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Monday 9 December 2024 • 4 minutes reading time
December brings the Christmas spirit to Groningen, making the city bustling with events and activities this month. You can go stroll over the cute christmas markets or go iceskating on the ice skating rank. The entire city is decorated with cozy Christmas lights, you can enjoy warm delicacies at one of the many oliebollenkramen or go for a sporty challenge during the Stadspark Nightrun. In this article, we discuss all the winter activities taking place in Groningen this year.
From December 6 to January 5, Groningen will be in full winter style during Winterstad Groningen. In the center of the city, located at the Grote Markt, you will find an atmospheric Christmas market with festive decorations and cozy stalls where you can pick up gifts as well as winter delicacies such as a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Besides the atmospheric Christmas stalls and delicacies, you can enjoy the winter view of Groningen from the Ferris wheel on the Grote Markt. There is also a skating rink on the Grote Markt where you can have fun with your friends and family. Winterstad Groningen is the designated place to get into the Christmas spirit, with activities for all ages.
Photo: Groninger Winterfestijn
On December 7 and 8, the Swedish Christmas vibes will come to Groningen during the Swedish Christmas Market. At this atmospheric event you will find various stalls offering handmade and natural products, ideal for finding original Christmas gifts. In addition, you can enjoy good food, relaxing music and, of course, the coziness.
The Christmas market gives you a taste of a Swedish Christmas without too much effort, making it a perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and score special gifts for your friends and family.
Photo: Szabo Viktor (Unsplash)
From December 13 to 15, Winterwelvaart comes to the A-kwartier in Groningen. Twenty attractively lighted historic ships will dock along the Hoge, Lage and Kleine der A. Visitors can enjoy music, theater, exhibitions and an atmospheric winter market on both the docks, the ships, Museum aan de A and the A- Kerk.
This year there is also an expanded XL Christmas market, which expands further to the Turftorenstraat, the Kromme Elleboog and the Zwanestraat, up to the Grote Markt. WinterWelVaart is free to enter and has been part of Wintergoud, Groningen’s winter festival since 2024. WinterWelVaart is the place to be if you are looking for the Christmas spirit in Groningen.
Photo: Niels Knelis Meijer
On Friday, December 13, the Stadspark Night Run will take place, a sporting event where sports, fun and music come together in Groningen’s Stadspark. This event is open to participants of all ages, and offers two different routes: a short of 5-6 km and a long of 10-11 km.
Participants will encounter spectacular light animations, energetic music and other acts along the way. Furthermore, you choose which distance you run, without time pressure, and afterwards you can celebrate your achievement at the after party.
Photo: Stadspark Nightrun
On December 21 and 22, Oosterstraat and Carolieweg will be transformed into the site of the Last Minute Christmas Market, the place to buy your last Christmas gifts. Local entrepreneurs will present their products here, from gift cards and books to chocolate, perfume, games and wines. Ideal for finding special gifts while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Photo: Discover Groningen
The 3,2,1 Goud&Nieuw countdown show at Groningen’s Grote Markt is a festive way to celebrate the New Year together. The program offers a variety of entertainment options with music by local DJs, interactive art and visual performances. With highlights such as the Ferris wheel with an audio tour, a luminous circle installation and special shows in glass containers, you will experience New Year’s Eve in an unforgettable way.
The highlight of the evening is the joint countdown at the lighted Ferris wheel, where hundreds of Groningers count down to 2025 together. The 3,2,1 Gold & New countdown show is an ideal place for both young and old to end 2024 and celebrate the New Year together.
Photo: Marketing Groningen
December in Groningen is full of fun, activities and winter magic. From a ride in the Ferris wheel on the Grote Markt to strolling around the various Christmas markets, there is plenty to do . With all the winter activities Groningen has to offer, you won’t get bored easily during the December month. This festive month is the time to enjoy wintery Groningen together!
