St. Nicholas is in the country! Where can you meet him?

It’s that time of year again: the days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping and the smell of gingerbread cookies is already in the air. That can only mean one thing: St. Nicholas is coming! In November he and his Pieten will set foot in the Netherlands again and from then on you can visit the good saint in different cities and villages until the big celebration on December 5.

Are you wondering where you can meet Sinterklaas and his Pieten? We list some nice places for you where you can visit this year.

The national entry – Vijfheerenlanden

The official national entry of Sinterklaas will take place this year in Vijfheerenlanden near Vianen. On Saturday, November 16, Sinterklaas will arrive in this town, under the watchful eye of the Sinterklaasjournaal, together with his cheerful Pieten who will hand out peppernoten and entertain the children. As always, this spectacle is broadcast live on television, but of course there is nothing more fun than witnessing it up close. The entire village is enveloped in festive atmospheres, with performances and fun activities for young and old.

Entry in Amsterdam

Another big entry takes place in the capital city of Amsterdam. On Sunday, November 17, Sinterklaas sails through the canals with his gift boat, which is always a fantastic sight. Then he continues in procession through the city, where you can spot him at different places. Especially the moment when he arrives at Dam Square is magical! Here he is welcomed by the mayor, and children can personally hand over their wish lists to Saint Nicholas.

Sinterklaas in Maastricht

The arrival of Sinterklaas is also celebrated in a big way in the south of the Netherlands. On Saturday, November 16, he will dock in Maastricht where he will be welcomed by the mayor and children’s mayor, and then make a tour of the city. The inner city of Maastricht will be transformed into a true children’s paradise, with music, acrobats and dancing Pieten. This burgundian city knows how to build a party, and the cheerful atmosphere will get you in the St. Nicholas mood right away.

Entry in Groningen

For children in the north, Sinterklaas will arrive in Groningen on Saturday, November 16. Like every year, the holy man will make it a big party. He will moor his steamboat at Zuiderhaven and march through the city center with a big parade. On the Grote Markt he will be officially welcomed by the mayor and you can enjoy music and performances together with thousands of other children.

Sinterklaash house in Heemskerk

Would you like to see Sinterklaas not only during the entry, but even visit him in his ‘Sinterklaashuis‘? Then you have to be in Heemskerk! From November 16 to December 5, you can take a look at Sinterklaas’ house in Castle Assumburg. Here you can see where Saint Nicholas spends his night, wraps presents and goes through wish lists. A visit to the Sinterklaas house is highly recommended for young children, because who doesn’t want to see what goes on behind the scenes?

But even more fun… You can also stay overnight there yourself! Sinterklaas has made no less than 20 bedrooms available in his big castle and the Orangerie, where you and your father, mother, brothers and/or sisters can spend the night. Grandpa’s and grandma’s are of course also welcome!

What a special experience that will be! After your visit to the Sinterklaashuis, when the other visitors leave and most of the pieten go to perform their tasks in the country, an unforgettable evening with the pieten who stay behind awaits you. What an exciting adventure!

Visit Sinterklaas in your own village or town

Besides the big entries, there are local St. Nicholas celebrations in almost every municipality. Whether you live in a small village or a big city, there is always an entry or event near you. Check your municipality’s website for the exact dates and times, so you can be sure not to miss anything from this annual children’s celebration.

Are you ready for the arrival of St. Nicholas? Make sure you’ve put your shoe in and who knows, there may soon be a present inside! Have fun with the entry and hopefully you will see St. Nicholas soon.

Credits photos: Canva.com, Municipality of Amsterdam and Het Grote Sinterklaashuis