Every November, Amsterdam lights up with one of the Netherlands’ most beloved traditions: the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, the city’s canals and streets will fill with families, music, and the smell of freshly baked pepernoten as Sinterklaas makes his way from the Amstel River to the Scheepvaartmuseum, marking the start of the holiday season.

The celebration continues with a cheerful parade through central Amsterdam, where Sinterklaas rides his white horse and waves to the crowds gathered along the route toward Leidseplein. It’s a friendly, family-focused event that blends history, folklore, and a warm sense of community — a glimpse into how the Dutch welcome the festive period in their own unique way.

Sinterklaas is one of the most cherished traditions in the Netherlands. A celebration that mixes folklore, family time, and plenty of sweet treats. Officially held on December 5, the day marks Sinterklaas’s birthday, when he and his helpers, the Pieten, bring gifts to children. But the excitement starts much earlier.

From November 7, Dutch TV airs the Sinterklaasjournaal, a daily show that follows Sinterklaas’s journey as he prepares to arrive in the Netherlands by boat. This moment, called the intocht, or “arrival”, usually happens around mid-November and is broadcast live across the country. Once he’s here, the season truly begins: schools, shops, and homes fill with songs, decorations, and anticipation.

The modern version of the Sinterklaas celebration can be traced back to 1850, when teacher Jan Schenkman published the picture book Sint Nikolaas en zijn knecht. Still, the roots go much deeper, tied to old European traditions that honored Saint Nicholas — the patron saint of children and sailors.

Mark your calendar — Sunday, November 16, 2025 is the day Amsterdam officially kicks off the festive season with the long-awaited arrival of Sinterklaas.

The Grand Arrival by Boat

Sinterklaas begins his journey at 10:00 AM, sailing along the Amstel River and through the Nieuwe Herengracht toward the Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum). The steamboat passes familiar landmarks, including the Amstel locks near the Royal Theatre Carré (11:10 AM) and the bridge at Entrepotdok (11:30 AM), before docking at the Maritime Museum around 11:45 AM. There, he’s welcomed by Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, and the city officially opens the holiday season.

The Festive Parade Through the City

After stepping ashore, Sinterklaas mounts his horse Amerigo at the Stopera (National Opera & Ballet) on Waterlooplein around 1:35 PM. The parade continues through Rembrandtplein, Utrechtsestraat, Frederiksplein, and along Weteringschans, before reaching Leidseplein around 2:39 PM. At 3:35 PM, Sinterklaas greets the crowd from the balcony of the Stadsschouwburg (City Theatre) with his traditional speech — a moment that officially marks the start of the season of lights, sweets, and surprises.

Route Overview

Water Route:
10:00 – Start
10:15 – Omval
10:40 – Ceintuurbaan
10:50 – Sarphatistraat
11:15 – Amstel / Nieuwe Herengracht
11:30 – Arrival at the Maritime Museum

Land Route:
1:00 – Departure: Stopera
1:15 – Rembrandtplein
1:20 – Utrechtsestraat
1:35 – Frederiksplein
1:55 – Weteringcircuit
2:15 – Leidseplein (program starts at 2:00 PM)
3:30 – End of program

Once Sinterklaas reaches Leidseplein, the city feels fully alive with the spirit of winter. From there, Amsterdam transitions into weeks of festive markets, warm lights, and cozy gatherings — much like Berlin’s Christmas markets or Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, but with a uniquely Dutch twist (and a lot more chocolate letters).

For centuries, Sinterklaas has brought joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness to the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is where that magic truly comes to life. From the festive arrival by boat to the cheerful parade through the city, this celebration reminds us how traditions can still light up modern life with meaning and connection.

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