Sinterklaas is one of the most cherished traditions in this country. Let's guide you on how to celebrate Sinterklaas properly. Who is he, and what are the Dutch traditions?

Who is Sinterklaas?

Sinterklaas, also known as St. Nicholas or Sint, is widely celebrated in the Netherlands. Its arrival from Spain and the celebrations around it are an exciting time, especially for children. Sinterklaas gives away candy and presents, like Santa Claus. 

The history of the Sinterklaas celebration goes way back. Sinterklaas is inspired by a 4th-century Greek bishop, Saint Nicholas of Myra, known for its generosity and miracles. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas has been celebrated for more than 700 years. Other European countries also used to celebrate Sinterklaas. With the rise of Protestantism – and the prohibition of saint worship with it – the celebration of Sinterklaas became less popular and shifted to Christmas. Sinterklaas became Père Noël, Weihnachtsman, and Father Christmas or Santa Claus in other countries. In the Netherlands, Christmas is celebrated in addition to Sinterklaas − making it a busy December month. However, the reference to Santa Claus is less strong in the Netherlands than in other countries.



In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is depicted as a rather stately man with a long white beard and white hair. He looks like a bishop, wearing a purple under-dress, white over-dress, white gloves, a red cloak, and a miter. He carries a golden staff with a curl at the end. He rides a white horse, Ozosnel, and has a lot of helpers: Pieten. These Pieten leave candy and presents by going through the chimney. That's why they're covered in soot.

The arrival of Sinterklaas

The festivities kick off in mid-November when the program Sinterklaasjournaal starts – five days before the arrival of Sinterklaas and his Pieten. In this fictive news program, children are informed about the journey from Spain to the Netherlands and the preparations for his arrival. At elementary schools, they pay a lot of attention to Sinterklaas and Sinterklaasjournaal. They chat about the news, sing Sinterklaas songs, and Sinterklaas and his Pieten often visit the school.

Every year, Sinterklaas arrives on the first Saturday after November 11. This event (intocht van Sinterklaas) is broadcast nationally, and each year, a different village or city hosts the official entry. Many local communities organize a small parade as well. In most places, Sinterklaas and his Pieten arrive by boat: the Pakjesboot.

The tradition of placing a shoe

Once Sinterklaas has arrived, the tradition of placing one shoe by the fireplace (or modern heating system if you don't have a fireplace) begins. Children leave drawings, wish lists, or even a carrot for the horse. In return, they might find small treats, like a chocolate letter, or a small present in their shoe the next morning. In most families, children can place their shoes once a week until December 5. Must know: Sinterklaas has a big book with (supposedly) all children’s names, noting how they behaved last year and collecting the wish lists that children left in their shoes. 

Pakjesavond

The highlight of the celebration of Sinterklaas is Pakjesavond on the evening of December 5, comparable to Christmas morning. Traditionally, this is when Sinterklaas and his Pieten deliver all the gifts to children. Children will eagerly await a knock on the door from the Pieten, dropping off the presents in front of the door. Most times, the gifts are gathered in a large burlap sack. The Pieten will be nowhere to be found when the door is opened.

For adults, Pakjesavond is often celebrated with a gift exchange, also known as surprise. Each participant draws the name of another person in the group, keeping it a secret. Everyone buys some small gifts and hides them inside a handmade craft. This craft often symbolizes an inside joke or hobby and should be accompanied by a poem.

Sinterklaas and his Pieten return to Spain after Pakjesavond, on December 6.

Sinterklaas treats

Like during Easter and Christmas, Sinterklaas also involves candy. The candy can be found in supermarkets months in advance – an annual point of discussion. A quick guide to popular Sinterklaas candy that's worth a try if you ask us:

• Pepernoten and kruidnoten: Small spiced cookies, which are also available with a chocolate coating (white, milk, or dark) and in many different flavors. The difference between these two sorts is that pepernoten are chunks of gingerbread that are a little tough, while kruidnoten are small cookies of speculoos that are crunchy. Many people confuse the designation and generally call them pepernoten.
  
• Snoepgoed: A mixed of kruidnoten with schuimpjes, a sweet and foamy candy, and other sweets.
• Taai taai: Chewy, spiced cookies shaped like Sinterklaas figures. Taai taai tastes like speculoos combined with anise.
• Banketstaaf: Puff pastry filled with almond paste. You've got straight ones in the supermarkets, and bakeries mostly sell them in the letter S from Sinterklaas.
• Marzipan: Sweet, almond-based confection, often shaped into fun designs.
• Chocolate letters: Large chocolate initials. Supermarkets and bakeries sell them in all letters and sizes, and different flavors. You buy the first letter of someone's name, or the S from Sinterklaas or P from Piet. It's a common gift in children's shoes in the period leading to Pakjesavond on December 5.
  
  

Sinterklaas 'snoepgoed', including kruidnoten and schuimpjes, is very popular during the celebration of Sinterklaas.