Sinterklaas 2023 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 like Santa Claus or Father Christmas, but he’s a totally different person. 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.

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.

Check it out:

Sinterklaas 2023

In 2023 Sinterklaas arrives to the Netherlands on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The place of official Sinterklaas arrival (landelijke intocht) in 2023 is Gorinchem.

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Many municipalities will also organize local Sinterklaas parade events. For example, in Amsterdam Sinterklaas parade 2023 will take place on Sunday November 19, 2023.