Winterstad Groningen on the Grote Markt

Winterstad Groningen turns the Grote Markt, the main square under the Martinitoren, into a winter town for five weeks, from late November into the new year. The centrepiece is a lit-up ice rink where you can skate on your own skates or hire a pair, with ice discos and group sessions on some evenings.

Around it there are stalls with handmade gifts and winter treats, fire pits, a winter café with live music, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas train and activities for children.

It is open every day. The Christmas market runs from 11:00 to 21:00, the ice rink until 22:00, and the food, drinks and Ferris wheel until midnight, sometimes later on busy weekends. Walking around is free; skating and the rides are paid. Groningen station is about 15 minutes' walk away.