Christmas Events for Kids in Groningen (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

8 min read · Lees in het Nederlands

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Groningen. The season opens on November 14 with Bilderbuchshow: Fröhliche Weihnachten, Pauli (Picture Book Show: Merry Christmas, Pauli) and runs until January 3 with Wintergoud Groningen (Winter Gold Groningen). Of these, 11 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Groningen, Stuttgart, Garnwerd and Munich: 13
  • First: Bilderbuchshow: Fröhliche Weihnachten, Pauli (Picture Book Show: Merry Christmas, Pauli), Stuttgart, November 14
  • Free events: Bilderbuchshow: Fröhliche Weihnachten, Pauli (Picture Book Show: Merry Christmas, Pauli), Christmas Garden Stuttgart, Kamishibai Erzähltheater: Das große Weihnachtsfest im Zoo (Kamishibai Storytelling Theater: The Big Christmas Party at the Zoo), Winterliche Pop-Up-Karten mit Miriam Häfele (Winter Pop-Up Cards with Miriam Häfele), Arrival of Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026 (Intocht Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026), Mitsingkonzert zum Nikolaustag (Sing-Along Concert for Saint Nicholas Day) and more

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Groningen

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Groningen, Stuttgart, Garnwerd and Munich
Season
November 14 to January 3
Free events
11
Last checked

Free 11Ticketed and paid 2

Free Christmas events for kids in Groningen

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Christmas Garden Stuttgart

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After dark, the Christmas Garden Stuttgart turns the Wilhelma into a loop full of light installations, music and Christmas atmosphere. It is open daily from 5 to 9:30 pm, and the garden is closed only on Dec 24 and 31. Last entry is at 8 pm.

Every ticket has a fixed 30-minute entry window, which keeps the path relaxed. Kids up to and including age 5 get in free, and from age 6 they need a ticket. On the family days, Nov 23 and 30, Dec 7 and 14 and Jan 11, there is a special price. Along the route you will find huts with warm drinks and small treats. Booking is online in the ticket shop.

Parent tip: The Wilhelma is easy to reach by the U13, U14 and U16 light rail lines, and parking is limited and paid. Kids under 14 may only enter with adults.

Host
Christmas Garden Stuttgart (Wilhelma) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wilhelma Stuttgart, Grote Markt, 9711 Groningen (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Christmas Garden Stuttgart (Wilhelma) (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 12 more Groningen events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Groningen.
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Coming up on this page

  • 9 Santa
  • 6 Parades
  • 3 Shows
  • 2 Story time
  • 11 Free

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Bilderbuchshow: Lenni im Weihnachtsglück (Picture Book Show: Lenni's Christmas Joy)

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The picture book show based on the book by Margit Auer and Lena Hesse tells of Lenni the bear, who watches people prepare for Christmas during Advent. A tree, twinkling lights, punch and presents: Lenni wants all of it too.

When he has everything together, only the guests are missing. The show at the Bad Cannstatt district library is meant for kids ages 4 and up, admission is free, and according to the event page no registration is required.

Parent tip: No registration needed, just come shortly before 3:30 pm. Expect the show to be in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtteilbibliothek Bad Cannstatt, Nieuwe Markt 1, 9712 KN Groningen (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas craftsFree

Musik zwischen Büchern: Musik und Geschichten im Advent (Music Between Books: Music and Stories in Advent)

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The children's choir of the Stuttgart music school in Zuffenhausen sings during the picture book show “Die kleine Hexe: Winterzauber mit Abraxas” (The Little Witch: Winter Magic with Abraxas), based on Otfried Preußler and Daniel Napp. In the snowy little town, the little witch helps the freezing chestnut seller and celebrates a magical winter party with the animals in the forest.

The event is part of the series “Musik zwischen Büchern” (Music Between Books) and suits kids ages 3 and up. It starts at 5 pm at the Zuffenhausen district library, admission is free, and you can register on the event page.

Parent tip: Registration through the event page is possible and recommended. Expect the show to be in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtteilbibliothek Zuffenhausen, Nieuwe Markt 1, 9712 KN Groningen (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

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Family Christmas eventFree

Wintergoud Groningen (Winter Gold Groningen)

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From Nov 27, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027, Groningen turns into Wintergoud, the winter program produced under the direction of the city. It opens with the start of the Sinterklaas season. The Grote Markt is the glowing center with Winterstad, an ice rink, a fair and the Wintercafé.

There are also winter markets, performances and sing-along moments with Christmas classics, and from the Grote Markt you can also discover the surrounding villages. Many events are free to attend; the attractions on the Grote Markt, the ice rink and food and drink cost money. The program is wheelchair accessible. For children, skating and the fair are the big draws. WinterWelVaart in the A-kwartier and the Christmas market in Haren are also part of the Wintergoud program.

Parent tip: Stadjerspas holders get special Wintergoud deals; check the program on the website for times for each part.

Host
Wintergoud Groningen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Grote Markt and city center, 9711 Groningen (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Wintergoud Groningen (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Vorfreude gemeinsam erleben: Der Lebendige Adventskalender 2026 (Sharing the Anticipation: The Living Advent Calendar 2026)

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In the Living Advent Calendar (Lebendiger Adventskalender), a little door opens every evening of the pre-Christmas season at institutions and homes in the Espan neighborhood. On Dec 4 at 6 pm it is the turn of the Kneippweg district library.

It invites kids ages 4 and up to a Christmas surprise with a reading. The evening is hosted together with the Protestant Lenore Volz congregation (Evangelische Lenore-Volz-Gemeinde), admission is free, and no registration is needed.

Parent tip: The Kneippweg library has its own short opening hours, so arrive on time at 6 pm. Expect the reading to be in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtteilbibliothek Bad Cannstatt, Kneippweg, Nieuwe Markt 1, 9712 KN Groningen (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Stuttgart

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Bilderbuchshow: Fröhliche Weihnachten, Pauli (Picture Book Show: Merry Christmas, Pauli) (Stuttgart)

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In the picture book show based on the book by Brigitte Weninger and Eve Tharlet, Papa Rabbit explains to his children that Santa (der Weihnachtsmann) is happy when we share. Pauli takes him at his word and gives the family's stored winter supplies to hungry forest animals.

When there is a knock at the door on Christmas Eve, a big surprise awaits the rabbit family. The story is meant for kids ages 3 and up. On Dec 1 there are two shows, at 3 and at 4 pm, and admission is free. You can register on the event page, and that is recommended.

Parent tip: Register on the event page and choose the time that suits you better. Expect the show to be in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtteilbibliothek Neugereut, Haven, 9951 Stuttgart (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Kamishibai Erzähltheater: Das große Weihnachtsfest im Zoo (Kamishibai Storytelling Theater: The Big Christmas Party at the Zoo) (Stuttgart)

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At the Kamishibai storytelling theater (a Japanese-style picture card theater), the story of Ignaz Hedgehog (Ignaz Igel) and his zoo friends is told with large picture cards. The animals want to do a Secret Santa style gift swap (wichteln) for Christmas, and each is supposed to give away the thing it loves most. But in the end everyone is unhappy, and it takes an idea to save the party.

The reading lasts about 30 minutes and is suitable for kids ages 3 and up. Afterward there is a gift swap. Browsing, playing and borrowing are possible until the end of the event. You can register on the event page.

Parent tip: For the gift swap, you can ask ahead whether something should be brought along. The library is in the district town hall (Bezirksrathaus). Expect the story to be told in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtteilbibliothek Weilimdorf, 9351 Stuttgart (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Winterliche Pop-Up-Karten mit Miriam Häfele (Winter Pop-Up Cards with Miriam Häfele) (Stuttgart)

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In this workshop, Miriam Häfele shows different pop-up techniques. Kids fold, cut, glue, write, draw and make collages until wintery or Christmas cards with a surprise effect take shape.

To keep the craft activity sustainable, used books and magazines are used alongside new paper. The workshop is meant for kids ages 8 and up, runs from 10 am to 12:30 pm and has a limited number of places. Registration is required, either with the registration button on the event page or by email to the district library.

Parent tip: Registration required, through the event page or at stadtteilbibliothek.moehringen@stuttgart.de. Expect the workshop to be in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtteilbibliothek Möhringen, 9901 Stuttgart (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Mitsingkonzert zum Nikolaustag (Sing-Along Concert for Saint Nicholas Day) (Stuttgart)

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For Saint Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag), the city library on Mailänder Platz invites everyone to a sing-along concert in the Max-Bense-Forum. The Stuttgarter Hymnus-Chorknaben, led by Diana Weindel, sing songs for Advent, Saint Nicholas and Christmas, and the audience is expressly invited to sing along.

The concert is a lovely tradition for kids and their families. It takes place in cooperation with the publisher Carus-Verlag. According to the event page, registration is not required, and it starts at 5 pm. Plan on a good hour.

Parent tip: Arrive a few minutes early so you can find a seat. The library is right at the main train station in the Europaviertel. Expect the songs to be in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz, Max-Bense-Forum, Raadhuisplein, 9751 Stuttgart (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Weihnachtswerkstatt (Christmas Workshop) (Stuttgart)

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On the day of the Obertürkheim Christmas market, the pop-up library in Obertürkheim opens its doors for a Christmas workshop. From 1 to 3 pm there are Christmas craft activities for the whole family, suitable from age 3.

No registration is needed, you can simply drop by. The library itself is open from 11 am to 4 pm that Saturday, so the visit combines well with a stroll through the Christmas market.

Parent tip: No registration needed. The library is open from 11 am to 4 pm on market day. Expect the activity to be run in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Pop-up-Bibliothek Obertürkheim, 9751 Stuttgart (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

New events in Groningen every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Groningen every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas events for kids in Garnwerd

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Arrival of Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026 (Intocht Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026)

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On Saturday, Nov 21, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) and the Pieten (his helpers) hope to moor at 2 pm at the quay in front of café Hammingh in Garnwerd. The music society De Eendracht plays the cheeriest Sinterklaas songs and everyone can sing along. Afterward the Sint and the Pieten ride a loop through Garnwerd, Feerwerd, Aduarderzijl and Ezinge to wave.

The ride ends at the sports hall in Ezinge. There, freerun Pieten build a Piet obstacle course (pietenparcours) where children can climb, scramble and swing from 3 pm to 3:45 pm. There are two courses: one for children ages 3 to 5 and one for ages 6 to 12. It is a nice, small arrival in the countryside just north of the city. If you want to get in the mood earlier: on Wednesday afternoon, Nov 18, a Sinterklaas film plays at 4:15 pm in the village hall d'Olle Schoul in Feerwerd.

Parent tip: Bring gym shoes for the Piet obstacle course; bare feet are also allowed, socks are not.

Host
Dorpsvereniging Garnwerd e.o. (opens in a new tab)
Where
Quay by café Hammingh, 9892 Garnwerd (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Dorpsvereniging Garnwerd e.o. (opens in a new tab)

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Rally looks for new Christmas events in Groningen every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Groningen

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas lights

Kamishibai Erzähltheater: Fenster im Advent (Kamishibai Storytelling Theater: Windows in Advent)

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At the Möhringen district library, the 12th window of the Möhringen Advent calendar opens. Behind it is a cozy read-aloud session with the Kamishibai, the Japanese picture card theater.

The story is about Ignaz Hedgehog (Ignaz Igel) and his friends from the zoo, who want to do a Secret Santa style gift swap (wichteln) for Christmas. Afterward the library holds its own gift swap. The story suits kids ages 2 and up, admission is free, and you can register on the event page.

Parent tip: It starts early in the evening at 5 pm, which fits nicely after daycare and school. Expect the story to be told in German.

Host
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtteilbibliothek Möhringen, Hoge der A, 9712 Groningen (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (opens in a new tab)

New events in Groningen every week

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Christmas events for kids in Munich

Saint Nicholas visit

Christmas Theater: Improv Theater with Kinderimpro (Weihnachtstheater: Improvisationstheater mit Kinderimpro) (Munich)

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Improv performers Karin Ertl and Tatjana Kröll take the kids on a Christmas journey around the world. What happens when a Christmas elf (Weihnachtswichtel) suddenly wants to become a pirate? Maybe everyone sails across icy seas, looks for Santa at the other end of the earth, or lands on a lonely island with a reindeer.

The audience suggests characters, places and wild ideas, and stories take shape on the spot on stage. Taking part is free, and the participation tickets have been available since Oct 20 at the service desk of the Stadtbibliothek Moosach.

Parent tip: Pick up the free participation ticket at the service desk in good time. Expect the show to be in German.

Host
Münchner Stadtbibliothek (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadtbibliothek Moosach, Kieldiep 3, 9603 Munich (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Münchner Stadtbibliothek (opens in a new tab)

New events in Groningen every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Groningen every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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More Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.nl (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Groningen: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Groningen?

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Groningen, each on its host’s own page: Arrival of Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026 (Intocht Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026) (Garnwerd), Wintergoud Groningen (Winter Gold Groningen), Musik zwischen Büchern: Musik und Geschichten im Advent (Music Between Books: Music and Stories in Advent) and 10 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Groningen?

Yes, 11 of the 13 events here are free: Arrival of Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026 (Intocht Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026) (Garnwerd), Wintergoud Groningen (Winter Gold Groningen), Musik zwischen Büchern: Musik und Geschichten im Advent (Music Between Books: Music and Stories in Advent) and 8 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Groningen?

Where to see Santa: Arrival of Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026 (Intocht Sinterklaas & Pieten in Garnwerd 2026) (Garnwerd), Kamishibai Erzähltheater: Das große Weihnachtsfest im Zoo (Kamishibai Storytelling Theater: The Big Christmas Party at the Zoo) (Stuttgart), Christmas Garden Stuttgart and 6 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Groningen?

Christmas story times on this page: Vorfreude gemeinsam erleben: Der Lebendige Adventskalender 2026 (Sharing the Anticipation: The Living Advent Calendar 2026) and Bilderbuchshow: Lenni im Weihnachtsglück (Picture Book Show: Lenni's Christmas Joy). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Groningen

In Groningen the season starts on the water. Sinterklaas sails in over the Reitdiep, and in December about twenty lit-up historic ships fill the canals of the A-kwartier. Add an ice rink on the Grote Markt and village arrivals around the city, and you have a family trip with plenty to see.

How Groningen celebrates, and what is different for visitors

December begins on the water in the city of Groningen. Sinterklaas sails over the Reitdiep, through the Amelander Hoek and the Hoge and Lage der A to the Zuiderhaven, moors at the quay on the Praediniussingel, and after a short break parades to the Grote Markt. In 2013 Groningen hosted the national televised arrival, and about 45,000 people came to watch on November 16.

Christmas has a watery side here too. WinterWelVaart has been around since at least 2011: skippers open their historic ships to visitors and tell about their work, with a Christmas market along the quays.

For a visiting family that means a compact city, a lot of free things to see, and village arrivals within easy reach.

Traditions your child will meet: Sunnerkloas and the lit-up ships

Sinterklaas is the Dutch gift bringer, and in the Groningen dialect he is called Sunnerkloas. His arrival in mid-November opens the season, and in the villages around the city he often arrives at the harbor or quay.

In December the old ships come to the A-kwartier. Around twenty historic ships are lit up, with music and theater in places such as the Pomphuis, the A-Theater and the Akerk, plus stalls along the quays. Skippers live and work on those ships and let visitors peek aboard.

Then there is Wintergoud, the city's winter program, with an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas market and a winter cafe on the Grote Markt, and in 2025 a Christmas train for kids.

Planning a Christmas visit to Groningen with kids

The season on this page opens on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with Sinterklaas arriving in the city of Groningen on the afternoon of that day, and in the villages of Winsum and Leek. Haren and Garnwerd follow on November 21, and Appingedam has an evening arrival with a procession of lights on Friday, November 20. All of these are free.

On Sunday, November 22 the Forum Groningen has a free Sinterklaas morning for ages 3 and up and a free craft afternoon for ages 6 and up. Haren has a free Sinterklaas festival on November 28.

Wintergoud runs from November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027 on the Grote Markt and in the center, and many parts are free, though the rink, rides and drinks cost money. WinterWelVaart takes place from December 11 to 13. For the youngest, there is a free Kleintje Koffie story session from December 2 to 22. Most events are in Dutch, so check ahead if you need English.

The old gray one and 62 bells

The Martinitoren, which towers over the Grote Markt, is called d'Olle Grieze, the old gray one, in the Groningen dialect. It is 96.8 meters tall, has 260 steps and a carillon of 62 bells. On November 14, 2026 there is a concert for 500 years of tower music at the Martinikerk.

And if you walk along the quays during WinterWelVaart, you pass 28 protected buildings and 11 municipal monuments. In the winter of 2024, 8 percent of Wintergoud's visitors came from abroad, mostly from Germany.

Traditions today

  • Sinterklaas sailing in over the Reitdiep: Sinterklaas sails through the Hoge and Lage der A to the Zuiderhaven and parades to the Grote Markt. In 2026 it is on November 14, and it is free.
  • WinterWelVaart in the A-kwartier: Around twenty lit-up historic ships lie in the Hoge, Lage and Kleine der A, with music, theater and a winter market on the quays. Entry is free.
  • Wintergoud on the Grote Markt: An ice rink, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas market and a winter cafe in the middle of the city, from late November to early January.
  • Village arrivals: Winsum, Leek, Garnwerd, Haren and Appingedam welcome Sinterklaas themselves, often at the harbor or quay. Appingedam's is an evening procession of lights.
  • The carillon of the Martinitoren: 62 bells hang above the Grote Markt. In 2026 the Martinikerk celebrates 500 years of tower music.

A fact for kids

The Martinitoren in Groningen has 62 bells and 260 steps. In the Groningen dialect it is called d'Olle Grieze, the old gray one.

Questions about Christmas in Groningen

Is Groningen worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes. Sinterklaas arrives by boat, historic ships are lit up in December, and the Grote Markt has an ice rink and a Ferris wheel during Wintergoud. Many things are free, and there are village arrivals nearby.

When does Sinterklaas arrive in Groningen in 2026?

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the afternoon. He arrives at the Zuiderhaven and parades to the Grote Markt. It is free, and a spot along the route is best for waving.

What route does Sinterklaas take into Groningen?

He sails over the Reitdiep and then through the Amelander Hoek, the Hoge der A and the Lage der A to the Zuiderhaven. The boat moors at the quay on the Praediniussingel. After a short break the parade goes through the center.

Where is the best place to see Sinterklaas in Groningen?

Along the route, for example at the Zuiderhaven where the boat moors, or on the Grote Markt where the parade ends. With small children, find a spot early on the quay of the Hoge and Lage der A.

Was Groningen the host of the national Sinterklaas arrival?

Yes. On Saturday, November 16, 2013 Groningen hosted the national arrival, shown live on television, and about 45,000 people came. The next year it moved to Gouda. The city itself welcomes Sinterklaas via the Reitdiep every year.

How many people watch the Sinterklaas arrival in Groningen?

For the arrival on November 15, 2025 the municipality planned for an estimated 8,000 visitors along the route. That is a planning figure, not a count. In 2013, at the national arrival, there were about 45,000.

What does Sunnerkloas mean?

It is the Groningen word for Sinterklaas. It is also used as a teasing name: if you do something clumsy, you may hear "doe dikke Sunnerkloas." It is a fun word to teach kids before Sinterklaas sails in.

Does Sinterklaas arrive in the villages around Groningen?

Yes. On November 14, 2026 he arrives at the harbor by the Jeneverbrug in Winsum and at the harbor in Leek. On November 21 he arrives at the quay by cafe Hammingh in Garnwerd and in Haren, where the parade goes to the Raadhuisplein. All of them are free.

What is the lights procession in Appingedam?

An evening arrival on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 5:00 pm, with a procession of lights through the town. It is free, and it may suit kids who would find the city arrival on November 14 too crowded.

What is WinterWelVaart in Groningen?

A winter festival on the water in the A-kwartier. Around twenty lit-up historic ships lie in the Hoge, Lage and Kleine der A. Skippers let visitors come aboard, and there are music, theater and poetry in places like the Pomphuis, the A-Theater and the Akerk, plus stalls on the quay.

When is WinterWelVaart in 2026?

From Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13, 2026, in the A-kwartier along the Hoge, Lage and Kleine der A. In 2025 the lit ships lay there in mid-December. A few villages in the province also have ships.

Is WinterWelVaart free?

Entry is free, and the program on and around the ships is open to everyone. Some parts and drinks cost money, so bring a little cash for the stalls with warm drinks and winter treats on the quays.

How long has WinterWelVaart existed?

At least since 2011, when there was already an edition. The goal is to keep Groningen's shipping history alive. In 2015 it was also held in other places in the province, and since 2024 it has been part of Wintergoud.

What is Wintergoud in Groningen?

It is the umbrella name for the city's winter program. The first edition ran from December 6, 2024 to January 5, 2025, with Winterstad on the Grote Markt, WinterWelVaart in the A-kwartier and a Christmas market just before Christmas. Visitors gave that first winter an 8.3.

When does Wintergoud start in 2026?

On Friday, November 27, 2026, and it runs to January 3, 2027, on the Grote Markt and in the center. Many parts are free, while the ice rink, rides and drinks cost money. In 2025 it also started in late November.

Can we ice skate on the Grote Markt in Groningen?

Yes, during Wintergoud. In 2025 there was a rink with atmospheric lighting, open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, next to a Ferris wheel, a Christmas market and a winter cafe. In the first edition in 2024 the rink was covered. The rink costs money.

Is there a Christmas train for kids in Groningen?

In 2025 there was one at Winterstad on the Grote Markt, and with luck kids even met Father Christmas. Entry to the square was free, with extra charges for the attractions. Whether the train returns in 2026 is not certain.

Why is the Martinitoren called d'Olle Grieze?

In the Groningen dialect it means the old gray one. The tower was built from 1469 to 1482, is 96.8 meters tall and has 260 steps. It has a carillon of 62 bells, and on November 14, 2026 there is a concert for 500 years of tower music at the Martinikerk.

What can small kids do for Sinterklaas at the Forum in Groningen?

On Sunday, November 22, 2026 there is a free Sinterklaas morning for ages 3 and up in Wonderland, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, with storytelling, a sing-along choir and crafts. The same day, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, kids aged 6 and up can decorate Sinterklaas treat bags at the Medialab, also free.

What is there for babies and toddlers in December in Groningen?

The December special of Kleintje Koffie, for ages 0 and up, is a free story session with a musical snowman tale. It runs from December 2 to 22, from 10:00 to 11:30 am, in Wonderland at the Forum and in different Forum libraries around the municipality.

What is the Full Minties Sinterklaas show?

A Sinterklaas family concert with the band Full Minties at Kielzog in Hoogezand on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are 15 euros, and children up to 12 are free with a paying adult (max. 2) but you must reserve.

What is the Sinterklaas festival in Haren?

A free festival on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with games around the village and a meet and greet with Sinterklaas at the Dorpskerk. You pick up a meet and greet ticket on the day, while supplies last.

Are Christmas events in Groningen in English?

Most events are in Dutch, especially the Sinterklaas shows and story sessions. The ships, the ice rink and the parades are easy to enjoy without the language. If you need English, check with the host.

Are there free Christmas events in Groningen?

Yes, many. The Sinterklaas arrivals in the city and the villages are free, as are WinterWelVaart, the Forum events and parts of Wintergoud. The ice rink, rides, drinks and the Full Minties show cost money.

Sources

  1. Entry of St Nicholas, Visit Groningen
  2. Landelijke intocht van Sinterklaas, Wikipedia
  3. 45,000 celebrate Sinterklaas arrival in Groningen, DutchNews.nl
  4. WinterWelVaart 2015, Festivalinfo
  5. WinterWelVaart 2025, Festivalinfo
  6. Jaarplanning evenementen met meer dan 2000 bezoekers (2025), Gemeente Groningen
  7. Winterstad Groningen, Fijnuit.nl
  8. Wintergoud 2024, Onderzoek, Informatie en Statistiek Groningen
  9. Christmas vibes and winter pret: what to do in Groningen during the December month, Discover Groningen
  10. Stap into a winter wonderland (WinterWelVaart), Visit Groningen
  11. Winter in Groningen, Visit Groningen
  12. Martinitoren, Wikipedia
  13. Sunnerkloas, Omroep het Hogeland
  14. WinterWelVaart Groningen, Where Is The Market
Kelsey Cecil
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