Does Sinterklaas visit the United States? Absolutely! Every year, Sinterklaas visits the Dutch School in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. Even in our online Dutch lessons, Sinterklaas plays an important role. But how do we actually celebrate Sinterklaas? In this blog, we’ll tell you all about the Sinterklaas festivities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Southern California.
Sinterklaas is one of the most beloved holidays in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium. From putting out your shoe to enjoying treats, this celebration is one no one wants to miss. It’s a time full of joy and wonder, where young and old come together to enjoy pepernoten, gifts, and poems.
At the Dutch School in California, we embrace this beautiful tradition wholeheartedly!
Our online classes for both children and adults incorporate Sinterklaas starting in November. These live online sessions via Zoom not only help with learning the Dutch language and culture, but they also strengthen the
sense of community among Dutch speakers, even here in America. With home learning and flexible options, we provide opportunities that fit your busy (family) life, whether it’s group lessons or private sessions.
At our locations in San Diego, North Hollywood, and Orange County, we take the Sinterklaas celebration even further. The children who attend Dutch lessons every Saturday morning receive a visit from Sinterklaas and his helpers in December! Local online students and other Dutch families from Southern California are welcome to join. It’s a celebration for all ages, and it’s a highlight we look forward to each year. But how do we actually celebrate Sinterklaas in the Netherlands and Belgium?
The Sinterklaas Celebration in the Netherlands and Belgium
The festivities begin in mid-November with the spectacular arrival of Sinterklaas. He arrives from Spain on his Pakjesboot in the Netherlands and Belgium, and it’s always a grand spectacle. Each year, there’s excitement about whether Sinterklaas will find his way; perhaps there’s an issue with the boat’s engine, or the helpers are busy packing gifts and forget to leave on time. Through the Sinterklaasjournaal, children can follow Sinterklaas’s journey closely for almost three weeks!
Despite the mishaps of the helpers each year, Sinterklaas always manages to dock at the planned harbor. Children wave from the dock, often dressed as little helpers, hoping for a wave from Sinterklaas and some treats from the helpers.
The Tradition of Putting Out Your Shoe
One of the most enjoyable traditions is putting out your shoe. Children place their shoe by the fireplace, often with a carrot or a bowl of water for Ozosnel, Sinterklaas’s horse. They sing various Sinterklaas songs at the top of their lungs so that Sinterklaas knows there are shoes waiting for him. The next morning is always exciting: what will be in the shoe? From gifts to chocolate letters or a mandarin, it’s a small celebration in itself and adds to the excitement of the holiday. Children at the Dutch School can also put out their shoes.
Pakjesavond
Pakjesavond is the grand finale of the Sinterklaas celebration in the Netherlands! On the evening of December 5th (December 6th in Belgium), families gather to unwrap gifts and enjoy treats like pepernoten and marzipan. It’s an evening full of surprises, where coziness and togetherness take center stage.
Togetherness with Family and Friends
Sinterklaas is also a time for gathering with friends and family. Many people organize a surprise evening, where everyone makes a homemade gift and a poem for one another. This brings extra joy and connection, making the celebration even more special.
Sinterklaas at the Dutch School in Southern California
At the Dutch School, we celebrate Sinterklaas with great enthusiasm, together with Dutch and Belgian families near our locations in La Jolla, Tustin, and Los Angeles. This special time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to keep cultural traditions alive and introduce children to the magic of Sinterklaas.
In the weeks leading up to the celebration, our lessons are fully focused on the good saint. We not only practice Sinterklaas vocabulary but also the traditional songs that are so important to this holiday. Familiar tunes like “Sinterklaas Kapoentje” are joyfully sung by our youngest students. Additionally, the children create fun crafts to express their creativity and bring the Sinterklaas spirit into the classroom. We also have enjoyable books about Sinterklaas in our library and online library.
A highlight of our celebrations is, of course, the visit from Sinterklaas and his helpers in Southern California.
Each year, we look forward to Sinterklaas surprising our locations. It’s always a big celebration filled with coziness and wonder. The children often prepare something special: they sing a lovely song or perform a practiced dance to welcome
Sinterklaas.
And what is a visit from Sinterklaas without gifts? For each child, Sinterklaas brings a small present and a chocolate letter. It’s heartwarming to see how happy and surprised the children are. Even if you live in America, Sinterklaas always knows everything about you! These moments create unforgettable memories and strengthen the bond between students, their parents, and the community.
At the Dutch School, it’s not just about learning, but also about coming together and celebrating. Sinterklaas is a beautiful example of how we can share traditions, no matter where we are. It fosters connection and joy within our international community. Together, we make Sinterklaas an unforgettable celebration for everyone and contribute to learning the Dutch language and culture in a warm, supportive environment.
Would you like to learn more about the Dutch language and culture? Through our physical classes at our schools or our interactive online Dutch lessons, our teachers provide engaging lessons for all levels and ages, in group settings or private lessons. You’ll not only learn the language but also discover the rich Dutch and Flemish traditions! Our education offers a unique opportunity to experience the Dutch language and culture.