Sinterklaas is coming to Rotterdam!
Every year Sinterklaas gets to the Netherlands with his steamer and of course he arrives in the port of Rotterdam! The steamer is filled with gifts for all children in the Netherlands, so it’s a huge boat. This is not a problem for the largest port in the Europe, because the world's largest ships moor in Rotterdam. So the steamer of St. Nicholas can moor without problems in Rotterdam when it arrives in the Netherlands. There is no better place to watch the arrival of Sinterklaas along the banks of the river Maas in Rotterdam. This event is great for kids, but mums and dads are welcome as well!

Sinterklaas rides on his horse through the city!
Sinterklaas does not just stay on his steamer all day, because he wants to see that all the children in Rotterdam. So once Sinterklaas has moored his boat at the quay, he gets on his white horse and goes through the city with a parade. The parade starts at the Willemsplein and goes along Witte de Withstraat, Nieuwe Binnenweg, Mauritsweg, Aert van Nesstraat, Coolsingel, Meent, Hoogstraat and Grote Kerkplein in front of the Laurenskerk Church. The servants of Sinterklaas (black Pete or Zwarte Pieten in Dutch) will join the parade as well. The servants have got black faces because they need to climb down the chimneys to bring gifts to the children´s houses. The funny servants do tricks, funny jokes and give sweets to the children. You do not need to stand on the dock but you can also find a spot along one of the many places where Sinterklaas comes along.

The perfect day out with the kids
The arrival of Sinterklaas is every year a big celebration for both parents and children. The celebration of Sinterklaas and his servants will capture the imagination of every child and therefore you should not miss this day! When  the arrival of Sinterklaas has finished there are plenty of other things to do in Rotterdam! For example you can get something to eat at one of the child-friendly restaurants, where possible the servants of Sinterklaas can be found!