Get your pepernoten ready: this is the day Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam

Sinterklaas is scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam for the 88th annual parade on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The traditional event will feature a water procession and a route through the city, with specific timings and streets to be announced by the organizers at a later date. The celebration marks the start of the holiday period, during which the figure will remain in the city until the traditional gift-giving evening.

Organizers are currently recruiting volunteers to serve as Pieten for the festivities. Participants must be available for a full day of activities, starting as early as 6:00 a.m. and concluding around 5:00 p.m. Those interested in joining the parade are invited to submit their applications through the official Sinterklaas in Amsterdam website by September 27. The Amsterdam event follows the national arrival celebration, which is set to take place in the town of Grave on November 14, 2026.