Sinterklaas Arrival in Almelo
Visitors welcome Sinterklaas and his Pieten as they arrive by steamboat before touring through the city center. Entertainment on the Koornmarkt includes stage performances by singing and dancing Pieten. Children can also visit the Huis van Sinterklaas to deliver wish lists, draw, and dance with the Pieten to live music.
What to Expect
Sinterklaas arrival and festive house visits in Almelo.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Stichting Almelo Events
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and welcoming
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Arrival program: 12:00; Sint and Pieten arrive at 12:30; city tour departs at 13:15; program at Koornmarkt 13:30–15:00; Huis van Sinterklaas opens at 15:00 and is open until 16:00. On the four later Huis dates, it is open 12:30–16:30 each day.
Tips & Advice
- Have your child make a drawing and wish list at home, because they can hand both to Sinterklaas in person at the Huis.
- Head to the Koornmarkt once the steamboat has docked, because the program with the dancing Pieten starts there while the Sint tours the city.
- Look up the tour route online before you go so you can find a spot along the way as Sinterklaas passes through town.
- Dress the kids warmly for the harbor and the Koornmarkt, because the arrival program and stage show take place outdoors in November.
- Check the Huis van Sinterklaas location before you visit, since the former ANWB building next to Nielz is still marked as provisional.
Special Events & Promotions
- On arrival day, Sinterklaas and the mayor open the Huis van Sinterklaas together at the close of the program.
- The Huis van Sinterklaas is also open on koopzondag, Sunday 29 November.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on arrival day?
The program starts at the harbor in front of the courthouse, where Sinterklaas and his Pieten arrive by steamboat. They then tour through the city while the Koornmarkt program starts with dancing Pieten and the singing Piet. To close the day, Sinterklaas and the mayor open the Huis van Sinterklaas.
What can kids do at the Huis van Sinterklaas?
They can meet Sinterklaas, color, take a lucky dip, and dance and sing with the Pieten while music Pieten play. Children can also hand over their drawings and wish lists to the Sint.
Where is the Huis van Sinterklaas?
On the Marktplein, in the former ANWB building next to café Nielz. This location is still provisional.
Will Sinterklaas appear on the Koornmarkt stage?
Possibly. The singing and dancing Pieten perform there, and the hope is that Sinterklaas will step onto the stage too.
Where can I find the route of the city tour?
The tour leaves from the harbor, and the full route is posted on the Sinterklaas Almelo website.
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