Sinterklaas vs. Santa Claus

Published

20th November 2025

Some internationals in the Netherlands get a bit confused in December. Not because they don't know where to go during the holidays, or how to celebrate New Year’s Eve. No, it's because of the two men in red - both with big white beards - who take over the last month of the year. Sinterklaas and Santa Claus: who are they, for Piet’s sake, and what is the difference?

What do they do?

Sinterklaas
Mid-November, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by steamboat surrounded by his so called 'Pieten', usually during the third weekend of the month. His arrival, called 'de intocht' is even broadcasted on national television (NPO) and leading up to 5 December, children can watch Het Sinterklaasjournaal, to receive daily news on the adventures of Sinterklaas and his Pieten.

In the two weeks leading up to his 'birthday' on 6 December, Sinterklaas rides across rooftops at night on his white horse, listening through chimneys for good children and leaving them small gifts and sweets in their shoes. Then, on 5 December, the evening before his birthday, Sinterklaas ends his stay in the Netherlands with a big bang: Pakjesavond. On this night, he knocks on everyone’s door to give children presents. Usually, most Dutch children receive their gifts during Sinterklaas, rather than at Christmas, which is the common tradition in other countries.

Santa Claus
In the calendar of Santa Claus, 24 December is indeed a very busy night. Throughout the evening, Santa Claus travels from rooftop to rooftop, sliding down the chimneys of our homes to deliver presents to well-behaved children. He doesn’t work alone, though; he receives help from his elves, who make the toys in his workshop at the North Pole, and from his flying reindeers, who help pull his sleigh. On 25 December, Santa takes a well-earned rest, while many families happily enjoy their gifts and festive Christmas meals.

Who are they?

Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas who lived in the 4th century and was the bishop of Myra in present-day Turkey. He was seen as the patron saint for children.

Santa Claus
A made-up character based on Sinterklaas and Father Christmas. Santa Claus made his debut in the New World shortly after the Dutch colonisation of the Americas. Coincidence?

How do they look?

Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas wears a long red cape over a traditional white bishop's alb and sometimes a red stola. He also wears a red mitre and ruby ring, while holding a gold-coloured shepherd's staff with a curled top. He is usually riding his white horse called 'ozosnel'.

Photo credits: NPO

Santa Claus
Carrying a little holiday weight, Santa Claus dresses for comfort rather than style, in a red two-piece with white trim and a thick black belt. He is a big fan of the sturdy boot, and his bulging sack is rarely out of sight. He usually travels on his sleigh, which is pulled by his flying reindeers, including the red-nosed Rudolph.

Where do they stay the rest of the year?

Sinterklaas
He spends most of the year enjoying sunny Spain, before work comes calling and and he gets to experience the joys of a Dutch winter.

Santa Claus
Santa returns to his wife, Mrs. Claus, and to his workshop at the North Pole, where elves are eager to start preparing gifts for the year ahead.

Learn more about Sinterklaas traditions in our dedicated article.

Festive Events to enjoy in The Hague

Sinterklaas Intocht
On Saturday 15 November, Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) and his cheerful helpers will arrive in Scheveningen Harbour on a steamboat greeted by cheerful crowds. After a festive welcome at the harbour, Sinterklaas and his helpers will parade through some of the most iconic shopping streets of The Hague.

Ice Skating in Scheveningen
Starting from 8 November, the seaside resort of Scheveningen in The Hague transforms into a winter wonderland for the ultimate winter sports experience. In front of the Kurhausplein, a super-sized indoor ice rink of 600m² awaits, making the Cool Event Scheveningen the perfect destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy the winter season by the sea.

Royal Christmas Fair The Hague
From 4 to 23 December 2025, the Royal Christmas Fair lights up The Hague’s historic Lange Voorhout with twinkling lights, and well-known Christmas songs. It’s the perfect place to explore Christmas houses and their little markets, enjoy mulled wine by cozy fires, and meet the one and only Santa Claus during his daily visits.

Snowfest The Hague
From 19 to 21 December, The Hague hosts SnowFest, a three-day winter sports spectacle featuring freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The event also hosts the Rock A Rail tour finale, where top riders show off tricks on urban obstacles like rails, stairs, and walls in the thrilling style of street snowboarding.