Winter Officially Begins on December 21!

You wouldn't believe it, but it has already snowed in our beautiful city of Groningen! I couldn't believe my eyes today. Just over a month to go before autumn transitions into winter. On December 21, winter officially begins. You might be wondering: what kind of winter will it be? Will we see the Elfstedentocht, or will it be a mild winter in the Netherlands for 2024/2025? After some online research, predictions range from a harsh winter to a cold, dry one. Well, time will tell!

Meanwhile, preparations are already underway at the Grote Markt with the setup of the Ferris wheel. The ice rink and Christmas tree will follow soon! These are all part of the Wintergoud event, the ultimate Christmas celebration in Groningen. Check out our ultimate list of Christmas markets in Northern Netherlands.

Is Your Wardrobe Ready for Winter?

I'm not wearing my winter coat just yet, but I know I'll need it soon. Of course, I'm postponing it as long as possible. However, I’m a fan of wearing hats, and my collection is already in the hallway, ready to go in various colors. Want a fun winter hat from a local Groningen business? Check out the colorful brand Heidi Liebt. I already own a few and absolutely love them!

Heidi Liebt in Groningen

Yes, a winter sports hat brand, Heidi Liebt, is based in Groningen, founded by Ingolf van Oostveen. Initially, he gave them to ski instructors, and it quickly became a hit. Ingolf made a conscious decision to have the hats knitted at De Breifabriek in Boven Leeuwen, Netherlands. Want to read the full story? Check it out here.

Winter Tips in Groningen

To get through the winter, we've put together some great winter activities in Groningen. You’ll be all set for the coming months!

Winter Events Calendar in Groningen

While stores are still stocked with seasonal treats—just yesterday, I bought some pepernoten from Bakkerij van Esch, and they were gone in a night (luckily, they have a webshop)—we’re already gearing up for winter. Maybe you’re even planning Christmas dinners or end-of-year celebrations. Here’s a list of exciting events in Groningen!

Clean Pete's Christmas Show | December 18, 2024 | Oosterpoort

The acclaimed Christmas album "Gloria" by twin sisters Clean Pete has become a staple of Dutch Christmas tradition. Over the years, it has evolved into the lively Clean Pete Christmas Show, filled with surprises and guest artists from both classical and pop music. Grab your tickets now!

Audiences on their feet, laughter, and tears: what more could you want?
★★★★★ - De Volkskrant, December 18, 2022

Swan Lake | December 21, 2024 | MartiniPlaza

On the very day winter begins—what a coincidence! This romantic classic will be performed by the Ballet of the Stara Zagora State Opera. They are touring across the Netherlands with multiple performances.

ESNS Groningen | 15 - 18 January 2025

The biggest showcase festival will be taken place from wednesday 15th until saturday 18th of January 2025. Four days of exploring what the world has to offer in  Visit their website for the line up! The festival kicks off with three days of incredible live performances from Europe’s finest talents and wraps up with Noorderslag, a day dedicated to showcasing Dutch artists.  

Throughout all four days, the Eurosonic Noorderslag Conference brings the music industry together for inspiring talks, panels, and networking opportunities.   And don’t miss the moment when prestigious awards like the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards, Buma Cultuur Pop Award, and more are handed out to celebrate the best in music.   Whether you're at ESNS for the beats, the business, or the buzz, Eurosonic Noorderslag is *the* place to be.

Cirqulinair | February 6 – March 9, 2025 | Stadslab Groningen

Experience a true variety show in the magical and slightly mysterious atmosphere of the 1930s during Cirqulinair. Enjoy a special three-course dinner amidst acrobats, sword swallowers, live music, and trapeze artists. The show, titled ‘Curieus,’ will be performed on various dates. Book your tickets on the official Cirqulinair website. Special shows with audiovisual support and a sign language interpreter are also available.

Tips for Indoor Activities with Kids in Groningen

There are plenty of fun indoor activities in the city of Groningen for those days when the weather doesn't cooperate. We've put together a list of things to do, and they're all easily accessible by bike!

• Take a skiing or snowboarding workshop at Snowlimits.
• Visit a climbing gym; check out our news article on the top climbing spots in Groningen.
• Go go-karting at the kart track.
• Play some boules at an indoor court like BOEL.
• Jump around at an indoor trampoline park, such as JUMP XL Groningen.
• Explore large indoor playgrounds for kids like MonkeyTown Groningen or Ballorig.
• Enjoy a tropical swimming paradise; read more about swimming pools in Groningen.
• Visit the ice rink in Groningen (indoor or outdoor if we do get that icy winter!). During Wintergoud, there’s also an ice rink on the Grote Markt, or you can attend Holiday on Ice at Martiniplaza from December 6-8, 2024.
• Visit a board game café or shop and enjoy games at home. Marketing Groningen has a great article about game cafés in Groningen.
• Check out a hobby store and enjoy crafting at home, such as Pipoos Groningen.

Movie Tips to Get Through Winter

Sometimes you just want to cancel all plans and stay in. With the dark and cold weather outside, staying warm and cozy indoors is the way to go. Here are some movie suggestions to help you enjoy the winter.

For kids, great movies include  the *full cycle of Harry Potter movies*, *Ice Age*, *The March of the Penguins*, *Cool Runnings*, *The Grinch*, and *March of the Penguins*. For adults, classics like *Bridget Jones Diary* (all parts), *The Queen’s Gambit*, and *Somebody Feed Phil* are perfect. If you’re into thrillers, *Fargo* or *First They Killed My Father* are excellent choices. And for something heartwarming and a little tragic, *The Age of Adaline* is worth a watch.

Comedy and Cabaret in Groningen During Winter

The darker days can make some of us feel a bit down. When your vitamin D levels are at a low, recharge with a night of comedy and cabaret:

• On December 11, Teun van den Elzen performs at USVA in Groningen.
• Attend Freek de Jonge’s *Vrede op Aarde* on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Stadsschouwburg.
• Roué Verveer brings his Ugly Christmas Sweater edition to Martiniplaza on December 19.
• On January 27, 2025, Najib Amhali comes to Stadsschouwburg.

New Year’s Eve Parties in Groningen 2024/2025

After a busy party season in 2024, it’s time to welcome 2025 in style. Groningen offers plenty of dance parties to celebrate the New Year. If you’re not already following our event calendar, now’s the time! Check out the timeline for December 31, 2024. Be sure to follow our Instagram— you won’t regret it! Here's a list to help you end 2024 dancing:

• 31/12/2024 - Groningen Counts Down | Grote Markt | The free New Year’s Eve celebration in Groningen.
• 01/01/2025 - CHEAP NYE | OOST | Buy your tickets.
• 31/12/2024 - Paradigm NYE | Zeefgebouw at Suikerunie | Tickets.
• 31/12/2024 - Happy Feelings NYE Special | De Graanfabriek | Get your tickets!
• 31/12/2024 - KOPJEK NYE | Stadspark Drafbaan | Buy your tickets.
• 31/12/2024 - Flonk Friday NYE Party (Glitter & Glamour Style) | City Hotel Groningen.
   

Stay Up - to  - Date with the Groningen Event Calendar

We hope this list inspires you to make the most of Groningen this autumn! Whether you're looking for a vibrant festival, an exciting show, or a cozy night out, the city has something to offer for every taste and interest. Keep an eye on our event calendar for more updates. Enjoy the season, and see you at the next event!

Header photo: Piebe van den Berg