Wintergoud Groningen 2025: The Ultimate Winter Celebration in the City

The coziest winter season in Groningen is on its way. From 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Wintergoud offers a full program of Christmas markets, performances, children’s festivals, winter activities, and culinary treats. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city during the holidays, Wintergoud Groningen promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

During Wintergoud, stroll across the Grote Markt with a warm cup of glühwein in hand while admiring the Ferris wheel and the enormous Christmas decorations lighting up the city. It’s the perfect place to soak up the holiday atmosphere and enjoy charming stalls filled with artisanal products, unique gifts, and winter delicacies. Wintergoud is more than just a Christmas market – it’s a five-week festival that immerses the entire city in winter magic.

Programme

Wintergoud is the overarching theme of this winter celebration – and the programme is absolutely packed!

Winterstad

From 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the largest and most atmospheric Christmas market in the city, Winterstad, takes place in Groningen. From the moment you enter, you’ll be enchanted by the scent of hot chocolate, glühwein and grilled sausages. Sparkling lights, Christmas trees and festive decorations create a stunning backdrop.

There’s something for everyone: artisanal gifts and treats, a winter café with live music, and an ice rink for children. Take a ride on the Christmas train or the Christmas Ride, or enjoy the view from the Ferris wheel.

Swedish Christmas Market – a touch of Scandinavia in Groningen

On 13 and 14 December 2025, the Swedish Christmas Market takes place. Here, you can immerse yourself in a truly Scandinavian Christmas atmosphere. Vendors offer natural and handmade products, accompanied by delicious food and cosy live music. No need to catch a flight – you can experience Swedish Christmas right here in Groningen, at the Suikerunie. For tickets and more information, visit www.zweedsekerstmarkt.nl.

Roald Dahl Festival

From 28 to 30 December 2025, families and children can enjoy the Roald Dahl Festival: one of the most delightful children’s events during the Christmas holidays. Roald Dahl is known for his funny, strange and sometimes spooky stories full of imagination and adventure. The festival offers a festive experience for all ages and is the perfect way to experience the magic of Roald Dahl together.

Lutje Lokale Saturday

During Lutje Lokale Saturday, the entire city centre is dedicated to local entrepreneurs. This special day pays tribute to the makers, shopkeepers, hospitality businesses and creative minds that give Groningen its colour. They open their doors wide to thank visitors for their support – whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply taking in the atmosphere.

Discover surprising and unique gifts, have your purchases festively wrapped, and enjoy the tastiest food and drinks the city has to offer. It’s the perfect moment to shop local and get to know the stories behind the entrepreneurs.

WinterWelVaart

One of Wintergoud’s most special highlights is WinterWelVaart, taking place from 19 to 21 

December 2025. This maritime winter event brings Groningen’s rich shipping history to life. 

Along the Hoge, Lage and Kleine der A, the Pottebakkersrijge and the Sluiskade, around twenty beautifully illuminated historical ships are on display.

Skippers share stories about their vessels and warmly invite visitors on board. There are also performances at Museumcafé Het Pomphuis, Museum aan de A, the Der Aa Theatre, and the Akerk. From music to theatre, lectures, exhibitions, and workshops: WinterWelVaart offers a unique blend of history and winter magic.

This is personally my favourite event of the entire Wintergoud season. Last year, my housemates and I wandered past the ships and market stalls. With hot chocolate and glühwein in hand, we enjoyed the live music and stories shared around the fire pits.

Stadspark Nightrun

On Friday 12 December 2025, the fourth edition of the Stadspark Nightrun Groningen will take place. This evening run of 5–6 or 10–11 kilometres offers a mix of sport and fun. Enjoy music and surprising performances along the way while you take in Groningen’s festive winter atmosphere. Are you running for yourself or for charity? Tickets cost €27.50 and you can register via www.stadsparknightrun.nl.

New Year’s Dive — Koud en Nieuw

On 1 January 2026, kick off your year with the New Year’s Dive Koud en Nieuw, organised by Thuisbasis Veteranen in collaboration with Wintergoud. The dive is officially recognised by Unox, meaning participants will receive an Unox beanie and a certificate. Afterwards, hot chocolate and spiced biscuits are served.

Participation is free and parking around the Hoornseplas is also free. Registration is available via Thuisbasis Veteranen.

Curious about the full programme, so you can plan which markets you’d like to visit? Discover it here!

 Wintergoud events

Plan your visit to Groningen during Wintergoud

Too many choices with all these events? We get it! Groningen is very popular during this period, with visitors from across the Netherlands and abroad. That’s why it’s smart to plan ahead. With an overnight stay in Groningen, you’ll have time to explore even more events!

Book your overnight stay in the city centre

That way, you can easily walk to all of the Christmas markets!

The Market Hotel

It doesn’t get more central than this. The Market Hotel, located at the Grote Markt,  is the perfect spot to dive straight into the Christmas atmosphere. Step outside and you’ll find yourself directly at the Christmas market.

The Happy Traveler

The Happy Traveler is also in the heart of the winter festivities. In December, its rooftop terrace is transformed into its very own mini Christmas market. Sip winter cocktails and glühwein, warm up by the heaters, and enjoy waffles topped with warm cherries. From the hotel, you’ll reach the Vismarkt in no time – the vibrant heart of Wintergoud.

The perfect plan for your house night

Tuesday night. Time for students to do something other than chill on the couch, play Mario Kart and wait for yet another pesto pasta dinner. I trade tonight’s beers for a glühwein — now that’s a fresh twist.

The brilliant idea to go ice skating with all my housemates was born within three minutes. And just as quickly as we’d laced up our skates, we were already flat on the ice. We happily swapped the skates for a waffle with warm cherries, more glühwein and a cosy game of cards. Isn’t that the perfect winter house night?

Why you should visit Wintergoud

Wintergoud is the perfect place to enjoy everything Groningen has to offer in winter — with friends, family, housemates or your partner. Ice skating, Christmas markets, live music, and culinary treats make it a wonderfully festive experience.

The combination of events in the city and surrounding villages, along with culture and gezelligheid, makes Wintergoud truly unique and an absolute must-visit during the holiday season. And this year, it’s going to be bigger than ever! I’m already planning my route, because one thing’s for sure: you’ll definitely find me there.