Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas is one holiday where the Dutch go all out on big celebrations and exciting traditions. 

While the youngsters sit their shoes under the chimney to receive chocoladeletters (chocolate letters) and other sweet treats, the adults can celebrate the holiday by giving out tailored gifts or writing poems. You’ll find the popular kruidnoten and pepernoten to satisfy your sweet tooth in all the different supermarkets (even Kruidvat). In most towns, you’ll be able to enjoy the Sinterklaas parade with the man himself roaming the streets together with his helper Zwarte Piet — a figure that has been the site of some controversy in recent years.

READ MORE | Sinterklaas for expats: all the Dutch you need to make it through the holiday season

Sinterklaas is one holiday where the Dutch go all out on big celebrations and exciting traditions. 

While the youngsters sit their shoes under the chimney to receive chocoladeletters (chocolate letters) and other sweet treats, the adults can celebrate the holiday by giving out tailored gifts or writing poems. You’ll find the popular kruidnoten and pepernoten to satisfy your sweet tooth in all the different supermarkets (even Kruidvat). In most towns, you’ll be able to enjoy the Sinterklaas parade with the man himself roaming the streets together with his helper Zwarte Piet — a figure that has been the site of some controversy in recent years.

READ MORE | Sinterklaas for expats: all the Dutch you need to make it through the holiday season