Arrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam 2026

Every year in mid-November, Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam by steamboat, after which a festive parade accompanies him through the city centre. In 2026 the arrival takes place on Sunday 15 November.

• For children: thousands of children welcome the saint along the route, and plenty of sweets are handed out.
• Free: the arrival can be watched free of charge along the entire route.

Route and times 2026

The steamboat sails along the Amstel into the centre, after which the parade continues on land to the Leidseplein; the times are a guide.

• On the water: at 10:15 the steamboat arrives at De Omval. The boat parade then passes the Berlagebrug (10:30), the Nieuwe Amstelbrug (10:40), the Hoge Sluisbrug (10:50), the Amstel locks by Theater Carré (11:05), the Walter Süskindbrug (11:15) and the Scharrebiersluis (11:25).
• Arrival: at 11:30 the boat arrives at the National Maritime Museum.
• On land: at 13:00 the parade starts at the Stopera on the Waterlooplein, via the Rembrandtplein (13:15), the Utrechtsestraat (13:20), the Frederiksplein (13:35) and the Weteringcircuit (13:55).
• Leidseplein: the programme on the Leidseplein starts at 13:45. At around 14:15 the parade arrives and Sinterklaas addresses the children in person. The programme ends at 15:30 and the square is clear again by 17:00.

Practical information

The arrival takes place every year on a Sunday in mid November. The times are a guide: the actual arrival of Sinterklaas and his Pieten may differ slightly. There are several diversions and road closures during the parade. It gets very busy, so arrive early for a good spot along the route and preferably travel by public transport. Up-to-date information is available at sintinamsterdam.nl.