+31 (0)50 367 71 97 
info@connect-int.org
Oberhausen is a city just across the border, in Germany. Each holiday season, CentrO shopping and leisure centre hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, plus they have over 220 stores inside the large shopping mall, perfect for doing a big Christmas present shop.
Oberhausen Christmas Market
During November and December, CentrO shopping and leisure complex expands outwards with a special Christmas Market based just outside the main building. The Christmas market has three main areas: Alpine Christmas Market, Santa’s Village and an Elves Market. With 150 wooden huts spread across the market, there is plenty to see, buy and enjoy.
In the Alpine Christmas Market they have a toboggan ramp and snowmobile track for kids. A cosy alpine hut where you can sit and drink mulled wine with traditional alpine music playing in the background, or wander through the wooden market huts, with a candle house, liqueur factory, and other food and gift ideas.
In Santa’s Village you can meet Santa and get a photo with him for free, browse the assortment of traditional wooden toys and Christmas decorations. (They also have a Fish & Chips hut, but we can’t vouch for how authentically British they may taste.)
In the Elves Market you journey through the international food scene, with fudge, a chocolatier and Flammlachs, a traditional Finish preparation of salmon by the open fire. For the little ones, take a ride on the elven Christmas train, or visit the fairy tale tree.
CentrO during Christmas
The CentrO shopping complex has a huge assortment of stores, all under one roof, spread over two floors, with several restaurants and a food hall; you can easily spend the whole day there shopping.
During Christmas, the shopping mall is decorated with lights and a huge Christmas tree.
A full list of stores can be found in English on the CentrO website. You can also download the CentrO app, for a handy map while shopping. It also has some special offers, such as discounts for specific stores.
Getting to Oberhausen
You can easily drive to Oberhausen. From Groningen it will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is plenty of parking, with CentrO having a huge free parking garage.
Alternatively you can go by bus or train. NS have some special offers during November and December, where you can travel by train to Oberhausen from as little as €20 one way. The train takes about 3 hours to 4 hours from Groningen, depending on which route/time you travel.
Opening Times
The Christmas market officially turns on its lights on Friday 16th November 2018. Here are the opening times for the Christmas Market:
Opening Day, Friday 16th November 2018: 17:30 – 21:00
Saturday 17th November 2018: 10:00 – 21:00
Sunday 18th November 2018: 13:00 – 21:00
Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd November 2018: 11:00 – 21:00
Friday 23rd November 2018: 11:00 – 22:00
Saturday 24th November 2018: 10:00 – 22:00
Sunday 25th November 2018: 18:00 – 21:00
26th November – 23rd December 2018:
Mondays – Fridays: 11:00 – 22:00
Saturdays: 10:00 – 22:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 21:00
The CentrO shopping mall is open Monday to Saturdays, and from 23rd November has longer opening hours to accommodate more Christmas shopping.
Mondays – Saturdays: 10:00 – 22:00
Sundays: Closed
Monday 24th December 2018: 10:00 – 13:00
