HIt’s that time of year again! Sinterklaas is in town, and that means lots of fun, presents and of course… treats! At Amsternannies, we know how important it is to create fun and magical moments with the kids. So, for all the babysitters out there looking for fun activities to do with the kids during the Sinterklaas celebration (2024), we have some great tips for you!
1. Arrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam – November 17
What? The magical arrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam! This year, the good saint will arrive again with his Pieten by boat. The children can feast their eyes on the beautifully decorated boats and the cheerful Pieten who wave enthusiastically. This is the moment to go into town with the children, eat gingerbread nuts and welcome Sinterklaas. The procession starts around 10:00 and sails via the water route to the city center. Don't forget to find a nice spot along the water to enjoy this spectacle!
Where? The water route starts at the Omval around 10:00, the land route starts at 13:35 from the Waterlooplein
When? Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM
2. Sinterklaas concert (4 years and older)
What? Sinterklaas is almost here, time for a big party! Come sing, dance and enjoy a cheerful, musical performance with Sinterklaas and the Pieten in the Concertgebouw. This Sinterklaas concert is especially for children from 4 years old, so bring your children along for a magical adventure full of music and fun!
Where? Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam
When? Wednesday November 27, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM or 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
More information about this event can be found here here!
3. Fun Sinterklaas activities at Gelderlandplein
What? Gelderlandplein is organizing the Sinterklaas party for young and old again this year. A fun event for the whole family, with lots of fun activities for everyone! Come enjoy the festive atmosphere together and participate in the various Sinterklaas activities that the shopping center has in store for you.
Where? Gelderlandplein (Amsterdam)
When?
- Saturday November 23: Festive arrival of Sinterklaas, 12:30 to 16:30
- Sunday November 24, Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1: Sinterklaas, the main Piet and the scatter Piets come by with goodies for the children! Times (every day): 12:30 – 16:30.
More information about this event can be found here here!
4. Saint in the Attic, Museum Our Lord in the Attic
What? Experience a wonderful morning in Museum Ours' Dear Lord in the Attic. Join the special Sinterklaas tour for families!
Discover the secrets of Sinterklaas with the whole family in this special museum, where you can find a church in the attic – the perfect setting, because Saint Nicholas is the patron saint here. During the tour you will sing cheerful songs, color cheerful drawings, enjoy gingerbread and hot chocolate, and put your shoe by the warm stove. Who knows, there might be a surprise in your shoe at the end!
This tour is perfect for children aged 4 to 8, but younger kids are always welcome too!
Where? Old Side Voorburgwal 38 – 40
1012 GD Amsterdam
When? On Sunday 24 and Saturday 30 November there is a special Sinterklaas tour for families from 10:00 to 11:30. (Attention: the tour of November 17 has been cancelled due to the arrival of Sinterklaas.) In addition, there is a free Sinterklaas treasure hunt from November 16 to December 5 that you can participate in.
More information about this event can be found here here!
5. The Parcel Boat to Muiderslot
What? Sail with the parcel boat to the castle of Sinterklaas! From Amsterdam IJburg the parcel boat departs to the Muiderslot. The Muiderslot has been transformed into the Castle of Sinterklaas. You can do all kinds of fun Sinterklaas activities there! For example, the children can: learn how to make delicious gingerbread nuts, do crafts, enjoy the music of the circus helpers and participate in all kinds of fun Sinterklaas activities. You can also explore the parcel room and bedroom of Sinterklaas inside the Castle of Sinterklaas. As the icing on the cake, the children can even pet Sinterklaas' horse! Come and visit us.
Where? Ferry service Amsterdam, Krijn Taconiskade 124, 1087 HV Amsterdam
When? On Sunday 24 November, Saturday 30 and Sunday 1 December you can leave from Amsterdam IJburg to Muiderslot. Muiderslot has been transformed into Sinterklaas' Castle. How cool is that!
More information about this event can be found here here!
6. Toy Swap Market
What? This year, a fun toy swap market will be organized in De Hallen in Amsterdam. On Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November, you can come by to donate your unused toys and immediately swap them for fun "new" stuff.
On Saturday, Sinterklaas comes by to pick out recycled presents for the shoe. In addition, there are fun workshops every day in which children play together and are creatively involved with recycling.
Where? The Hallen, Hannie dankpassage 47, 1053 Amsterdam
When? Friday 29th and Saturday 30th November, between 12:00 and 17:00.
This fun event is made possible by Motherhood Amsterdam. More information about this event can be found here here!
7. Sinterklaas Journal
Who doesn't know it... the Sinterklaasjournaal! It has become a real tradition. This year the Sinterklaasjournaal is presented by: Merel Westrik!
What's on the agenda this time? Will it be a successful Sinterklaas or will packages get lost? There will undoubtedly be fun assignments that the children can do at home, or they can of course just enjoy the exciting adventures on television! From 11 November you can watch the Sinterklaas journal daily bee Zapp on NPO 3, at 6:00 PM.What problem will the helpers have to solve this time?
Cozy at home with Sinterklaas
Besides fun activities in Amsterdam, you can also do fun things for Sinterklaas at home! How about baking gingerbread, going on a Sinterklaas scavenger hunt, watching Sinterklaas movies or maybe doing crafts for Sinterklaas? The options are endless!
Whether you're baking gingerbread with the kids, organizing a treasure hunt, or welcoming Sinterklaas to town, there's plenty to do to make this time of year a magical adventure! Amsternannies we always have friendly and experienced Nannies who like to do fun Sinterklaas activities with the children. We provide a safe and cheerful atmosphere, so that both the children and you as a parent can fully enjoy a festive and carefree time! Have fun and a nice Sinterklaas!
Do you have any other fun Sinterklaas ideas? Feel free to share them with us!
Amsternannies is the nicest babysitting agency in Amsterdam. With our blog we give you insight into the events where we attend as babysitters. You can also find great children's recipes or very cool offers for young families here!
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