Sinterklaas

Forget your reindeers and chimney-chute surprise. When Christmas comes early to the Netherlands, it comes in style. Every year the third Sunday of November, the holiday season begins in Amsterdam with the arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas). For the white-bearded legend that looks like he’s stepped out of a Christmas card, there are a few extra surprises to watch out for. By day Sinterklaas can be seen around the city in shopping centers, at schools and parties, spreading goodwill cheer everywhere. At night, children pray for his generosity as they lay out their shoes, a carrot for the horse and a glass of milk (or wine) as he and his helpers ride the city’s rooftops by horseback. The very good kids are usually rewarded with candy while the naughty anxiously wait to see if they’ve been given coal, again. This all happens on the eve before Feast Day, Sinterklaasavond, which is celebrated on 5 December. Following his late-night visit, much like on Christmas, everyone unwraps their presents from Sinterklaas and reads aloud the poems that have been especially written to humor the recipient of the gift. The day ends with songs and a nap-inducing feast, mainly consisting of marzipan, chocolate initials, pepernoten (ginger biscuits) and hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Event starts November 15, 2009 and ends December 5, 2009