Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa) is landing in The Netherlands to kick-off the Christmas season.
For North Americans, jolly Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve. With his magic sleigh, Santa goes down the chimney of everyone’s home dropping off gifts. In The Netherlands, Sinterklaas arrives mid-November and foregoes a magic sleigh for a steamboat and horse followed by several weeks of celebration leading up to Pakjesavond (gift evening) on December 5th.
If you’re an expat or international student new to The Netherlands, now is the time to learn more about the history and story behind Dutch Santa Claus, when he arrives, and the cities you and your family or friends can see him.
Sinterklaas Versus Santa Claus: Key Differences
Both Santa Claus and Sinterklaas keep track of the children who have been good and those on the naughty list, deliver gifts, have white bears, and dress in red.
But the similarities end there.
Unlike Santa Claus, Sinterklaas is a confirmed bachelor that spends most of the year in Spain.
Other notable differences between the two holiday moguls include:
- 1
Mode of arrival: Where Santa might arrive via magical sleigh and chimney, Sinterklaas arrives from Spain by steamboat and travels around the country on an elegant white and grey horse.
- 2
Gift-giving date: Instead of December 25th, the gifts from Dutch Santa are delivered and opened on December 5th, and smaller surprises and gifts from Sinterklaas may appear in children’s shoes long before.
- 3Apparel: Unlike Santa Claus, Sinterklaas still dresses with religious undertones and sports a red papal gown with a white bishop’s alb and a red mitre emblazoned with a cross.
- 4Biography: While Santa’s origin is now commercial, Dutch Santa is still presented as the reincarnation of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.
Sinterklaas Arrives in The Netherlands
The national arrival (landelijke intocht) occurs on Saturday November 15th, at the harbour of Oudeschild on the island of Texel.
For those unable to travel to Texel, families can watch the national arrival of Sinterklaas on the Dutch television station NPO3.
Sinterklaas, his horse, and crew (Petes) will land via steamboat at 12:00 p.m. and will then ride through the city greeting children and onlookers.
Texel is also coordinating a parade honoring Sinterklaas, including many stages with dance and music.
Sinterklaas in Amsterdam
On Sunday, November 16th Sinterklaas will also land in Amsterdam with his steamboat, horse, and Petes.
Sailing from the Omval via the Amstel, he will disembark by the Maritime Museum where the mayor will give him the keys to the city. Sinterklaas and his team will then travel through Waterlooplein, Rembrandtplein, Utrechtsestraat, Weteringschans, and end in Leidseplein.
If you follow the water route of Sinterklaas’s boat, you can watch him sail into the city. Learn more about the water route and scheduled arrival time.
For those that would prefer to watch Dutch Santa and the Pieten walk through the city as they hand out candy accompanied by a large procession, you can download the expected route path.
Other Cities Expecting Sinterklaas
For those not close to Texel or Amsterdam, Sinterklaas is expected to make appearances in many other Dutch cities and towns.
On Saturday, November 15th he will also make an appearance in:
- 1Leiden
- 2Maastricht
- 3The Hague
- 4Groningen
- 5
Rotterdam
- 6
Eindhoven
- 7
Utrecht
The above are only a handful of main cities Sinterklaas will be visiting during his stay in the country (normally for 2-3 weeks). Along with his Petes, Dutch Santa spends these weeks traveling throughout The Netherlands preparing for the big gift day on December 5th.
Celebrating Dutch Christmas
Whether you are celebrating the Christmas season in The Netherlands for the first time, or consider yourself a long-term expat, it’s helpful to understand how Dutch Christmas unfolds.
Beyond the differences with the North American Santa Claus, one of the biggest distinctions is the timing. In the Netherlands, gifts are opened on 5 December rather than on Christmas Day. This evening is known as Pakjesavond, when children unwrap the presents brought by Sinterklaas. Families and friends often exchange small surprises as well, sometimes accompanied by humorous, handwritten poems.
If you are an expat, international student, or just moved as a highly skilled migrant for work, mark your calendars for the arrival of Sinterklaas and get a taste for how the Dutch kick-off Christmas season.
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