What to Do in Groningen in November?

The 67th edition of the Plantsoenloop Groningen invites runners of all ages to the beautiful, hilly terrain of the Noorderplantsoen park for a festive morning of sport. With four distances available (from 1 km for the youngest participants up to 8 km) this event offers something for everyone, whether you’re aiming for a leisurely trot or a challenge. The route starts and finishes at the Oranjesingel, promising a scenic experience through one of the city’s greenest and most iconic parks. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot and enjoy the unique medal and atmosphere that many call the “hardloopklassieker van het Noorden”.

Groningen once again lights up for Sint Maarten, the beloved festival of light, sharing, and togetherness. The celebrations begin on November 1 with the traditional distribution of fodder beets at the Vismarkt, where visitors can carve and decorate their own glowing lanterns. On November 5, cultural centre VRIJDAG hosts a free workshop for anyone eager to create their own lampion, while November 8 marks the first-ever Sunnemeerten Parade: a magical procession of light sculptures, music, and art made by local residents and artists. The festivities culminate on November 11, when children fill the streets with handmade lanterns and traditional songs, and the city comes together for concerts, charity actions, and church gatherings celebrating generosity and community spirit.

The Vismarkt transforms into a hub of creativity during the Zeldzaam Mooi Markt, where visitors can explore beautifully crafted products made by local and regional artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs. Everything on display is handmade, self-designed, or locally produced in small editions, complemented by artisanal and organic treats. With live music setting the mood, this market celebrates craftsmanship, originality, and the charm of the not-so-everyday, and entry is free.

Let’s Gro invites residents and professionals to explore, discuss, and shape the future of Groningen across multiple locations including the city centre and neighbourhoods. Over three days, more than 120 talks, workshops, films, exhibitions and excursions will tackle themes like building liveable places, connection between people, leadership for tomorrow and a greener future. With inspiring speakers, hands-on sessions and plenty of local projects to discover, the festival connects you with how our city is developing and how you can take part. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to join, think and contribute to Groningen in 2025 and beyond.

Groningen’s city centre will glow with wonder during the Sunnemeerten Parade, where hundreds of city residents march together carrying light-sculptures, music, dance and performances. In the weeks leading up to the event, locals of all ages and backgrounds collaborate with artists to build these luminous artworks—joining community, art-making and celebration in one festive night. The parade is free to attend and starts at 18:00, designed to spark connection and inspire curiosity across Groningen.

The annual Camino Groningen marks the ceremonial finale of the Pronkjewailpad long-distance trail, inviting walkers to complete their final stage together. The route begins near the city and joins the traditional Sint Martinus Lantern Parade at the Hereplein, where participants walk the last stretch to the Martinikerk in a spirit of light and togetherness. Inspired by the historic pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela, this Groningen version celebrates reflection, sharing, and discovery along the path. As part of the Sint Maarten festivities, the event symbolically honours the theme “Sharing is the new having,” with pilgrims carrying a piece of Saint Martin’s cloak as a gesture of generosity and connection.

In Groningen, the immersive performance Forget to Remember explores hidden stories of colonial and slavery history through music, dance, spoken word and visual installation, taking place at the Martinikerk. Created by Sites of Memory and artists such as Shishani & Sisterhood, the program invites the local audience into a layered journey of memory, representation and resilience. Leading up to the event, local artists participate in workshops and collaborate on an installation titled “A Conversation with the Past for the Future”: featuring over one hundred flags, portraits and a sound work that honours women role-models of history. It’s a powerful cultural moment in the city that opens space for reflection, dialogue and shared memory.

Premealing Potluck returns — and this time, it’s going global. On Tuesday evening, Luhu Café (Munnekeholm 4) will host a unique culinary journey featuring dishes from ten different countries, combining food, culture, and connection. Guests can enjoy an evening filled with international flavors, live music, games, and plenty of good vibes in a cozy, welcoming setting. With limited spots available, this popular event promises an unforgettable night of shared plates and stories from around the world.

Groningen becomes the centre of artificial-intelligence excitement as aiGrunn 2025 brings together tech professionals, enthusiasts and innovators for a full day of talks, deep-dive workshops and networking. Hosted at Forum, Nieuwe Markt 1, the event invites attendees to sharpen their AI skills, explore AI applications and open-source tools, and contribute to Groningen’s growing reputation as an AI hub. Expect a dynamic programme focused on algorithms, new technologies and software development—ideal for anyone looking to get ahead in the AI arena.

Get ready for an adrenaline-charged evening at Martiniplaza, where the internationally acclaimed fight show Glorious Fight Events returns with top-class action. The card includes a world title fight at -61 kg and a thrilling 4-man tournament at 72.5 kg, alongside MMA heats and more than 11 A-class bouts guaranteed to deliver spectacle. Doors open at 13:00 with the show officially starting at 14:00, cashless payments only. Whether you’re a fight fan or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, this event promises the best of combat sports in Groningen.

Groningen joyfully welcomes Sinterklaas and his Pieten as they arrive by boat through the Reitdiep before parading through the city centre to the Grote Markt. Families can enjoy festive music, cheerful performances, and plenty of sweets as the streets fill with excitement and laughter. The event marks the start of the holiday season, bringing a sense of magic and tradition to the heart of the city, an unmissable day for children and adults alike.

The GrappleCity Groningen Winter Open returns on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Sporthal Hoogkerk for a day packed with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu action. Competitors from across the Netherlands and beyond will battle on 7×7 metre Zebra competition mats under IBJJF rules, with no advantages and a focus on fair play and intensity. The event features a €500 team prize, professional medical staff, an event photographer from GrappleVision, and gear support from Motion BJJ. Doors open at 10 a.m., with matches starting at 11 a.m. Whether you’re a competitor or spectator, expect a high-energy atmosphere celebrating the best of grappling in Groningen.

Join the festive arrival of Sinterklaas on Saturday, November 22 in Meerstad, where he will be welcomed by families and children at the harbor before the parade through the neighborhood. The event starts around 13:15 at Park Meerstad, Zijlpad, followed by the parade that finishes at approximately 15:00. Expect warm treats, a cheerful atmosphere, and the excitement of children meeting Sinterklaas and his helpers. It’s a true community celebration of tradition, friendship and holiday joy in Groningen’s vibrant Meerstad district.

The Hel van het Noorden returns for its 48th edition on the Eemskanaal, organised by student rowing club G.S.R. ‘Aegir’. This endurance rowing race, steeped in tradition since 1975, challenges competitors with its harsh November conditions and a course winding through Groningen’s iconic waterway. Spectators can view the action from the eastern or western banks of the canal, experiencing the rush of skiffs and pairs battling against wind, cold and the elements. With over four decades of history and a reputation as one of the toughest races in Dutch rowing, the Hel van het Noorden remains a highlight on the northern sporting calendar.

Groningen’s city centre transforms into a winter wonderland as Winterstad Groningen brings festive magic to the streets with twinkling lights, a giant ice rink, a Christmas market, and a towering Ferris wheel. Visitors can enjoy artisanal gifts, warm drinks by the fire pit, live music at the winter café and seasonal fun for all ages — from Christmas rides and a train for children to panoramic views of the city. With the Große Markt as its heart, the event invites locals and guests alike to soak up the holiday atmosphere and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the city. Entry is free and the festive program runs all day during the event’s four-week stretch.