Kerstmarkt Overschie

Overschie is a charming historic village that was annexed to Rotterdam in 1941. Although Rotterdam is very modern, Overschie retains its historic charm and village feel, with centuries-old houses lining the main street alongside the local museum and two churches. Each year, on a December evening, the village hosts an annual traditional Christmas market on the main street. In addition to vendors from far and wide who set up stalls to sell their crafts and wares, the museum and churches also host open houses.

We were invited to visit the market by curling friends, Vim and Els, who have lived in the village for 35 years. Vim has organized the market for several years and it has been steadily and rapidly growing, so the market was bustling and events were in full swing when we arrived. Kevin and I met Els and her daughter Marianne, who shared some village history and introduced us to delicious mulled wine and doughnuts at the museum open house.

We wandered down the road away from the market to the Hogebrug Bridge over Delfshavense Schie. For centuries, the bridge has been the entrance to the village and the Overschiese Dorpsstraat (the main street where the market was held).

After taking some photos, we perused the market stalls and listened to a choir singing carols in front of the first of the two churches along the main street. Grote Kerk Overschie was built in 1900-01 after a fire destroyed the previous structure. With a large open interior, Els explained that the building is often used for local events.

Our last stop on the way back to the car was at the second church, H. Petrus’ Bandenkerk, circa 1850, where chocolate and mulled wine were being served. Although we were too late to hear the singing and organ music, we admired the decorations and architecture inside the church.

This photo of Els and Marianne is taken on the bridge with this quiet section of the street, Overschiese Dorpsstraat, in the background. The market is near the newer church whose tower can be seen in the background. Thank you Els and Marianne for a lovely evening.