What is Sinterklaas?+
Sinterklaas is the biggest children’s celebration in the Netherlands. A white-bearded saint based on Saint Nicholas “arrives from Spain” by steamboat in mid-November, and for three weeks children put their shoe out, usually two or three evenings a week, for a few sweets or a small present. On 5 December, pakjesavond (“present evening”), the presents arrive — usually announced by a loud knock on the door. Our guide to celebrating Sinterklaas explains all the traditions.
What do you give for Sinterklaas?+
For the shoe, something small costing a few euros: stickers, ironing beads, a toy car or a sweet treat. For pakjesavond, one bigger present that suits the child — and with older children, often “surprises” after drawing names. This page has gift ideas by age, from baby to sixteen, and over 150 shoe gifts from €0.99.
How much do people spend on a Sinterklaas present?+
For a shoe gift most parents stick to €1 to €3. For the big present on pakjesavond it’s usually between €15 and €40, depending on the age and whether it comes from the parents or the whole family. If you draw names, you agree on one amount beforehand, often €10 to €25.
How do you make a Sinterklaas wishlist?+
Write down together with your child what they’d like — ideally a bit more than will be bought, so there’s something to choose from. Start as soon as the Sinterklaasjournaal (the daily children’s news programme) begins, this year on Monday 9 November: then grandparents, aunts and uncles still have plenty of time. On Kindkado you make the list online, without an account: one list per child, shared with a single link, and the family ticks off what they’re giving — so nobody buys the same thing.
When is pakjesavond in 2026?+
Pakjesavond is always on 5 December — this year on a Saturday. The Sinterklaasjournaal starts on Monday 9 November and the national arrival is on Saturday 14 November. From the arrival to pakjesavond is 21 days this year — a short three weeks.
How do you celebrate Sinterklaas evening?+
On pakjesavond, 5 December, there’s a knock on the door and a sack of presents waiting outside. Fun ways to keep it exciting: a treasure hunt for the presents, a poem with every gift, sweets scattered through the room, or a visit from a Piet. With older children you draw names and make “surprises”, or play the Sinterklaas dice game. Our guide to celebrating Sinterklaas has all the ideas, including for the weeks before.
From what age do children celebrate Sinterklaas?+
A baby often gets a little present, but most children really join in from about two or three: watching the arrival on TV, putting out their shoe and singing. Most children believe until they’re about seven or eight. After that the celebration simply carries on in a different way, with names drawn, surprises and poems. This page has gift ideas by age, from baby to sixteen.
From what age do you draw names?+
Usually from about age ten, when the shoe starts to feel a bit childish and there are more children in the house. Everyone draws a name, makes one present with a “surprise” and a poem, and you agree on one amount. You can draw names for free on Kindkado: the site shares out the names, keeps track of the wishlists and nobody sees who has whom.
Does my expat family have to celebrate Sinterklaas?+
Not at all — but your children will hear about it at school every day, and most schools celebrate it. Many expat families join in with the shoe and a small pakjesavond, and keep Christmas as well. Even a few kruidnoten in the shoe on the right evenings lets your child share in what their classmates are talking about.
