Sinterklaas is a beloved holiday tradition in the Netherlands that lights up the winter season with magic, surprises, and sweet treats. From setting out the shoe before bed to celebrating Pakjesavond (Gift Night), these traditions create a festive experience for kids and adults alike.
setting out the shoe
One of the most exciting Sinterklaas traditions for children is het schoentje zetten, or “setting out the shoe.” On select nights leading up to December 5, children leave their shoe by the fireplace, or in modern homes, near the door. Insight, they may tuck a letter or drawing for Sinterklaas, hoping he’ll notice their good behavior over the past year. For Sinterklaas’s horse Ozosnel, children often leave a carrot or sugar cube alongside a small bowl of water.
Then, to help Sinterklaas know they are eagerly waiting, children sing traditional Sinterklaas songs before heading off to bed. As they sleep, Sinterklaas, and his helpers, the Pieten, are hard at work, travelling across the rooftops, to deliver surprises. In the morning, kids often find chocolate letters, kruidnoten, or other traditional sweets, or a small gift tucked in their shoes.
the nightly rooftop adventure
Part of the Sinterklaas magic is the idea of him riding his horse across the rooftops at night.
Sinterklaas and his helpers, move from chimney to chimney, where the Pieten drop small gifts or candy through the chimneys to the children’s shoes below. The Pieten, who sometimes get soot on their faces from al the chimneys they visit, are known for their playful and energetic nature, bringing an extra dose of ecitement to the holiday.
pakjesavond: the big night of gifts
On December 5, families across the Netherlands gather for Pakjesavond, or Gift Night, the main event of Sinterklaas. If you’re lucky, Sinterklaas himself may make a brief visit to your home. But since he and his Pieten are so busy, more often than not, a loud knock on the door or window signals that a burlap sack of presents has been delivered. This magical knock sends kids running to the door, where they find gifts left by Sinterklaas and his helpers.
Inside the sack, wrapped presents wait to be opened. For added fun, families often write small, humorous poems to accompany the gifts, playfully poking at the recipient’s habits or hobbies.
December 6: Saying goodbye to sinterklaas
On the morning of December 6, Sinterklaas quietly leaves the Netherlands, boarding his steamboat back to Spain. After weeks of excitement and treats, Dutch children bid him farewell for another year, though the joy and memories of the celebration linger all season long.
sweets and treats
No Sinterklaas celebration would be complete without a spread of traditional treats. here’s a taste of some seasonal favorites:
- Chocolate Letters: Each child receives a chocolate, shaped in the first letter of their name, often found in theor shoe or in the burlap sack on Pakjesavond.
- Pepernoten and Kruidnoten: These small, crunchy spiced cookies are scattered around and handed out by the Pieten. They’re often flavored with warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Marzipan and Taai-Taai: Sweet marzipan treats and chewy, spiced taai-taai cookiesare shaped into festive figures.
- Chocolate Coins and Borstplaat: Chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil and Borstplaat are holiday staples that bring extra sweetness to the festivities.
Which traditional treat is your favorite?