Arrival of Saint Nicholas 2026

Every year, Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam by ship in mid-November. Then a whole parade accompanies him in a festive way through the city center. Hundreds of children welcome the children's friend and more than five thousand kilos of free candy are handed out along the route.

Programme, Route and Times 2025:

Water Route

• 10:20 – Omval (first sighting)
• 10:40 – Ceintuurbaan
• 10:50 – Sarphatistraat
• 11:15 – Amstel / Nieuwe Herengracht
• 11:30 – Arrival at the National Maritime Museum (welcome by Mayor Halsema and the children’s mayor)

Land Route

• 13:00 – Departure: Stopera
• 13:15 – Rembrandtplein
• 13:20 – Utrechtsestraat
• 13:35 – Frederiksplein
• 13:55 – Weteringcircuit
• 14:15 – Leidseplein – arrival of Saint Nicholas;
• 15:30 – End of programme (Goodbye Sinterklaasje)

The parade ends on Leidseplein, where Amsterdam mayor welcomes Saint Nicholas.