Sinterklaas 2020 in the Netherlands

The Netherlands are famous for their events which can be described as «only in Holland». King’s Day, the Keukenhof gardens. And, of course, the winter holiday of Sinterklaas. It’s celebrated annually on the 5th of December. But the whole festive story starts earlier in November.

So, who is Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas)?

He looks a bit like Santa Claus or Father Christmas, but he’s a totally different person (here you can find at least 7 differences)! According to the legend, he lives in Spain, and comes to the Netherlands to give presents and little treats to the children.

Sinterklaas doesn’t come alone. He arrives with his white horse Amerigo and a team of the Zwarte Pieten, who probably have been stuck in chimney for a while.

Books about Sinterklaas for children (Sinterklaas pretenboeken) >>

Arrival of Sinterklaas (intocht)

Every year Sinterklaas arrives to the Netherlands by boat. Thousand of people come to meet and great him. The day after Sinterklaas’ arrival traditional colourful parades are organized in many cities through the Netherlands.

Sinterklaas 2020 and Corona

In 2020 Sinterklaas arrival will be corona-safe. This year Sinterklaas arrives to the Netherlands on Saturday, the 14th of November to an imaginary town Zwalk. The place literally does not exist. Sinterklaas intocht will be broadcasted on NPO3 channel on 14th of November at 12:00.

It has already been announced that a number of municipalities, including Maastricht, The Hague and Eindhoven, decided to cancel local arrival events (intochten) due to the coronavirus.

Anyway, a few weeks later, on 5th of December the kids of the Netherlands will get their presents from Sinterklaas. Even coronavirus won’t ruin the magic. Hoeraaa! Holiday season is behind the corner!