In the dark, bleak days of the year, you'll still find places in Groningen that feel warm. Winter here is alive and well. From late November until the holidays, the city transforms into a decor full of lights and quirky events. And when the rest of the country recovers from December, things continue here: in January, Eurosonic takes over the city.
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TATTOO exhibition
T/m 4 January - Forum Groningen presents the exhibition Tattoo together with tattoo legend Henk Schiffmacher. The exhibition shows the rich history of tattoos, from ancient rituals in Samoa to innovative styles and techniques that make tattooing a modern art form.
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Winter city
28 November to 4 January - This winter, the Grote Markt transforms into a sea of twinkling lights. Discover the many stalls with gifts and delicacies. You will also enjoy live music in the winter café, you can skate on the ice rink and take a ride in the Christmas Ride, Christmas train or the Ferris wheel.
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Holiday On Ice
4 to 7 December - HORIZONS is a dynamic and colourful spectacle that shows what makes a city so special: the people, the atmosphere and the endless possibilities. Stap this world full of energy and discover the magic of the city, which comes fully alive on ice.
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Stars on the Star
6 to 28 December - Be inspired by enchanting talent during Sterren op de Ster. All weekends in December, the iconic star on the Grote Markt transforms into a vibrant stage full of music, song and dance. Enjoy performances by regional choirs, bands, singer-songwriters, dance groups and DJs.
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Winter Carrilon Concert
12 December - This free concert celebrates 500 years of tower music. At 17.00 there is an enchanting light show, at 17.30 the carillonneurs start playing and at the same time the Haydn Youth String Orchestra in the Martinikerk fills the space with beautiful music.
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Early Peaks
12 December - Feel like dancing early? Come to Early Peaks! Here, you don't have to wait until midnight to go wild to your favourite tunes. Dance from 20:00 to 00:30 to your chosen hits, expect confetti and experience an evening of fun at the Grain Factory.
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Messiah by G.F. Handel
13 December - In the Martinikerk, the world's most beautiful Christmas oratorio will be performed by The Bach Choir & Orchestra of the Netherlands. At this concert, you will enjoy the unique atmosphere that typifies Handel's Messiah.
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Classical Christmas
13 December - BeleefKlassiek brings Classical Christmas to the Martinikerk. Led by Jan Vayne, you will hear a mix of Vivaldi's most famous works and enjoy the atmosphere of famous Christmas classics such as Silent Night and Last Christmas.
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VISION
13 December - VISION returns to Simplon with a powerful line-up bringing deep, dark and innovative bass music. Experience a night full of energy, experimentation and music that recognises and surprises you.
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Swedish Christmas market
13 & 14 December - At the old Suikerfabriek, you can visit Sweden without making the trip there. The Swedish Christmas Market combines Scandinavian charm with Groningen cosiness. From handmade gifts and craft products to creative workshops and delicious treats, you will find it all there.
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Mourning & Celebrating
14 to 28 December - A transparent greenhouse stands on the Waagplein in the middle of Groningen city centre. Anyone can enter to light a candle, share a memory or hang a message of gratitude in a tree.
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Christmas Sing Along Café
19 December - If you like to sing along, don't miss the Kerst Meezingcafé in the Forum, a Christmas party for all Groningers. Lyrics are displayed on a big screen and everyone sings along in festive Christmas outfits full of glitter, bad jumpers and Santa hats.
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WinterWelVaart
19-21 December - During WinterWelVaart, the canals in the A-quarter are filled with atmospherically lit historic ships. Stap aboard and immerse yourself in music, dance, theatre, poetry and stories. Along the quay you will find cosy stalls.
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Westerhaven Wonderland
19 to 21 December - Westerhaven turns into a true Winter Wonderland in the weekend before Christmas. Expect, among other things, illuminated Ice Queens, various performances, an auction of paintings and delicious food and drinks.
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Winter Gold Market
19-21 December - During the WinterWelVaart weekend, the Wintergoudmarkt (Winter Gold Market) takes place in the centre of Groningen. Expect an atmospheric route along historic streets and quays, decorated with cosy stalls with delicacies, gifts and winter products.
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Hip Hop Is exhibition
From 20 December - At the Groninger Museum Museum, discover how hip-hop has influenced art, fashion, language and design for forty years. With works by iconic creators and new talent, Hip Hop Is shows the power, creativity and global impact of this innovative cultural movement.
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Christmas market Haren
20 & 21 December - In December, Haren turns into a winter village full of lights, cosiness and fairytale shop windows. During the weekend of the Christmas market, you will find beautiful products, delicious food and old-fashioned entertainment.Moreover, there is a shopping Sunday if you need to stock up on last-minute gifts.
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Dennis van Aarssen
21 December - Crooner Dennis van Aarssen kicks off your Christmas season in an unforgettable way with his own Christmas concert at de Oosterpoort. Prepare for an evening full of atmosphere with the best Christmas classics, surprising lesser-known songs and hits from his own album Christmas When You're Here.
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Messiah by Toonkunstkoor Bekker
23 December - In the Martinikerk, the Bekker choir performs George Frideric Handel's great oratorio work Messiah. Conducted by Geert-Jan van Beijeren Bergen en Henegouwen and featuring local soloists, the concert promises to be an experience not to be missed.
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Shirma Rouse
24 December - Dutch talent Shirma Rouse shines on Christmas Eve at De Oosterpoort. Enjoy swinging soul, heartwarming ballads, Christmas classics and compelling gospel songs during this Christmas soul explosion.
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My First Festival
28 December - For one day only, De Oosterpoort will be transformed into a huge festival area for the very young and, ahead, the slightly older ones are also welcome. Take part in fun activities and dance along with your favourite artist.
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Roald Dahl Festival
28 to 30 December - Who doesn't know him? Roald Dahl wrote countless children's books full of funny, surprising and sometimes strange stories. From Sjakie en de Chocoladefabriek to The Big Friendly Giant: during the Roald Dahl Festival, that magic comes to life.
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Grand Night Out
31 December - Don't have any plans for New Year's Eve yet? During The Grand Night Out - NYE Edition, the Grand Theatre Groningen turns into a dazzling party venue full of glitter, live music and disco classics. Here, an unforgettable night full of atmosphere is guaranteed.
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3,2,1 Gold & New
31 December - Count down together to 2026 on the Vismarkt. With a diverse programme, look back at the past year and look forward to what is to come. Ring in the new year with everyone, make wishes, watch the fireworks over the city and enjoy the fun.
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New Year's dive
1 January - Start 2026 splashingly during the New Year's Plunge in the Hoornseplas. Everyone is welcome - young and old - to dive into the new year together. Afterwards, all participants will receive a participation certificate from Unox, and hot chocolate and a delicious cup of snert will be waiting for them.
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Grunnsonic
14 to 16 January - Grunnsonic is the free showcase festival for Groningen talent, where local artists can present themselves to the European music industry that is in town for ESNS. Perfect for music lovers without tickets and anyone who wants to experience more live music.
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Eurosonic
14 to 17 January - For four days, Groningen turns into the pop capital of Europe. Music sounds everywhere in churches, schools, halls and pubs throughout the city. With hundreds of bands from different European countries, Eurosonic is the moment to discover new music.
