Photo: Hardscarf / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · cropped and optimized.
When is the best time to visit Groningen in winter?
For the full winter atmosphere, visit between 27 November 2026 and 3 January 2027, when Wintergoud brings seasonal events to Groningen. Winterstad runs on Grote Markt during the same period. If you want several highlights in one weekend, 11 to 13 December 2026 is especially useful: WinterWelVaart and the Wintergoud market take place across the A-quarter and city centre.
Two nights work well for combining the markets, historic centre, food and drinks with an indoor stop such as Forum Groningen or the Groninger Museum.
Check availability for your winter stay
Choose your arrival and departure dates and see the current price immediately.
Key winter dates in Groningen
27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027: Wintergoud. A five-week winter programme connects events across the city and its neighbourhoods, with Grote Markt as an important focal point.
27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027: Winterstad. Grote Markt hosts seasonal stalls, a winter café, ice rink and attractions. Check the current programme before travelling, as times can change.
11 to 13 December 2026: WinterWelVaart and the Wintergoud market. Historic ships, lights, music, theatre and winter stalls fill the A-quarter and connect through the centre towards Grote Markt.
12 and 13 December 2026: Swedish Christmas Market. At the Suikerfabriek, more than 100 Scandinavian pop-up shops, workshops, music and food fill the venue from 10:00 to 17:00. This makes the weekend particularly useful if you want to combine several Christmas markets in Groningen.
The programme develops throughout the season, so use this page for planning and check the official event sites shortly before your trip.
Groningen in December 2026: why 11 to 13 December is a strong winter weekend
WinterWelVaart, the Wintergoud market and Winterstad overlap on this weekend. That makes it easy to combine the illuminated quays along Hoge and Lage der A with Grote Markt and the historic centre.
We would keep the plan simple: arrive on Friday and head into town for dinner, give Saturday to the markets and WinterWelVaart, and leave Sunday open for Forum Groningen, the Groninger Museum, Noorderplantsoen or a long lunch. That gives you an actual city break rather than a packed event schedule.
How we would spend 48 winter hours in Groningen
Friday evening: check in, leave the car and cycle towards Grote Markt. Continue via Vismarkt to Hoge der A, then choose a restaurant or bar for the evening.
Saturday: start in the city centre and leave plenty of time for Wintergoud. During WinterWelVaart weekend you can walk from Grote Markt through the centre towards the A-quarter. Avoid filling every hour: the combination of lights, shops, coffee and spontaneous stops is part of the appeal.
Sunday: choose one indoor activity such as Forum Groningen or the Groninger Museum, or cycle through Noorderplantsoen if the weather is dry. For a broader itinerary, see our 48-hour Groningen weekend guide.
Where to stay for Wintergoud without parking stress
If you are driving to Groningen, your accommodation does not have to be directly on Grote Markt. Studio Timor is in a quiet residential neighbourhood about eight minutes by bike from the centre. Guests can park free on private property and use two bicycles during their stay.
That combination is particularly practical in winter: after arrival, the car can stay put while you explore the compact centre by bicycle or on foot. Read our guide to staying in Groningen with free parking.
Frequently asked questions about winter in Groningen
The practical basics for a December trip and the New Year period.
Sources and freshness: dates checked on 28 September 2026 via Wintergoud, WinterWelVaart, the Swedish Christmas Market and the City of Groningen events calendar. Programmes and opening times can change.
More Groningen guides: a weekend in Groningen, where to stay in Groningen, staying with free parking and our Groningen tips.
Visiting in January? See our guide to ESNS accommodation in Groningen.