Confused about pepernoten, Pieten, and that man on the horse from Spain? You’re not the only one.
Here’s your insider guide to finally understand what’s happening in November and December – and how to join the fun with your child.
The ultimate Sinterklaas family guide
For international parents who want to understand – and enjoy – the most important Dutch family celebration.
You’re starting to see it everywhere: pepernoten, chocolate letters, Pieten, the horse…
But who is this man with the long white beard – who looks suspiciously like Santa Claus – arriving from Spain by boat?
▸Which songs should you know to sing with your little one?
▸How does this whole shoe tradition work?
Every year, hundreds of international parents ask me the same questions inside my Dutch for Parents program.
That’s exactly why I created this guide – to give you the clear, inside explanation of what’s really happening in the Netherlands during Sinterklaas season, and to help you join in with confidence.
It’s everything you wish someone had explained before your child came home singing about Sinterklaas for the first time.
And for limited time – it’s only € 5,-
Inside this guide, you’ll discover:
When the real Sinterklaas madness begins (spoiler: it's ALREADY NOW - weeks before December 5th) and how to stay calm and prepared.
The Grand Arrival (De Intocht) - what really happens when Sinterklaas arrives by boat, and how to enjoy it without freezing your toes off.
School & daycare traditions - Pietengym, shoe gifts, songs, and how teachers bring Sinterklaas to life in class for older children.
Pakjesavond - the magical night of presents, doorbells, and mysterious knocking (and what your child will tell everyone about the next day).
Fun facts, songs and must-know words - all the little details that help you join the conversation (and surprise Dutch parents with how much you know).
Why you'll love it:
It’s not just an information sheet - it’s your cultural survival guide for the Dutch December season.
Written in English, filled with my own experiences and real examples from Dutch life, and designed to help you feel part of the magic - not just watching from the side.
You’ll even learn the Dutch words and songs your child already knows by heart, so you can join in, sing along, and enjoy the season together.
What you’ll find inside the guide
The story of Sinterklaas and his helpers – where the tradition comes from, and how it has evolved over the years.
How the celebrations work at school and daycare – from Pietengym to schoen zetten.
The meaning behind Dutch family traditions – like Pakjesavond, the big evening of gifts, ‘surprises’ and how to make it your own as an international family.
Dutch Sinterklaas songs with English translations – so you can finally sing along with your child.
A full vocabulary list with must-know words – to help you understand everything your child says (and the notes from the juf).
- Exclusive audio’s from the Dutch for Parents program – short, real-life lessons in Dutch to help you understand even more about Sinterklaas.
Who it’s for
Perfect for you if…
You recently moved to the Netherlands
You have (young) children attending Dutch school or daycare
You want to join Dutch traditions without feeling lost
You love learning about culture in a fun, practical way
Hoi!
I’m Mariska – Dutch teacher and creator of Dutch for Parents and the Switch-to-Dutch-method.
Since 2022, I’ve helped hundreds of international parents feel more confident speaking Dutch – at school, at daycare, and in everyday family life.
Learning Dutch is one thing.
But speaking it – in real conversations with teachers, other parents, or your child’s friends – is something else.
Your brain wants safety. It sticks to English because it doesn’t want to risk making mistakes or not being understood.
That’s totally normal – and you’re not the only one.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Helping parents break through that fear and finally speak Dutch with confidence is what I love most.
With patience, humour, and real-life language you can use right away – I’ll help you discover that yes, you really can speak Dutch.
Are you ready to start?