Welcome Sinterklaas to Amsterdam November 15

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}