Groningen turns its Grote Markt into Winterstad for over five weeks, and it is one of the biggest winter setups in the north. Previous editions brought an ice rink lit up in the evenings, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas market with gifts and treats, a Christmas train ride and a winter café with live music, with plenty of glühwein, hot chocolate and bratwurst to go around. With a student population keeping the city lively, it makes a fun, unpretentious winter day trip.
- When: Friday 27 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 (dates as registered with the Gemeente Groningen)
- Where: Grote Markt, Groningen city centre
- Tickets: The square is free to visit; skating and rides are paid. Check the official site for opening hours and prices closer to the date.
- Getting there: Direct trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Groningen in about 2 hours 15 minutes, then it is around a 15 minute walk to the Grote Markt
Good to know: Bring gloves if you plan to skate, and time your visit for the evening when the lights are at their best.
More Christmas markets: Best Christmas markets in the Netherlands 2026.
