I love Christmas. The twinkly lights. The joyful traditions. The mulled wine. All of it. Spending Christmas in Groningen the last few years has been nothing short of wonderful. The only thing it is missing is the snow.
And every once in a while it happens. Then whoa! Simply magical.
Our first winter in Groningen, we went to the WinterWelVaart, and it was the best Christmas market. I think it actually ruined all other Christmas markets for us. It was so unique with all the decorated ships in the canal, the special events and the little shops with a fantastic variety of gifts and treats.
Last year the Groningen Christmas Market expanded and there’s even more to love. In addition to the Christmas markets in Groningen, there are other ways to get into the holiday spirt here in the Northern Netherlands too.
Keep reading to find the best ways to celebrate the holidays in Groningen!
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Christmas Markets In Groningen
Christmas in Groningen is special because of the Christmas markets. As I mentioned earlier, the Christmas market in Groningen has grown each year we have been here! It is not only the ships and booths along the canal in Hoge der A, it is so much more.
I even read on social media that they are planning to expand it each year and make it into the best Christmas market in the Netherlands. I mean, I already think this already, so it will be interesting to see what it becomes as the years go on.
WinterWelVaart – December 19-21, 2025
Let’s start with the original Groningen Christmas Market. The WinterWelVaart, which means winter prosperity, is our favorite part of Christmas in Groningen.
As we get closer to December 19th, more and more ships will fill the canal at the Hoge der A, Lage der A and Kleine der A. These ships are festively decorated with Christmas lights and take part in the winter market.
The WinterWelVaart in Groningen sadly only lasts a weekend. This year it is on December 19th through the 21st.
Some of the boats will be open for you to explore. It is cool to be able to go on a take a peak around. It is also a great spot to take a cool picture.
The other boats hold special events. Some turn into restaurants. We’ve seen night clubs and boats with performances that include music to theater. There are even creative workshops.
Check out the official WinterVelVaart website closer to the event to find the program, learn about the ships, and any other important details.
Winterstad – November 28th, 2025 – January 4th, 2026
The Wintergoud or Winter Gold, is the overarching name of all of the Christmas festivities and the Christmas market in Groningen. There are different companies that run each part of the Christmas markets in Groningen, but it is all under the Wintergoud umbrella.
Winterstad Groningen refers to all of the Christmassy activities in the Grote Markt. It starts on November 28th and runs until January 4th. The Grote Markt is transformed into a winter wonderland and holds special activities throughout the Christmas season.
Last year there was a ferris wheel along with a few other carnival rides including our kids’ favorite, a fun slide! There was also an ice skating rink.
Be prepared to gobble up delicious food here too. Don’t miss the oliebollen. These delicious donut treats are only served in the Netherlands from October to January. A special Christmas treat we can’t get enough of.
Wintergoud Market – December 19-21, 2025
Between December 19 and 21, the Wintergoud Market will set up Christmas market stalls that lead between the Grote Markt and Hoge der A, connecting to WinterWelVaart.
This year, they are adding an additional route that leads from the Grote Markt through the Vismarkt, past Akerk and eventually to the canal where it will join with the WinterWelVaart Market.
So, now there will be two nice paths to go between all the festivities. This is great because the path last year got a little crowded. Hopefully this spreads the crowd out!
Swedish Christmas Market – December 13-14, 2025
On the weekend of December 13th and 14th, the old Sugar Factory turns into a Swedish Christmas Market. This Groningen Christmas Market is special with over 100 vendors selling Scandinavian products that are handmade and made with natural ingredients.
I haven’t been to this Groningen Christmas Market yet, but I am going this year. It is open 10am-5pm and costs €9 euros to enter. If you get your tickets in advance, there’s a €1 euro discount.
This seems a little expensive just to enter a Christmas market, but I am willing to risk it. I will let you know if it is worth it in next year’s update. I can’t wait to pick up some unique Christmas gifts this year!
Grab your tickets to the Swedish Christmas Market here.
Other Nearby Christmas Markets
If you are celebrating Christmas in Groningen and are not around on the weekend of the 20th or want to celebrate at a smaller Christmas market nearby, I have a couple of options for you to check out.
Bourtange Christmas Market – November 29 & 30, December 6 & 7, December 13 & 14, 2025
For a unique Christmas Market in the province of Groningen, check out Bourtange. Bourtange is a small village about an hour away from the city of Groningen near the German border. This star-shaped, impregnable fortress was built in 1593 and was restored in the 1960s and 70s to its original glory.
It is a fantastic small town in the Netherlands to visit anytime of year, but it is especially magical at Christmas time. On the weekends of November 29 & 30, December 6 & 7, and December 13 & 14, Bourtange welcomes visitors to their festive Kerstmarkt.
The Christmas market leads you around the winding streets of Bourtange with shops and food vendors galore. Because the streets are a little narrow, it does feel a little crowded; however, I think it is still worth it!
Climb to the top of the fortress’s walls to get a unique perspective of the town. See the decorate windmill and all its festive charm. Of course eat and drink tasty food and hope the Christmas stalls. When we were there last year, there was also a light show no the fortress’s walls near the entrance that is cute for small kids to enjoy.
The Bourtange Christmas Market costs €5 euros at the door or €4.50 online and is open from 11am to 9pm on Saturdays and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.
Haren Christmas Market – December 20 & 21, 2025
Just south of Groningen is the affluent town of Haren. On December 20th and 21st, the town puts on their own Christmas market at the Dorpskerk or village church.
Here you will find local shop vendors selling their goods and food from 11am to 5pm. This is a great area to check out a few different Christmas stalls and get some last minute gifts.
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Walk Through A Magical Christmas Tree Lane
One small alley in Groningen transforms into a fairytale lane during the Christmas season. Via Vecchia is lined with pine trees, arches and decorated with beautiful twinkly lights.
It is a surprising hidden gem in the middle of the city that is worth walking through to celebrate Christmas in Groningen.
Go Christmas Shopping In Groningen
Besides the Christmas markets around town, there are other fantastic shops to buy your gifts during Christmas in Groningen. Groningen has even adopted an American tradition of shopping local on Saturday, November 29th.
Shop Local Saturday – Lutje Lokaal – November 29, 2025
On Saturday, November 29th from 10-5pm, you can participate in Lutje Lokaal by supporting the amazing local business owners in Groningen.
Groningen has organized and listed the local businesses online, so you can easily map out where you want to shop and where to grab a bite to eat. Alternatively, you can pick up a hard copy of the Lutje Lokaal guide at the tourist office in the Forum.
As an expat, I didn’t know what stores were chains and which were local shops when I first arrived. Lutje Lokaal is a wonderful way to get to know the local businesses and give support to the Groningen community!
See The Biggest Ornament You Will Ever See!
The DOT is a unique cultural hub in the city and is a must visit if you are visiting Groningen. It is even more special during the holidays. The DOT, formerly a planetarium, now has a restaurant, bar and hosts special events in its one-of-a-kind space.
This UFO-looking building gets a fascinating makeover at Christmas. The round shape creates the perfect Christmas ornament. And the biggest you will ever see!
If you can’t make it for an event, you can reserve a seat at the restaurant or bar space or just enjoy the view of the lights from the outside!
Christmas Tree Lighting – December 6, 2025
On December 6th, you can witness the lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Grote Markt. The day before, on December 5th, is Sinterklaas which is a Dutch holiday where kids exchange presents in school and families give gifts at home.
On December 6th, the Christmas season begins in the Netherlands, and with it the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Grote Markt. Festivities start at 6pm.
Meet Santa And His Elves – December 11, 15, 18 & 22, 2025
If you have young kids, then a visit with Santa is fun way to get in the Christmas spirit. Santa will be at the Winterstad festival and will greet kiddos throughout December.
You will find Santa in the Martini Tower (Martinitoren) on December 11th, 15th, 18th and 22nd between 2pm and 5pm. You can take a free photo with him and his elves, and children will also get a small gift.
A wonderful way to get the children pumped up for Christmas.
Christmas In Groningen Summary
There are so many ways to get in the Christmas spirit in Groningen. I hope you can visit, sip a glass of gluhwein, wander the beautiful streets lined with Christmas lights, ride the ferris wheel, and wander all the shops to find unique gifts for your loved ones at the Christmas markets in Groningen. Happy Holidays!
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