Sinterklaas is one of the most cherished Dutch traditions. Warming up to Christmas, this tradition is a time filled with songs, sweets, and presents. If you're new to the Netherlands, here's your crash course on celebrating Sinterklaas the right way. Who is he, and what are the Dutch traditions?

Who is Sinterklaas?

Sinterklaas or Sint (or Saint Nicholas, if you want to get formal) is thé man of the season in the Netherlands. Widely celebrated in the Netherlands, his arrival from Spain and the celebrations around it are an exciting time, especially for children. Together with his trusty helpers, the Pieten, he spreads candy, gifts, and lots of joy − kind of like Santa Claus.

The story of Sinterklaas actually goes way back. Sinterklaas is inspired by a 4th-century Greek bishop, Saint Nicholas of Myra, known for his generosity and miracles. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas has been celebrated for more than 700 years. With the rise of Protestantism (and the prohibition of saint worship with it), many countries shifted toward Santa Claus or Father Christmas. The Netherlands kept the Sinterklaas tradition alive. So yes, Dutch December means double the celebrations: Sinterklaas ánd Christmas. But, side note: the reference to Santa Claus is, thanks to Sinterklaas, 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 underdress, white overdress, 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 big 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. Local parades pop up everywhere, often with boats, horses, and happy chaos. In most places, Sinterklaas and his Pieten arrive by boat: the Pakjesboot. In 2025, Sinterklaas arrives on November 15 on the island of Texel. 

The shoe tradition

Once Sinterklaas is in the Netherlands, 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. Overnight, Sinterklaas might drop by with chocolate, a small toy, or traditional sweets. In most families, children can place their shoes once a week until December 5. Rumor has it that Sinterklaas keeps a big red book where he notes how every child behaved throughout the year and what is on their wish lists.

The main event: Pakjesavond

December 5 is Pakjesavond, the night everyone's been waiting for! You can compare this evening with 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 a 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.

After Pakjesavond, Sinterklaas and his crew head back to Spain on December 6.

The sweet stuff

No Dutch holiday is complete without a sugar rush. The candy can be found in supermarkets months in advance – an annual point of discussion. Here’s your Sinterklaas candy survival guide:

• 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 mix 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 shapes and sizes, and different flavors. You buy the first letter of someone's name, or the S from Sinterklaas or the 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.