderation of course! 😉
Address
Oude Binnenweg 110C, 3012 JG Rotterdam
Ayla
Photo by @marionro.cks
Ayla is currently offering Glühwein, infused with cinnamon, coffee, anise cardamom and cloves. It will help you get into the Christmas spirit!
Address
Kruisplein 153, 3014 DD Rotterdam
Lilith
Lilith has a cute wooden shack in front of their restaurant, where they sell coffee and vegan “oliebollen”. Oliebollen are deep fried balls of dough with powdered sugar and are a traditional treat in the Netherlands.
Address
Nieuwe Binnenweg 125 H, 3014 GJ Rotterdam
Shop online at Rotterdam shops
Hopefully you already have most of your Christmas presents under the Christmas tree, but if not, be sure to check out these stores that offer great presents!
Be sure to also check out these cool gifts from Rotterdam.
WAAR
Photo by @marionro.cks
If you are looking for eco-friendly gifts, WAAR is the perfect place for this. You will find sustainable products, as plastic free beauty products or organic products for your home.
Their doors might be closed right now, but you can shop their products online on their WAARenhuis website!
Address
Oude Binnenweg 116, 3012 JG Rotterdam
SWAN.
Photo by @marionro.cks
As a beautiful concept store in Rotterdam, Swan. is definitely a good idea for your Christmas present quest. The store is filled by many small entrepreneurs of the area. You will find many different items, as jewellery, clothes and decorations for your home.
Luckily, during this time you can still shop their items via their website via swanmarket.nl.
What I personally like to do or to offer for Christmas, is DIY packages. For instance, in the Swan. store you can find a lovely embroidery DIY kit created by the @Needlegirlvannl.
If DIY is not your thing, embroidery decorations are available as well. There is a special collection for Christmas, which will be perfect for your Christmas decoration.
Address
Oude Binnenweg 137, 3012 JD Rotterdam
KEET
KEET is another concept store in the heart of Rotterdam. The store is offering products created by small and local businesses.
KEET is a great place to find a present and there is even a special collection for Christmas. It is composed, among other things candles and Christmas tree decorations.
Find their collection on keetrotterdam.nl.
Address
Oppert 2a, 3011 HV Rotterdam
Camels & co
Camels & Co is a new boutique in Rotterdam. It is started by two sisters who are passionate about interior design. They offer beautiful handmade and quality products straight from Morocco.
This can be a great idea of present to bring some sunshine into the home of the lucky gift recipient.
For now you need some patience to visit their physical store, but in the meantime you can already browse around their webshop!
Address
Vlietlaan 28C, 3061 DX Rotterdam
Chouette
Chouette is a fabulous Rotterdam webshop where you can order the most beautiful candles. All candles are handmade in their own kitchen with environmentally friendly soy wax from Europe.
These candles are great to gift to someone. You can choose from a single candle, such as a beautiful NUDE candle in different colours, or go for a candle set with different creations. They are all real works of art. It’s almost a shame to light them!
Check out all the candles of Chouette.
Go for a walk in Rotterdam and take festive photos
What about a nice walk in Rotterdam? Lots of streets, shops and restaurants in our city are decorated and really bring out the Christmas spirit, even though a lot is currently closed.
Most of the places I mentioned above look very festive. But, I will add a few more Christmassy places below that are worth a walk by.
Of course it is encouraged to go and explore the city for yourself. You will come across plenty of Christmas decorations and festive streets!
Fratelli di Vicini
During a walk on the Oudedijk you can spot restaurant Fratelli di Vicini with lots of Christmas trees and lights. It will instantly bring a happy Christmas vibe to your walk.
Address
Oudedijk 4, 3062 AE Rotterdam
Koopgoot
Every year the Koopgoot looks very festive during the holidays! Even though the shops are all closed right now, the Koopgoot is still worth a visit for all the decorations.
Address
Beurstraverse, 3012 AT Rotterdam
Eendracht
Photo by @rayb333.
This year the Eendracht has also brought out the best and looks very impressive next to the Erasmus bridge. So definitely walk by if you have the chance!
Hopefully these activities will still make your Christmas amazing this year! Let us know what other activities you do to enjoy Christmas time in the comments below.
Merry Christmas everyone!
