When and Where to See Sinterklaas
National arrival: Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Oudeschild on the island of Texel. Dutch public broadcaster NTR will provide live television coverage starting around noon on NPO Zapp. The event centers on Oudeschild harbor, where Sinterklaas will arrive by boat, and Texel is hosting a full program of festivities throughout the day.
Local city parades: Cities across the Netherlands hold their own welcoming ceremonies and parades during the following days. Amsterdam hosts its arrival and parade on Sunday, November 16, 2025, with Eindhoven and many other cities also welcoming Sint that same weekend. Check your local municipality website for specific parade routes and timing in your area.
The season continues: After the arrivals, the Sinterklaasjournaal (a special daily news program for children following Sinterklaas's adventures) runs through December 5.
How the Tradition Works
Each year in mid-November, Sinterklaas is said to arrive in the Netherlands by steamboat "from Spain," launching several weeks of visits to towns, schools, and shopping centers. Families gather along canals and harbors to watch the boat arrival and parade, while helpers distribute pepernoten (small spiced cookies) and other sweets to children. The season builds toward Pakjesavond (literally "present evening") on December 5, when Dutch families exchange gifts and read poems written for each other.
Photo Credits: Ylanite Koppens/pexels
Background and Evolution
The Sinterklaas figure is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century bishop who has been celebrated in the Low Countries for centuries. The modern Dutch version of the tradition took its current form in the 19th century, particularly after writer Jan Schenkman published a popular children's book that introduced the steamboat arrival story and helper characters.
The tradition has evolved in recent years, especially regarding Sinterklaas's helpers. The traditional character Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) has been the subject of significant public debate due to its use of blackface makeup. Most major cities and national broadcasters, including NTR, now use "roetveegpiet" or soot-smudged helpers instead: characters with smudges on their faces from climbing down chimneys, rather than full blackface makeup. This change reflects shifting social attitudes and ongoing conversations about racism and representation.
Planning Your Visit
Sinterklaas is one of the Netherlands' largest family events, drawing huge crowds and requiring significant municipal organisation each November, including adjusted public transport schedules and crowd management measures. With the national arrival taking place on Texel this year, expect ferries to the island and accommodations to be busier than usual that weekend. If you're planning to attend parades in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, or other cities on November 16, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the route.
