Christmas in Groningen

Have you noticed that the oliebollen stalls are already set up? This is a sign that we are heading into winter, and soon towards Christmas and New Year's Eve! By night, the oliebollen stands look so romantic with the lights. And whenever they are there, I also love to eat oliebollen, even if it is officially not winter yet. 

Wintergoud Groningen

This year, Groningen is going all out during the dark months! From December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the city of Groningen will be celebrating ‘Wintergoud’ with various winter-themed events. 

What to expect from Wintergoud?

Here’s a list of the events that are planned:

Last-minute Christmas Shopping | December 21 & 22

On December 21 and 22, 2024, Vitalis is organizing a fun market for your last-minute Christmas shopping. The locations are Carolieweg, Oosterstraat, and Gelkingestraat. Do you have cool products you want to sell at your stall? Sign up with Vitalis, and they will work closely with Lutje Lokaal and the G.C.C., so let them know if you’re a member!

Groningen Last Minute Christmas Shopping (vitalismarkten.nl)

Swedish Christmas Market at the Sugar Factory | December 7 & 8

The Swedish Christmas Market has become an annual tradition in Groningen. From October 9 to November 7, you can score tickets at a discount! Here, you’ll find handmade products in the atmosphere of Swedish Christmas traditions. Fun, right? ‘God Jul’ (Google it!) A ticket will cost around 9 euros.

Stadspark Nightrun | December 13

On December 13, 2024, the Stadspark Nightrun will take place, literally a glowing event in the dark December and perfect for sporty Groningen. You’ll see running clubs going all out with their glowing outfits. If you’re not running, definitely come and watch! The city is completely closed off to traffic. ;-) Registration for the Stadspark Nightrun has already started, so will you bring light to the darkness on Friday, December 13?

Winterwelvaart | December 13, 14 & 15

Winterwelvaart is one of the components of Wintergoud. From Hoge der A until the Big Market, there will be stands with Christmas-themed food and goods, organized by Vitalis Markten and Paul van Put Events. Museum aan de A will also do some programming. We will update the events when there is news to share!

Who is organizing Wintergoud?

To make it a bigger event around Christmas in Groningen, this year lots of organizations are working together: Municipality of Groningen, Marketing Groningen, Sport050, Winterwelvaart, Lutje Lokaal, de Stadskerk, GOLAZO, stichting Winterstad Groningen, the ACLO, Museum aan de A, Forum Groningen, the organizers of Zweedse Kerstmarkt, and the Groningen City Club have joined forces to make it a true winter festivity.

Ice Rink Grote Markt Groningen

And there will be an ice rink again! Under the smoke of Martinitower, this is a nice family activity! They are still considering the big ferris wheel! Wow, that would be so cozy!