Arrival of Saint Nicholas 2026

Every year in mid-November, Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam by steamboat, after which a festive parade accompanies him through the city centre.

• 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

The exact route and times vary from year to year, but the set-up is always roughly the same.

• On the water: in the morning the steamboat sails from the Omval via the Amstel to the National Maritime Museum, where the mayor and the children's mayor welcome Sinterklaas and present him with the key to the city.
• On land: Sinterklaas then rides on horseback with his parade from the Waterlooplein via the Rembrandtplein, the Utrechtsestraat and the Weteringschans to the Leidseplein.
• Finale: there is a stage on the Leidseplein, where the programme ends festively in the afternoon.
• Current programme: check the website of the arrival for the exact route and times.