Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, arrives from Spain on his boat at the Scheepvaart Museum (Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam's harbor on Sunday, November 15, at 12 noon. He'll be arriving in preparation for Sinterklaasavond on December 5, the most important night of the Dutch holiday season, when he'll fill the shoes of deserving little ones with treats and gifts.

From the harbor area, Sinterklaas will ride his white horse through the center of Amsterdam as his helpers throw holiday cookies and candies to the hundreds of children and onlookers along the route. This is one of the most anticipated events of the calendar, especially for kids.

Don't miss the opportunity to see his huge welcome party in Amsterdam. See pictures from last year's arrival and you'll understand why you should stake out a viewing spot by 11 a.m. at the latest. He's expected at Dam Square by 2 p.m. and at Leidseplein by 4 p.m.

^{Photo © sintinamsterdam.nl}

If you've been a reader of mine for a while, you know that Museumnacht (Museum Night) is an Amsterdam event I hold dear. I realize plenty of cities put on similar "night at the museum" events, but there's something so special about biking all over shimmering, watery Amsterdam as you cultural-cocktail-party-hop. Learn what to expect on n8 and find out what that little abbreviation means in my guide to Museumnacht in Amsterdam, coming up on Saturday, November 7.

Later this month, the city will host the annual pAn Amsterdam, the Netherlands' national art and antiques fair. The more than 100 dealers -- most are from the Netherlands, some hail from Belgium and Germany -- offer everything from Chinese teracotta horses dating to the 4th century to 17th-century furniture to Art Deco jewelry.

I've attended in the past and felt like I was in a museum, surrounded by Old Master and even French Impressionist paintings. The only difference is, these stunning works of art and historical objects are for sale to anyone who can afford them. I think the € 15 entrance fee is well worth the eye candy.

pAn Amsterdam Art and Antiques Fair Information

• Where: RAI Conference & Event Center, Amsterdam (Tram line 4 will take you there)
• When: Sunday, November 22 to Sunday, November 29
  Open daily 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Exceptions: Only open until 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 26 and Sunday, November 29

• Cost: € 15
• More information: www.pan-amsterdam.nl

It's that time of year: time for the sweet, malty flavors of the seasonal bokbier. The upcoming fall beer festival in Amsterdam focuses on regional breweries that specialize in this style. But be warned, these are strong ales!