Stadsintocht Sinterklaas Delft
Spectators can watch Pakjesboot 7 sail into Delft along the canal and welcome Sinterklaas alongside the mayor. A festive procession winds its way through the city centre accompanied by a Pepernotenmachine handing out treats. The event wraps up with a celebration featuring music, dance groups, and opportunities to greet the Pieten.
What to Expect
Watch Pakjesboot 7 arrive followed by a parade and Markt celebration.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Delft City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Stichting Sinterklaas Delft
Food & Drink
Pieten hand out pepernoten during the procession; no other food or drink options are specified.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 12:15 uur boat departure; 12:45 uur boat arrival; 13:00 uur procession departure; from 14.30 uur Pieten and dance groups on the Markt; around 14.45 uur end party; from 15.15 uur Feestpiet Fabio joins; 15.45 uur departure.
- Accessibility: A quieter, low-stimulus spot with Pieten is by the statue of Hugo de Groot, away from the crowds on the Markt.
Tips & Advice
- Download the route map from the Sinterklaas Delft website before you go, so you can pick your spot along the procession through the centre.
- Let the kids bring a drawing for Sinterklaas, because any Piet at the boat arrival, along the procession or at the end party will take it.
- If your child prefers fewer stimuli, head to the Hugo de Groot statue, where Rustigepiet and other Pieten are away from the Markt crowds.
- Stay for the end party on the Markt, where Sinterklaas tells everyone from the stage when children may put out their shoes.
- Have a camera ready at the end party, where kids can shake hands, dance and pose for photos with the Pieten.
Special Events & Promotions
- Feestpiet Fabio joins the end party on the Markt partway through.
- A low-stimulus spot with Rustigepiet, the Pakjesshuttle and other Pieten is set up by the Hugo de Groot statue, away from the Markt crowds.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can we see Sinterklaas and the Pieten during the arrival?
Pakjesboot 7 sails in from the Abtwoudsebrug on the Delftse Schie and arrives at the Oostsingel near the Plantagebrug, where the mayor welcomes Sinterklaas. The procession then goes through the city centre to the end party on the Markt.
My child made a drawing for Sinterklaas. Where can we hand it in?
Give it to any Piet you meet: at the boat's arrival at the Oostsingel, anywhere along the procession, or at the end party on the Markt.
Will there be enough pepernoten for all the kids?
Yes. The Pepernotenmachine rides along in the procession so the Strooipieten can keep refilling their bags.
Is there a quieter spot for children who need fewer stimuli?
Yes. Rustigepiet has a spot by the statue of Hugo de Groot, away from the crowds on the Markt. The Pakjesshuttle is there, and so are some Pieten.
What happens at the end party on the Markt?
Pieten and dance groups get things going, then Sinterklaas, the mayor and all the Pieten celebrate together. Kids can shake hands, take photos with a Piet and dance. Sinterklaas also announces from the stage when children may put out their shoes.
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