Sinterklaas Intocht Assen
Visitors can watch walking and sailing processions, festive decorated floats, and the well-known pepernotenmobiel make their way through Assen. Celebrations continue at the Koopmansplein with musical entertainment, performances by Jeugdcircus Bombari, and photo opportunities with Pieten. Special Glutenpieten also accompany the parade to distribute gluten-free treats.
What to Expect
Festive arrival featuring hundreds of Pieten, music, and decorated floats.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Stichting Sinterklaasintochten Assen
Food & Drink
Two Glutenpieten carry pre-packaged gluten-free pepernoten for children with gluten allergies.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Lively and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Centrum Assen: 11.45 vertrek van de walking and floating procession; 12.00 podium program at Kop van de Vaart; about 13.15 festive procession through the center; 14.15–15.45 festivities at Koopmansplein; 14.00–16.30 music and Pieten in the shopping area. Marsdijk: 15.00 festive procession; 15.15 stage program; 15.30 reception of Sinterklaas at the shopping center, followed by the stage program.
- Accessibility: The route is largely wheelchair accessible, though marching bands and loud sounds are present.
Tips & Advice
- Look out for the Glutenpieten in green costumes with the gluten-free cargo bike if your child has a gluten allergy, because they carry pre-packed gluten-free pepernoten.
- Head to the Koopmansplein after the procession through the centre for Jeugdcircus Bombari, music and photo moments with Pieten or animals.
- Bring ear protection for noise-sensitive children, because marching bands and other loud sounds accompany the procession along the largely wheelchair-accessible route.
- Watch the arrival on the livestream from the homepage if your children can't make it into the city centre on the day.
- Go to the Marsdijk shopping centre if it suits you better, because it has its own procession and stage programme where Sinterklaas is welcomed later in the afternoon.
Special Events & Promotions
- Marsdijk holds its own festive procession and stage programme, and Sinterklaas is welcomed at the shopping centre.
- A livestream for children who can't make it to the city centre.
- Theatre show 'Sinterklaas & de Magische Wensveer' at De Nieuwe Kolk on 22 November, for ages 3+, with tickets sold separately through DNK.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child with a gluten allergy have pepernoten?
Yes. Two Glutenpieten walk along during the arrival with pre-packed gluten-free pepernoten. You'll recognise them by their green costumes, gluten buttons and gluten-free cargo bike.
What happens on the Koopmansplein?
There's a party with performances by Jeugdcircus Bombari, music, and photo moments with Pieten and/or animals. Pieten and music are also out in the shopping area.
Is the arrival accessible for people with a disability?
The route is largely wheelchair accessible. Be aware that marching bands and other loud sounds are part of the arrival.
Does it go ahead in bad weather?
In principle the arrival always goes ahead. In extremely bad weather, organisers decide on the day whether to adjust it.
How can I become a Piet?
If you're 16 or older, you can sign up with the form on the website. Signing up doesn't guarantee a place, because the organisers decide each year how many Pieten Sinterklaas needs.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.