Sinterklaas at the Akerk Groningen

This December, the Akerk welcomes a very special visitor: Sinterklaas! As Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of the Akerk, a festive week full of activities will take place between 29 November and 4 December. The Saint has kept a hidden workshop beneath the church organ for years, and now the public is finally invited to have a look — if everything stays tidy, that is. The Present-Wrapping Piet is known for being quite messy!

Programme

Sinterklaas Party – 29 November

The fun begins on Saturday, 29 November with a cheerful musical celebration. Acrobat Pieten will perform, you can take a peek inside Sinterklaas’ workshop, and the Saint will lead his favourite game: Sinterklaas Song Bingo! Are you ready to play?

• Date: 29 November
• Time: 14:00 – 15:00 (doors open 13:30)
• Entry: free

Entry is free, though the capacity is limited to 500 guests. Arrive early to ensure your spot.

Saint Nicholas Organ Concert – 29 November

Later that day, enjoy a beautiful organ concert. House organists Leonore Lub and Peter Westerbrink perform arrangements of classic Sinterklaas songs in various styles on the historic Arp Schnitger organ — creating a magical musical experience.

• Date: 29 November
• Time: 16:30 – 17:30
• Entry: €10.00
• Tickets: tickets.akerk.nl

Help the Wrapping Piet — Visit the Workshop

Beneath the organ lies Sinterklaas’ Workshop. Unfortunately, it is far from tidy — Wrapping Piet keeps making a mess. Come explore and help clean up! Search the church to find the scissors, tape, and even the Great Book. A playful quest for young helpers!

• Date: 30 November – 4 December
• Time: 14:00 – 17:00
• Entry: free up to age 17 / €2.00 for adults

Education Programme – Sint in the Akerk

For classes in grades 1–4, there is a special educational programme that turns children into helper Pieten as they explore the church. A fun and interactive outing for schools.

• Date: 1 – 4 December
• Time: 10:00 – 14:00
• Duration: 1 hour
• Group size: max. 30 students
• Price: €75.00
• Info & tickets: schoolkerk.nl

The Akerk is wheelchair accessible. Ring the bell at the main entrance for access via the service entrance.