Sinterklaas with kids
From the first glimpse of the steamboat to the last pepernoot on pakjesavond: here's everything for a Sinterklaas season with the kids. When does he arrive in your city, and how early do you need to be there for a spot at the front? Which show makes the wait until 5 December feel a lot shorter? Below you'll first find the dates you won't want to miss this year, followed by the shows and outings you can find on Playtix.
Sinterklaas 2026: the key dates
From Monday 9 November you can follow his journey in the Sinterklaasjournaal. On Saturday 14 November the steamboat moors in Grave for the national arrival. Rotterdam, The Hague and Groningen celebrate on the same day, and Amsterdam follows on Sunday 15 November. This year pakjesavond falls on a Saturday, 5 December. So no rushing home after school or work: the whole day can be about surprises and poems.
The arrival in your city
Want to see Sinterklaas arrive in real life? On the Sinterklaas arrival page you'll find, city by city, where the steamboat moors, what time the party starts and which route the parade takes. We'll add more cities as soon as they announce their arrival.
Sinterklaas outings up to pakjesavond
Once Sinterklaas is in the country, it's time for putting out shoes and munching pepernoten. Fancy turning it into a day out with the kids? Below you'll find Sinterklaas shows and activities up to pakjesavond.
Writing a Sinterklaas poem
Still staring at a blank page the night before pakjesavond? On writing a Sinterklaas poem you'll find a step by step plan, a template to fill in and lines to start and finish with. Plus a few ideas that make your poem stand out, like a poem that works as a treasure hunt through the house.
