Hij Komt, Hij Komt! Sinterklaas Arrival Weekend

As the soft glow of Sint Maarten lanterns fades, anticipation builds for the arrival of children’s favorite holiday figure, the patron saint of all children, Sinterklaas!

This exciting tradition kicks off with a weekend of festivities on November 16–17, celebrated in every corner of the country. Towns large and small host Sinterklaas intocht (arrival parades), where children and families gather to greet him and his cheerful helpers, who bring joy—and a burst of sweet pepernotes—to the crowds.

With his white horse, Amerigo, and festive spirit, Sinterklaas signals the magical beginning of the holiday season.

Sinterklaas Intocht

Across the country, Sinterklaas and his helpers arrive by boat, horse, or carriage, delighting the children and spreading holiday cheer. Check your city’s schedule to join the festivities or attend one of these parades:

16 November, Saturday

Amersfoort: arrival at Het Eemplein at 12:30, Full Program
Amstelveen: at 10:30 Sint departs from de Sportlaan towards Stadsplein Intocht Sinterklaas Amstelveen
Zaandam: arrival time to Burcht: 13:00 Intocht Zaandam
Weesp: From 14:30 Sint Nicolaas will arrive to De Kom (the harbor area in the city center). More details
Almere: arrival per boat to Almere Haven at 11:30, continuing to Almere Centrum. Sinterklaas in Almre
The Hague: arrival at the Scheveningen harbor at 11:15, with a parade to the city center. You can follow him along
Rotterdam: Greet SinterkKlaas together with the mayor at de Willemskade. For more details, check Rotterdam.info

17 November, Sunday

Amsterdam: the program starts at 10:20 with his arival per boat to the harbour near the Scheepvaartmuseum, ending at Leidseplein with. Follow his route
Utrecht: starting at het Ledig Erf at 11:30. The bridges over Oudegracht are a quieter place to wave to St Nichola. The full route
Haarlem: Sinterklaas will sail into the city around 12:00 by steamboat (from the direction of Heemstede) over the Spaarne and continue with a huge parade on the Market Square. Find more at Sintintochthaarlem

traditional activities during Sinterklaas celebrations

Insider tip for real Sinterklaas fans: Visit Sinterklaas at his residence in the Muiderslot castle until December 5th! For this period the castle transforms into a real working station for busy Sint and his helpers: reading all the letters from kids, wrapping presents. Kids can come and greet him on weekends until 5th December for a small extra fee, alongside with a regular museum ticket (incl Museum Cards).

A Sweet Tradition

One of the season's most charming customs is leaving a treat for Sinterklaas’s horse, Amerigo, in exchange for a small gift. Many children leave a carrot or hay bundle, hoping to find a chocolate letter, small toy, or other surprise in their shoe the next morning—adding a sprinkle of holiday magic to their home.

Books to Read and Explore

Make the Sinterklaas season even more magical by reading together:

Het Verhaal van Sinterklaas by Sjoerd Kuyper, explains why Sinterklaas celebrates his birthday in the Netherlands.
De kleren van Sinterklaas by Paul Biegel, a heartwarming story of the holiday spirit.
Sinterklaas - Zoekboek by Charlotte Dematons, with enchanting illustrations that invite children to explore and imagine.
De heerlijkste 5 december in vijfhonderdvierenzeventig jaar by Annie M.G. Schmidt

Celebrate, read, and enjoy the warmth and wonder of this holiday season with your family!