Stap into a winter wonderland
Every year in December you experience WinterWelVaart. The festival on the Hoge, Lage, Kleine der A and Pottebakkersrijge forms the fairytale setting for Groningen's winter event. Think old warehouses greeting you, the illuminated masts of some twenty historic ships, the smell of mulled wine and fire pits as you stroll along the cobblestones of yesteryear. Grand, but intimate.
The A-kwartier: perhaps the most beautiful part of town
The A-Quarter is a place that always impresses, but in December it takes on an extra sheen. Along the Hoge, Lage and Kleine der A, as well as the Pottebakkersrijge, some twenty historic ships are moored during WinterWelVaart. Softly the barges lie creaking in the A while the lights in the masts look like stars. While strolling along the quays, you pass no fewer than 28 national monuments and 11 municipal monuments. It is here that WinterWelVaart evokes that special feeling every year. And don't forget to stop for a photo on the A-bridge. From here you have a wonderful view of the masts with their many lights.
" "From the A-bridge you have a beautiful view of the masts with the many lights " "
Mulled wine, crackling fire, murmurs and cheerful lights
WinterWelVaart is more than just watching, of course. It is feeling, tasting and hearing. Walk over the cobblestones, inhale the smell of mulled wine and steaming fresh food. Everywhere you look, there are lights: small, playful and cheerful, giving the quays something intimate. You hear the murmur of people and a skipper calling to you and inviting you to board. Music and theatre can be heard on the ships. The Pomphuis, Dorothy's, the A-Theatre and the Akerk are also full of performances: from lectures on the podcast 'Groningse Geschiedenis' and winter concerts with G-Roots, to workshops with the Groningen trio 'Ergens Goed Voor'.
Art route with over fifty artists
During the December period, Groningen feels like a collection of little worlds that you all want to discover. The art route in the A Quarter is a fine example of this. More than fifty artists, living and/or working in the A Quarter, participate in the WinterWelVaart art route. The artists exhibit their work on the sailing ship the Mars, in studios, galleries, residential houses, business premises and in the A-Theatre, among others. New this year include the artists' collective METRO C, Noorderlicht and Kunsthandel en Lijstmakerij Ongering on Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat. You will see work that surprises, moves and sometimes even makes you think a little. There will also be work by guest exhibitors.
