Sinterklaas Arrival Parade in Amsterdam 2024

Dutch Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas is one of the most beloved folklore characters in the country, awaited by children and adults alike. In mid-November, his arrival to Amsterdam is traditionally marked by large boat and horse parades, which launch the official Christmas season throughout the city.

Sinterklaas Customs & Program

The Arrival of Sinterklaas or Sinterklaas Intocht is one of the largest annual parades in Amsterdam. The Sint first passes through Amsterdam by boat and greet the spectators, after which, he will get off the boat and proceed through the rest of the route. For a horse parade, Sinterklaas always mounts his loyal horse Amerigo and proceeds through the city center, surrounded by his helpers.

Sinterklaas' helper is called Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), who assists the white-beard man and hands out candy to children in the crowd. While Zwarte Piet was portrayed by actors, painting their faces with black paint, in the past, starting from 2017, the the character has been renamed as Roetveegpiet (Sooty Piet), and instead of black paint, has sooty marks on the face. The actors wear vibrant costumes, with red and yellow being the main colors, adding a festive flair to this beloved cultural tradition.

Children line the streets to cheer and wave as the procession passes by. Sinterklass and Petes give away traditional sweets and small gifts. From this day, Sinterklaas makes a daily appearance in Amsterdam until the main celebration on December 5th. Sinterklass visits schools and hospitals, spreading cheer all throughout the city.

Christmas Boat Parade Route

The boat parade usually kicks off at the Omwal, continues by Berlage Bridge, passes through Nieuwe Amstelbrug, High Lock, Amstel Locks, Walter Suskind Bridge, and Scharrebiersluis and finally stops at the Scheepvaartmuseum, where Sinterklaas is greeted by the mayor and city officials. The parade can be viewed in the Weesperzijde neighborhood, near Ceintuurbaan, Amstelhotel, and Theater Carré. Sinterklaas will make a brief stop here, interacting with the crowd, then embark on the second part of the celebration, the horse or land parade.

Horse Parade Route

The second part of the Arrival Parade takes place in the city centre and normally begins at Waterlooplein, passing Blue Bridge, Amstelstraat, Rembrandtplein, Caransahotel, Utrechtsestraat, Frederiksplein, Spiegelgracht, and finishing at Leidseplein. The traditional program includes folk songs, dancing, and vibrant floats along the way.

Schedule of Sinterklaas Intocht

The Amsterdam Sinterklaas Boat Parade usually spans from 10:20 am until 11:35 am. The Horse Parade normally kicks off at 1:35 pm and lasts until 3:30 pm, after all the festivities end.