Groningen’s Iconic DOT and Christmas Ball Face Uncertain Future
With its lease ending and the current tenant leaving, the city’s beloved spherical building, famous for its holiday light display, could be demolished by 2027.
The DOT building in Groningen, renowned for its transformation into a giant Christmas bauble during the holidays, faces an uncertain future as its current tenant, the Vermaat Group, plans to exit in early 2025. The 26-meter-wide, spherical building—fondly known as one of the world’s largest Christmas balls—has become a social media sensation each winter, with its 6,000 LED lights drawing thousands of visitors.
The DOT sphere was originally constructed on the edge of the Ebbingekwartier as a temporary fixture, with the municipality leasing the land until 2027. However, following the closure of the Infoversum cinema, DOT was taken over by entrepreneurs John and Renske Bos, who later passed the catering operations to Vermaat in 2018 while retaining ownership of the building. With Vermaat leaving, the building's future is under review as the Bos couple discusses options with the municipality, though prospects for extending the lease beyond 2027 appear slim.
DOT’s annual Christmas light display, a local tradition since 2017, might not see another season due to the high cost of maintaining or replacing the ageing lights. As the future of DOT hangs in the balance, many in Groningen lament the potential loss of this unique structure, which has become an integral part of the city’s winter celebrations and architectural landscape.