Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas is visiting Rotterdam!

Every year the Dutch fairy-tale figure Sinterklaas sails his steamer to the Netherlands and of course he arrives at the port of Rotterdam! The Sinterklaas' steamer is loaded with small presents for all children in the Netherlands, to celebrate his birthday. There is no better place to watch the boat arrival of Sinterklaas along the banks of the river Maas in Rotterdam. This event is great for kids, but mums and dads who still believe in fairy-tales are welcome as well! All Sinterklaas festivities in Rotterdam take place until his birthday on 5 December and after that he sails back to Spain, so the children can celebrate Christmas in Rotterdam.

Route Sinterklaas Parade through Rotterdam

Sinterklaas doesn't stay on board his steamer all day, because he wants to meet all children in Rotterdam. Once Sinterklaas has moored his boat at the Willemsplein quay (at Spido Harbour Tours) on Saturday 18 November 2017 at 12:30 pm, he rides his white horse through the streets of Rotterdam accompanied by a big parade. Sinterklaas helpers zwarte Pieten (Black Pete) join this big parade as well. All zwarte Pieten have their faces blackened with charcoal, as according to the fairy-tale they climb down the chimneys to deliver presents at the children's homes. These friendly and funny helpers do tricks, funny jokes and offer sweets to all children. After a big Sinterklaas Party at Willemsplein, the Sinterklaas parade in Rotterdam continues along Witte de Withstraat, Nieuwe Binnenweg, Mauritsweg, Aert van Nesstraat,  Coolsingel,  Meent and Grotekerkplein in front of the Laurenskerk Church. At Grotekerkplein there's another big Sinterklaas Party for kids starting saturday afternoon at 2:45 pm.

Welcome on board the ship of Sinterklaas

Kids in Rotterdam are so lucky, because the Sinterklaas boat (Pakjesboot 12) with plenty of gifts is moored at Leuvehaven, next to the Maritime Museum Rotterdam. On board this boat and see how Sinterklaas lives and works together with his helpers. You'll learn how zwarte Piet makes spice nuts and candy and discover the huge cargo hold with all presents for the kids. Also have look at Sinterklaas's bedroom! You can also meet Sinterklaas himself in his office. Visiting the Sinterklaas on board boat costs €9,50. Hot chocolate and a small gift are included. Please make an advance reservation first. Open Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December 2017. More information at www.pakjesboot.nl. Win free tickets at www.facebook.com/CityGuideRotterdam.

Sinterklaas at big attractions in Rotterdam

On Wednesday 29 November 2017 at 3 pm Sinterklaas will visit Museum Ship ss Rotterdam. On Saturday 25 November 2017 at 11 am and 1:30 pm, Sinterklaas visits the Euromast Rotterdam. On Sunday 26 November Sinterklaas will show up at Kids Paradise Plaswijck Park in Rotterdam.