For me, Sinterklaas is still the most magical celebration of the year. When I was little, I already loved it — and now that I have children of my own, I think I love it even more!
During our online Dutch lessons, we always try to recreate a bit of that festive feeling. Each age group does something different: younger children learn new vocabulary, play games, and sing songs, while the middle groups write short poems (rijmpjes), and the older students make surprises.
Most children really enjoy this theme because it connects them to Dutch culture — either from their own memories before moving abroad or from their parents’ stories.
What Is Sinterklaas?
Sinterklaas is a kind and wise man who, according to Dutch tradition, lives in Spain with his helpers, the Pieten. Every year, around mid-November, he travels by steamboat to the Netherlands to celebrate his birthday on December 6th.
Long ago, Saint Nicholas gave money to poor children. Today, he brings gifts and sweet treats such as chocolate letters and pepernoten. Children place their shoes by the fireplace or door at night, sing a Sinterklaas song, and leave a drawing for him. During the night, Sinterklaas (or one of his Pieten) fills the shoe with a small present.
Sinterklaas Activities
Many families in the Netherlands watch the Sinterklaasjournaal (the daily Sinterklaas news show) on Dutch television. It follows Sinterklaas and his Pieten on their journey from Spain to the Netherlands and tells fun stories about what goes wrong along the way.
The arrival of Sinterklaas (intocht) is a big national event, usually held on a Saturday in mid-November. After that, children may set out their shoes once or twice a week until December 5th, known as Pakjesavond (Present Evening) — the highlight of the celebration!
Sometimes, Sinterklaas also visits schools, sports clubs, or shopping centers.
Sinterklaas at School
In Dutch primary schools, Sinterklaas is one of the most exciting days of the year. He often makes a spectacular entrance — on a horse, fire truck, train, or even by bicycle!
In the younger classes, Sinterklaas visits the classroom. The children sing songs, receive small gifts, and the Pieten hand out pepernoten while playing funny tricks.
Older students (from around age 9 or 10) usually make surprises — creative handmade gifts — and write poems for each other. Sinterklaas sometimes visits these classes too, reading a few funny secrets from his Big Book!
How to Celebrate Sinterklaas as an Expat?
If you’re an expat, Sinterklaas might not be celebrated at your local school — unless you live on one of the Dutch Caribbean islands. But don’t worry, there are many ways to celebrate it abroad!
Here are some ideas:
- Read Sinterklaas books together. My children’s favorite is “Ik help… de Sint” — a super fun and interactive book!
- Watch the Sinterklaasjournaal online (available worldwide via NPO Start).
- Let your children put out their shoes at home — Sinterklaas has Pieten everywhere!
- Organize your own Pakjesavond with gifts or handmade surprises.
- Visit a Dutch or international store for typical Dutch treats, or ask grandparents to send a festive package.
As a Dutch expat myself, I can tell you: you’ll get creative over the years, and your children will absolutely love it. It’s a tradition that keeps a piece of the Netherlands alive, no matter where you live.
Sinterklaas and the Dutch Language
Sinterklaas is also the perfect opportunity to practice Dutch in a fun and natural way!
Try these ideas:
- Let your child write a wish list in Dutch.
- Write poems for family members — great for vocabulary and creativity!
- Bake pepernoten using a Dutch recipe — reading and cooking combined!
Every activity around Sinterklaas is full of language, culture, and connection.
Sinterklaas at Dutch for Kids
At Dutch for Kids, we love bringing this tradition into our lessons. Around early December, all of our classes work on Sinterklaas-themed lessons — learning songs, expanding vocabulary, writing poems, and discovering this beautiful part of Dutch culture.
We see how much joy this brings to our students around the world — it’s like a little piece of the Netherlands at home during the online Dutch lessons!
Would you like your child to learn more about Dutch traditions like Sinterklaas — while improving their Dutch in a fun and natural way?
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