Christmas in Groningen

When you decide to spend Christmas in Groningen, there a several traditions around Christmas.

The Christmastree

After Sinterklaas leaves the country, or if you are rebellious even before, you can build up your christmas tree. Intratuin has many options to buy a cut off christmastree or one with the roots in a pot. Or to buy lights and decoration. It is worth a visit!

'Adopt, don't shop'

If you prefer to make a eco friendly choice you can adopt a tree which they put back in the ground after usage. The location where you can reserve, pick it up and return is at Tuin in de Stad at Tarralaan 6 in Groningen. Ps. This location has way more interesting options for a nice walk and the tiny houses Westpark has some farm animals around like piglets, chickens etc. Really nice to visit! They have a website but their instagram is more nice to visit.

Decoration

To decorate the Christmastree you can go to the big chains like Xenos, Hema, Intratuin, but our favourite shop to stop by is a hidden gem in Groningen. It is there the full year but just before Christmas time there is a line in front of the shop. Because it is the most cosy christmas decorations shop of Groningen, with unique items for your tree. Truely a shop with personality.
We fell in love with this shop. Did you know they also give advise on decorating your home?

After decorating your tree, you also want to really dive into the Christmas vibes in Groningen.

Winterwelvaart

Each year the boats are decorated, there are stands with food, drinks, an art route and stuff to buy. All boats are ligthened so it is really nice to give it a visit in the evening and make some spheric photos of the scenery along the canals of Groningen.
Check their Facebook page for more information and the dates when it is organised.

Christmas dinner

The yearly christmas dinners, not only with friends, but also with your family, colleagues or other social groups in your life. 
When nobody expects you at their homes and you don't feel like cooking, but you do want to enjoy a real christmas dinner? Then you reserve yourself a table, or... check the second in the list below!

We have some fancy suggestions to really feel and taste the christmas vibes. November is your month to reserve a table. These popular restaurants are not that big and easily fully booked. Most of our recommendations have an honorful listing in the wellknown Michelingids, Gault&Millau and/or Lekker. All these restaurants are handpicked by us as we have dined here personally.

1. Vive La Vie
   • The list of their culinary awards is almost endless. Cooking and hospitality runs through their blood. 
     On christmasevening you can enjoy their traditionally prepared, refined food and good wines in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The nostalgic building has been given a contemporary design. The nice music, the delicious dishes and the contact with the chefs who regularly present these dishes at the table make an evening out a true experience.
     Check and reservations 
2. Voila
   • Christmas at home. Here you can order your Christmas dinner to easily finish at home but at a gastronomic level.
     So if you prefer to stay at home, don't want the stress to prepare many courses to your family members then this is your place to order. We know out of our own experience!
3. Blumé
   • For a full night out of nice dining you can reserve your table at Blumé on Christmas Evening. Inspired by nature they use ingredients from all over the world. Be surprised. They are located at Nieuwe Boteringestraat below Hotel Halbert.
     Check the link and the Christmas option pops up.
4. Brussels Lof
   • Located in a cosy street at A-kerkstraat. Try their lobster and mixed seafruit plate! Or if you fancy fondues, they have many options, also if you are a vegatarian. And their wines are exquisit. Check their calendar well as it could be they are not opened during both Christmasdays.
5. Nassau
   • Excellent choice for a great dinner in a chique but not too formal athmosphere. Located at Martinikerkhof
     Their Brasserie also has a Christmas Brunch option. Check for information and to reserve on https://prinsenhof.nl/en/christmas/
6. De kleine Heerlijkheid
   • Small but yet big. A very cosy restaurant. And delicious. If you want to celebrate christmas more flexible, you can enjoy their menu for a full week. 
     Check the details on their website https://dekleineheerlijkheid.nl/kerstmen

After Dinner Dip? No!

After eating that much, it is always very nice to do a nice walk. We have some suggestions that are nearby to walk to and a gift for the eye.

The first suggestion is to visit the Grote Markt. The Commercial Club Groningen always arranges decoration in the city of Groningen and a big Christmas tree on the Grote Markt. 

Courtyards in Groningen City

If you want to walk after your dinner through the citycenter, we advise to see the old courtyards in Groningen. 
After you brunch at Prinsenhof you can visit the Prinsentuin and check out some more Groninger Hofjes. Check out https://www.visitgroningen.nl/en/locations/city/almshouse-courtyards

The two lovely parks in the city of Groningen. 

The first one is Noorderplantsoen. Maybe take a stop at Zondag Noorderplantsoen for a coffee.

The second one to go to would be Stadspark. Here you can walk a bit longer without the disturbance of traffic.
There is a big playground that will always be open, and if you have a dog, there even is a dogplayground here!

We save the best tip for the last to test if you are still reading ;-)

The biggest Christmass Ball in Europe is located in our lovely city of Groningen. During Christmass the location of DOT changes in the biggest Christmass Bauble. Really nice to make some photos as a everlasting memory of Groningen. Located at Vrydemalaan 2 nearby UMCG academic hospital and the city beach!

We hope we gave you some Christmass inspiration and as we already said, don't wait too long to book your table!