About Sinterklaas (St Nicholas' Eve)
Sinterklaas is the Dutch feast of Saint Nicholas, based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century bishop famed for his generosity. For many families in the Netherlands and Belgium it is a bigger gift-giving occasion than Christmas itself, beloved by children and adults alike. The kindly white-bearded Sinterklaas, in his red bishop's robes and mitre, is the figure who inspired the modern Santa Claus through Dutch settlers in America.
The season opens in mid-November, when Sinterklaas traditionally arrives by steamboat from Spain on the first Saturday after November 11, then rides his white horse through the streets in a televised welcome parade. In the weeks that follow, children leave a shoe by the chimney with a carrot for the horse and wake to find sweets such as pepernoten and chocolate coins. The festival climaxes on Pakjesavond ("present evening"), December 5.
On Pakjesavond there is a knock at the door and a sack of presents appears, exchanged along with chocolate letters of each person's initial and witty, teasing poems. Saint Nicholas' Eve falls on December 5 and the feast day on December 6 every year, so the counter above always counts down to the next December 5. Add Sinterklaas to your own page to track the days to the Netherlands' biggest gift night.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Saturday, December 5, 2026next |
| 2027 | Sunday, December 5, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, December 5, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, December 5, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, December 5, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Sinterklaas?
The main celebration, Pakjesavond, is on the evening of December 5, with Saint Nicholas' feast day on December 6. The countdown above shows the time until the next December 5.
Why is Sinterklaas celebrated?
It honours Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century bishop known for his generosity to children and the poor, and is the traditional Dutch and Belgian gift-giving festival.
How is Sinterklaas celebrated?
With a mid-November steamboat arrival parade, children leaving a shoe out for treats, and Pakjesavond on December 5, when families swap gifts, chocolate letters and humorous poems.
Is Sinterklaas the same as Santa Claus?
They share an origin in Saint Nicholas, and the name "Santa Claus" comes from the Dutch "Sinterklaas", but they are now distinct figures with their own traditions and dates.