Sinterklaas in Groningen 2025

A Sinterklaas Weekend Full of Parades Across the Province of Groningen

The good Saint will once again make his way to Groningen in 2025. This year, several parades will take place throughout the province—each with its own charm, route, and festivities.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the various parades across the province, ending with the biggest one of all: the Sinterklaas parade in the city of Groningen. We’ll visit Stadskanaal, Veendam, Winschoten, Haren, Appingedam, Leek, Hoogkerk, and Winsum. We’ll share practical tips, the best viewing spots, and where you’ll have the best chance to hand your drawing to one of the Pieten in person.

National Sinterklaas Arrival 2025 on Texel

The national arrival of Sinterklaas will take place this year on the largest Dutch Wadden Island: Texel. On Saturday, 15 November 2025, the good Saint and his Pieten will set foot on shore. The event will be broadcast live from 12:00 PM on NPO Zapp (NPO 3).

Texel’s mayor, Mark Pol, is enthusiastic about the event, seeing it as a wonderful opportunity to showcase the island’s hospitality, natural beauty, and vibrant villages. It promises to be a joyful celebration for both young and old.

Starting on Monday, 10 November, the Sinterklaas Journal will air daily at 6:00 PM in preparation for the big day.

It’s the first time in over forty years that a Wadden Island has hosted the national parade—the last time being in 1984 on Terschelling. Last year’s parade took place in Vijfheerenlanden.

The live broadcast will be presented by Merel Westrik, with on-site coverage from Stephanie van Eer and Jeroen Kramer. Texel is eagerly preparing for a warm and festive welcome for Sinterklaas and his Pieten.

Experience the National Sinterklaas Parade Up Close!

Make the most of this magical weekend and experience the national Sinterklaas parade up close! Book your stay for arrival on 14 or 15 November and enjoy a delicious Sinterklaas gift package from Bakker Timmer, filled with traditional treats like pepermoppen, speculaas, and almond pastry. This tasty package can be collected on Texel during the arrival weekend.

For an ideal stay, Holiday Park De Krim is the perfect place. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, beautiful surroundings, and family-friendly facilities to make your visit even more special.

To build up the excitement, you’ll also receive the special Texel Bobbi Sinterklaas Countdown Calendar, lovingly illustrated by Monica Maas. A perfect way to count down the days and get into the Sinterklaas spirit together at home!

Sinterklaas Parade Stadskanaal 2025

In Stadskanaal, Sinterklaas will receive a grand welcome this year. He’ll arrive by boat and sail toward the town center. The parade is known for its cozy, family-friendly atmosphere—perfect for those who want a festive afternoon without big crowds.

• Arrive early to get a good viewing spot
• Bring your drawing for Sinterklaas!
  

Sinterklaas Parade Veendam 2025

On Saturday, 15 November around 12:45 PM, Sinterklaas will arrive at the harbor in Veendam. With over 200 Pieten, he’ll parade through the city, ending at Raadhuisplein for a festive Sinterklaas show.

This is a perfect location for families with young children who want to be close to Sinterklaas. Tip: Head to Raadhuisplein right after arrival to get a spot near the stage!

Sinterklaas Parade Winschoten 2025

On Saturday, 15 November, Winschoten will host a true family celebration. Sinterklaas arrives by boat at 1:00 PM and half an hour later departs toward the main square on De Venne. Along the route, Pieten will gladly accept children’s drawings.

Sinterklaas Parade Winsum 2025

Sinterklaas is coming back to Winsum – and it’s going to be one big celebration!

On Saturday, 15 November 2025, the annual Sinterklaas Parade Winsum takes place. At 1:30 PM, Sinterklaas and his Pieten will arrive by boat at the Harbor near the Jenever Bridge, where they’ll be warmly welcomed by our enthusiastic host and lots of excited children.

A cheerful party immediately kicks off at the harbor, featuring a new program full of music, dancing, and lively Pieten. Expect songs, laughter, and plenty of gingerbread treats!

Around 3:00 PM, the festive procession begins its journey to Sinterklaas’ local stay. Everyone is welcome to join this musical and surprising parade. The route goes via Oosterstraat, over de Boog, through Hoofdstraat Winsum, and ends at Stationsweg 11, where children can wave goodbye to Sinterklaas.

After the parade, Sinterklaas will make a few more special visits around town — he doesn’t want to miss anyone!

📅 Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
🕐 Time: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Harbor, Winsum

Sinterklaas Parade Leek 2025

On Saturday, 15 November 2025, the annual Sinterklaas parade Leek takes place. At 2:00 PM, the good Saint and his Pieten arrive at the entrance of Landgoed Nienoord. From there, the lively procession, filled with music, dancing Pieten, and plenty of gingerbread treats, makes its way toward the center of Leek.

The celebration continues at De Dam, which will be transformed into a festive square with music, cheerful Pieten, and a stage where Sinterklaas will personally greet the children.

Sinterklaas Parade Hoogkerk 2025

He’s coming! On Saturday, 15 November, Sinterklaas and his Pieten will arrive in Hoogkerk! At 2:15 PM, the steamboat will dock at Boeiersingel, where the Saint will be greeted by all the children. After a short welcome on stage, Sinterklaas and his Pieten will take a cheerful tour through Hoogkerk so everyone can wave, sing, and enjoy this joyful afternoon together.

Sinterklaas Parade Haren 2025

Sinterklaas Parade Haren is coming back – and that calls for a big celebration!

On Saturday, 22 November, the traditional parade takes place. At 1:30 PM, Sinterklaas will arrive at the intersection of Julianalaan / Rijksstraatweg, where his festive procession forms. From there, he and his joyful Pieten will make their way toward the Raadhuisplein.

At 3:00 PM, a special Sinterklaas show begins—an enchanting event for young and old alike!

A week later, on Saturday, 29 November, the Sinterklaas Festival returns with fun children’s activities, games with the Pieten, and a Meet & Greet with Sinterklaas and the Head Piet. Admission is free, but tickets are limited—so be sure to reserve early!

Sinterklaas Parade Groningen City 2025

The Largest Sinterklaas Parade in the Province Takes Place on 15 November 2025

The Sinterklaas Parade in Groningen City is a true spectacle every year. Sinterklaas and his Pieten sail into the city via the Reitdiep around 12:45 PM and dock at rowing club De Hunze around 1:15 PM.

Route Through the City Center

• Praediniussingel
• Emmaplein
• Westerhaven
• Astraat
• A-Bridge
• Munnekeholm
• Gedempte Zuiderdiep
• Grote Markt
• Oude Ebbingestraat
• Broerstraat
• Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat
• Zwanestraat
• Grote Markt
• City Hall

The parade ends around 3:00 PM at the Grote Markt, where Sinterklaas will be welcomed by the mayor and the children’s mayor.

Sinterklaas’ Workroom

At the Akerk, Sinterklaas will drop off his suitcase. This church temporarily serves as his workroom, where he prepares for the big gift-giving evening.

Drawings and Allergies

Children can hand their drawings directly to the Pieten. Can’t attend? Send a photo of your drawing to: secretariaat@volksvermakengroningen.nl Don’t forget to include your name and address for a personal thank-you message!

Candy will be handed out (not thrown). Children with gluten allergies can visit a special Piet wearing a green vest and flag—he’ll be giving out gluten-free treats!

The Best Sinterklaas Viewing Spots Groningen City

• Hoge and Lage der A (Groningen City)

The perfect place for a great view of the Pakjesboot.

• Raadhuisplein (Veendam)

Here you’ll be closest to Sinterklaas and the main stage show.

• Feestplein De Venne (Winschoten)

An ideal spot to be right near the action!

Let the Sinterklaas Magic Begin in the Province of Groningen

Do you have a beautiful drawing? Bring it along! You might even get a handful of gingerbread treats or candy. And remember… be extra kind, because the Pieten are watching!

Do you have great photos or tips for the best viewing spots during the parade? Share them with us! Together we’ll make it the most cheerful weekend in the province. We can’t wait to see your Sinterklaas moments — will we see you at one of the parades in Groningen?