What to Do with Kids in Groningen This Christmas Holiday – Complete Guide 2025

The Christmas holiday is just around the corner, and with it comes one of the coziest times of the year to go out with children. In December and early January, Groningen is full of winter activities, Christmas markets, festivals, performances, and special outings. Whether you're spending a day in the city, planning a family trip, or staying for a few nights, Groningen and the surrounding region offer plenty of inspiration for warm, atmospheric, and child-friendly moments.

The Best Child-Friendly Activities in Groningen (Christmas Holiday 2025)

• Swedish Christmas Market – December 13 & 14: A Scandinavian-style Christmas market full of treats, live music, stalls, and handcrafted products.
• WinterWelVaart – December 19–21: Historic ships, music, markets, and winter coziness along the Hoge and Lage der A.
• Kerstplaza Zuidbroek – December 20 to January 4: A large indoor winter event with a funfair, ice rink, and shows. Perfect for families with children of all ages.
• Craft & Experiment Room – University Museum – December 21 to January 5: Create your own bath salts, do experiments, examine insects, and discover the world of science.
• Christmas Movies at Forum – from December 24, various dates: Cozy winter film screenings, including classics like Home Alone.
• Roald Dahl Festival – December 28, 29 & 30 – Forum Groningen: Three days full of imagination, stories, workshops, performances, and the mysterious Tangly Woods.
• My First Festival – December 28 – Oosterpoort: A cheerful children's festival with music, dance, creative activities, and kid performances.
• Wintergoud at the Grote Markt – November 28 to January 4: Ice rink, Ferris wheel, and winter coziness in the heart of Groningen.

Extra Outings in Groningen and the Region

• National Park Lauwersmeer: Winter walking routes, scavenger hunts, and lots of bird-spotting opportunities.
• Family Park Nienoord – Leek: Ride the Nienoord Steam Railway, enjoy playgrounds, indoor activities, and cozy food spots.
• Open-Air Museum Het Hoogeland – Warffum: Christmas museum with a beautifully decorated square between The Stable and the Village Café—perfect for magical family photos.
• WinterWEC in Lauwersoog (Seal Centre): Learn all about seals and the Wadden Sea during the WinterWEC weeks and book the special Christmas package.
• DoeZoo – Leens: Interactive zoo where children can touch, smell, and explore animals. Closed on Christmas Days and New Year's Eve/Day.

Child-Friendly Dining & Cafés in Groningen

• Wadapartja (Westerhaven & Gedempte Zuiderdiep): Breakfast, lunch, and brunch in a cozy living-room atmosphere.
• Brownies and Downies – Oosterstraat 40: Warm, inclusive, welcoming atmosphere with a delicious menu.
• Anne & Max Groningen – Turfsingel 18: Great coffee, healthy lunch options, play space, and friendly service.
• Pannekoekschip Groningen – Oosterkade 1002: Dining on a real ship with pancakes, coloring pages, and small gifts for kids.

Child-Friendly Restaurants Outside Groningen

• Tea House De Groene Lantaarn – Zuidhorn: Cozy, waterside, and with a play area for children.
• Restaurant ’t Zielhoes – Noordpolderzijl: Warm, atmospheric spot near the Wadden Sea.
• Pavilion Suyderoogh – Lauwersmeer: Ideal after a walk or day outdoors.
• Pancake Restaurant d’Olle Smidse – Midwolde: Charming and very popular with families.
• Brasserie Old’s Inn – Leek: Perfect to combine with a visit to Nienoord.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Groningen

• Hotel The Happy Traveler: Cheerful hotel with extra beds for families.
• Hotel Schimmelpenninck Huys: Beautifully restored, with family room options.
• Hotel Halbert: Atmospheric hotel in the Folkingestraat, within walking distance of winter events.
• Hotel Miss Blanche: Spacious suites on the Hoge der A, ideal for a winter weekend.
• Flonk Hotel Groningen Zuid: Peaceful waterside location with family rooms and parking.
• Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center: Modern, centrally located hotel—great for a Christmas city trip.

Christmas Holiday in Groningen: Warm, Cozy, and Full of Adventure

From Christmas markets to theater shows, from ice skating to nature outings—Groningen offers families a complete winter experience. The city buzzes with atmosphere and activities, while the province offers peace, space, and nature. This makes the Christmas holiday a perfect mix of relaxation, coziness, and adventure for all ages.