Using panel data from 2003 to 2016, this paper estimates the green development efficiency of 34 cities in Northeast China based on the SBM-DEA model and determines whether industrial agglomeration promotes or impedes green development efficiency. The results show the following: (1) The average green development efficiency of Northeast China exhibits a fluctuant upward trend in 2003–2016, and there are significant spatial differences. (2) During the revitalization period, industrial agglomeration hinders green development efficiency. A U-shaped relationship exists between industrial agglomeration and green development. (3) Economic development level and foreign direct investment are positively related to green development efficiency, while industrial structure, energy consumption structure and environmental regulation are negatively related. Economic development level has the greatest positive influence and environmental regulation the strongest negative influence on green development. Several corresponding policy implications are proposed for promoting green development and revitalization. •The average green development efficiency of Northeast China exhibits a fluctuant upward trend.•Significant spatial differences exist in the green development efficiency in Northeast China.•A U-shaped relationship exists between industrial agglomeration and green development.•Economic development has the greatest positive effect on the green development.•Environmental regulation has the strongest negative influence on green development.