In 2026, Sinterklaas will arrive in Grave! This year the official arrival (Sinterklaasintocht) will take place on Saturday, 14 November 2026, in the historic town of Grave, in the Land van Cuijk region of North Brabant.
Last updated: 8 September 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
In this guide
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.
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.
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Sinterklaas 2026: key dates
National arrival in Grave: 14 November 2026
In 2026, Sinterklaas arrives to the Netherlands on Saturday, 14 November 2026. The place of the official national arrival (landelijke intocht) this year is Grave, a fortified town on the Maas river in the Land van Cuijk region of North Brabant.
Amsterdam parade: 15 November 2026
Many municipalities will also organize local Sinterklaas parade events. In Amsterdam, the 2026 Sinterklaas parade will take place on Sunday, 15 November 2026, its 88th edition.
- Check the Sinterklaas arrival routes (water route and land) in Amsterdam here >>
A few weeks later, on 5 December, the kids of the Netherlands will get their presents from Sinterklaas. Holiday season is just around the corner!
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027
If you’re visiting the Netherlands during Sinterklaas season, it’s also worth planning around the Amsterdam Light Festival, which runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 this year, its 15th edition.
Sinterklaas gift ideas
- Sinterklaas book by Charlotte Dematons (you can reserve your copy of the book now!)
- Addition to the Brio train collection
- Smartmax or Magna tiles magnetic toys
- Tickets to Ride board games
- LEGO Super Mario
- L.O.L. Surprise! dolls and accessories
Sinterklaas is on his way!
Come to the Netherlands and experience it yourself!