The best vintage markets in Rotterdam this season

Design Market Delfshaven

A collective building full of creative studios in Delfshaven will host another design market on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November. Talented local designers show and sell their work. This edition takes place outdoors, in a beautiful courtyard, and is the perfect time to shop for the holidays. There will be a carefully curated line-up on both days. Entrance is at 2e Schansstraat 5 and admission is 2 euros.

During the event, several Rotterdam-based makers such as designers, illustrators and ceramists present and sell their work. The event once started as a mini Christmas market in the studio of one of the building's tenants, with four participating designers and mostly friends and family as visitors. Now the event has grown into a full-fledged weekend market with around 40 participating makers and designers in the upcoming edition.

It is organised by designers based in the premises who themselves participate in the market as makers. For the upcoming edition, they are Laura Kleinhans, Rachel Sender, Michael van Kekem and Julie Thissen. They notice that more and more (young) Rotterdam makers and designers are interested in participating. There is a real need from makers to participate in this event, among other things for visibility and sales.

The Kaai Market

The former enclosed site of the Margarine Factory on the south is being transformed into a new place to live, work and experience with about a thousand homes and ten thousand square metres for work functions and facilities. Mecanoo is responsible for the master plan, while De Urbanisten is handling the landscape design. For now, the plans are intended to be implemented in phases between 2025 and 2029. Until then, the site and buildings will be used for other activities such as the Kaai Markt, a flea market for everyone. Upcoming editions are 30 November and 1, 21 and 22 December.

Changez

On Saturday 30 November, BlueCity will transform the old Tropicana swimming pool into the green department store Changez with the largest clothing exchange in Rotterdam, a textile repair café, a sustainable market, several workshops and a restaurant with sustainable food and drinks. No bargains, but new second-hand pearls, repairs of your favourite garments and sustainable December presents.

Green Christmas market

For three days (6-8 December), Trompenburg' s evergreen botanical gardens will be the setting for a cosy and green Christmas market. Along the route through the historic estate, visitors will find over 50 stalls selling green products such as hellebores and heather plants, organic bulbs and freshly cut mistletoe. There are also local entrepreneurs selling original Christmas gifts such as special garden decorations, handmade candles, chocolate, ceramics and woodturning.

The entrance area of the garden will be transformed into an atmospheric and covered winter square with fresh Christmas greenery straight from the botanical garden. Eco-friendly floral foam will also be available, allowing visitors to make a truly sustainable Christmas arrangement or wreath.

Children's Christmas fun
Children can play winter games all over the garden. For example, they can ski or catch Santa hats.

The Christmas market will be open from 10am to 8pm on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday 8 September.

Vintage on the Meuse Winter Market

Along the Rotterdam river Maas, OASE can be found. A place of connection, creativity and resilience. With Vintage on the Maas, it is regularly an oasis for vintage but also live music, delicious coffee and vega food. It is then a meeting place for makers, vintage lovers and fun seekers. The market stalls will be filled again on 14 December with a colourful mix of sustainable products and pre-selected (vintage) items such as vinyl, furniture, clothing, art and accessories. There will be over 50 Rotterdam-based makers and sellers offering their finest (homemade) products such as illustrations, handmade (upcycled) design, bags, furniture, toys, clothes and more. At OASE's Kantine, there will be a range of mulled wine!, cappuccino, soup or other comfy food.

The Maker Market

The Groot Handelsgebouw has twice before been the venue for The Maker Market. A market where handmade products, designed and produced with love and craftsmanship by young and innovative makers from all over the world are offered. On 14 and 15 December, there will be a winter version in the courtyard of the Groot Handelsgebouw. It will be the largest market so far with more than 70 different stalls. With the presence of various food trucks, music, workshops and, of course, mulled wine and chocolate, it will also be extra festive. There will also be entertainment for children!

Entry in advance is €2.50 and at the door €3.50. On both days, the first 50 visitors will receive a free chocolate milk or mulled wine!

Waluw Vintage Market - Xmas Edition

de Doelen will once again undergo its traditional Waluw Vintage Metamorfose on 15 December. For one day, the concert hall will transform into a department store full of design, fashion and bric -à- brac. The venues this time are the Willem Burger hall, the Feestzaal and the Jurriaan quarter. There, visitors will be treated to high-end vintage, mid-century design, fashion, old-school vinyl and curiosities.

Curator and Goals stylist Christian Igesz, together with producer Marieke Holtes, sees to it that style and quality of The Waluw Vintage Market is of the highest standard.

Maher's Kitchen will again provide lunch with a Syrian twist. And, by popular demand, renowned DJ Richelle Soigni will again play her favourite tracks during the event.

Swan Market

Perhaps the most famous market where local produce, vintage and more can be found. Started some 15 years ago in Rotterdam, it can now even be found in Belgium. Moreover, concept stores have opened, with two shops in Rotterdam, on the Oude Binnenweg and the Witte de Withstraat. On Sunday 22 December, there will be another old-fashioned market on the Binnenrotte.