What to Do in Groningen in December?

On Saturday 6 December 2025, the festive season officially begins in Groningen with the lighting of the grand Christmas tree on the Grote Markt. As part of Wintergoud, this free event invites everyone to gather at 18:00 and kick off the holiday celebrations together: expect lights, warmth, and a cozy start to the winter festivities across the city.

To celebrate the 500th anniversary of Groningen’s first City Carillonneur, the Martinikerk hosts a special Winter Carillon Concert featuring the city’s current carillonneurs performing live from the Martinitoren and the Haydn Youth String Orchestra playing inside the church. A live video and audio connection allows the audience to watch the musicians high in the tower. The evening highlights themes of light, heritage, and connection, with doors opening at 17:00 for a light show and the concert beginning at 17:30.

The Stadspark Nightrun returns for its fourth edition, spicing up your usual running route with festive lights and additional surprises. Runners of all levels can choose between a 5–6 km or 10–11 km route, each with music, surprise winter activities and a fun community to celebrate with. The event has picked up in popularity, with all tickets already sold out for Friday 12 December 2025. However, this is your chance to take note of the event and watch out for future Nightruns!

Get ready for the ultimate combination of excitement and fun at Beers & Boxing, featuring 12 live boxing matches with top fighters from Groningen and Utrecht boxing clubs. The evening takes place at Huize Maas (Vismarkt 52) kicks off at 19:00. It's more than just boxing: it's a full night out where the crowd is as much a part of the show as the fighters. Expect music, cheering, and a vibe that's been making this event a winter favorite. Tickets are €25 per person, with group tickets for four people available at a discount. But act fast as tickets are nearly sold out and available only at Boxing Society clubs in Groningen and Utrecht.

The Raadhuisplein transforms into Schaatshuisplein for two weeks of covered ice skating, curling, and winter activities. Building on last year's success with over 1,500 visitors, this year's winter square offers an indoor skating rink, two curling lanes, and even a full curling competition for those who want to test their skills. Whether you're gliding across the ice or trying curling for the first time, there's plenty to enjoy. Food and drink stalls serve warm treats like hot chocolate, glühwein, and seasonal snacks, making it a cozy spot to hang out with family, friends, or colleagues. It's the perfect activity for a winter afternoon or evening when you want to do something active without freezing.

Winter Wonderland For three days, the Westerhaven becomes a magical Winter Wonderland packed with performances, live radio broadcasts, and winter cheer. OOG Radio broadcasts live daily from 15:00 to 18:00 as part of a charity campaign for Quiet Groningen, accompanied by a special art auction created with Noorderateliers. The program is full of entertainment: circus acts, a Saturday Christmas revue, stilt-walking Ice Queens, historic dancers, and enchanting roaming performers from Groningen's creative scene. The stage features choirs and local artists, while old-Dutch games keep children entertained. Food stalls offer everything from smoked fish and oliebollen to falafel, oysters, and yes, more glühwein, plenty to keep you warm and fed while you soak in the holiday atmosphere.

WinterWelVaart WinterWelVaart celebrates its 18th edition with around twenty beautifully illuminated historic ships along the Hoge, Lage and Kleine der A and the Pottebakkersrijge, creating a fairytale-like setting for the city's coziest winter event. This festival brings Groningen's maritime heritage to life in the medieval A-quarter. Visitors are welcome aboard the ships, where skippers share stories about their vessels and maritime history. Several ships, along with Museumcafé Het Pomphuis, the A-Theater, and the Akerk, host a full program of performances ranging from music and theater to readings, exhibitions, and creative workshops. Food stalls, glühwein, children's theater, choirs, and local art complete the experience.

A preview takes place on December 13 in Zoutkamp and Sappemeer before the main festival lights up Groningen. Opening hours are Friday December 19 from 17:00-00:00, Saturday December 20 from 12:00-00:00, and Sunday December 21 from 12:00-18:00.

Forget the usual ice rink rules, WinterFun Kardinge turns the 400-meter track into an open playground where anything goes. For one weekend, you can take to the ice with inflatable crocodiles, vintage sleds, tricycles, or even just regular shoes. Skating the "wrong" way around is not only allowed but encouraged. It's a lighthearted, unique way to enjoy winter fun that's perfect for families and anyone who wants to try something different. The playful atmosphere makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of skating ability.

Experience Groningen's city centre transformed into a living Christmas story through music, theatre, dance, and light. This free, self-paced Christmas City Walk takes about an hour and guides you past four locations, each offering 15-20 minute performances.

You can choose your own starting time between 15:00 and 20:00, making it flexible for families and groups. Performances include choral singing and a candle moment in the Akerk, modern dance in Palace by Mind Connected, immersive theater with 280° projection and live band in Forum Groningen's Rabo Studio, and a playful family program in House of Connections. Organised by the Stadskerk with dozens of volunteers and stewards, the walk brings the Christian nativity story to life in a warm, welcoming way that's designed for all ages.

For the last days of December, the Groningen provinces return with the beloved Lichtjestochten, organised by the Farmers’ Cooperation Association North Netherlands. These festive parades feature beautifully decorated tractors travelling through towns and villages, including routes in and around Groningen. The exact routes remain secret for now, with updates shared through the organisation’s social media channels. Spectators are invited to enjoy the charming parade, and those interested in joining the parade can keep an eye on the announcements to learn how to sign up.

End the year on a sporty note with the traditional Sylvesterloop, a friendly recreational run held every New Year’s Eve in Glimmen. Participants can complete up to five laps of 1.8 kilometres each, making the event accessible to runners of all ages and levels. Children are rewarded with a medal, hot chocolate, and an oliebol, while adults finish with glühwein and the same classic Dutch treat. Registration opens at 11:00, with entry priced at €3 for youth and €5 for adults, and facilities for changing and showers available on-site.