Sinterklaas In Houston 2026
Every year in the Netherlands and Belgium, children wait with great excitement for Sinterklaas, the kind, white-bearded saint in a red robe and tall mitre. He arrives with his helpers, the Petes, who are cheerful, a little mischievous, and always carry a bag of candy. Kids sing songs, put their shoes out, and hope for a small gift. Sinterklaas is the original inspiration for Santa Claus, and for Dutch and Belgian families he's one of the best parts of the year.
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At Sinterklaas in Houston we bring that tradition to Texas. Whether you grew up with it, married into it, or are just curious, you're welcome.
Meet Sinterklaas in Person
Around 2 PM, Sinterklaas makes his grand entrance, and everyone helps welcome him. Children can visit with him, have a photo taken together, or just join the fun. Tip: bring a drawing for Sinterklaas and practice a Sinterklaas song or two. He loves that.
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Fun Activities for Kids
The Petes have planned an afternoon full of things to do, inside and outside:
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Outdoor fun: tin-can alley, toy toss, a bouncy house or obstacle course, dodgeball and more
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Indoor fun: arts and crafts, board games and a photo booth
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Puppet theater: watch the show, or try being the puppeteer yourself
Saturday November 14
13:30 - 17:00 (1.30 - 5 PM)
Where?
St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church
1100 Eldridge Parkway, Houston
Sinterklaas in Houston brings together people, place, supplies, and the joy of a beloved tradition. Every part of the festival, from decorations to treats, costs real money. We want to keep registration affordable for families, so we rely on our business partners to help us cover costs and break even.
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Sinterklaas in Houston 2026 is organized by a volunteer committee under the Dutch Heritage and Culture Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Are you travelling to The Netherlands or Belgium in October or November? Bring back the pepernoten and marsepein. Be our Travel Piet. Look in the signup what is needed and call Roza for questions!
The Sinterklaas in Houston 2026 is organized by: Nathalie Delwaide, Leonie Welling-Hamersma,
Petra Cochran, Roza Haeve, Max Sebrechts
and Inge Elmendorp
With help from the social media team:
Esther den Ouden and Louise Eekhof
Our 2026 sponsors:
Sinterklaas Treats
Of course our logistic Petes have taken care of all the typical Sinterklaas delicacies. Enjoy!
Meet Sinterklaas?
You can choose to:
1) Visit with Sinterklaas
2) Just have a picture moment with him
3) Join the festivities - not necessarily scheduled for option 1 or 2
You can select your choice when you register.
Field activities
Tin-can alley, Toy Toss, bouncy house or obstacle course, dodge ball and many more fun outdoor activities. No tablets or phones needed this afternoon.
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Feel free to join the activities yourself as well!
Indoor activities
Arts & crafts, board games, photo booth, and many more indoor activities. Don't worry, there's something for everyone.
Gezellig bijkletsen en/of kennis maken met nieuwe mensen
Whether you know people alreay or new to Houston, just visiting or it's just your first time, everyone is more than welcome.
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If you don't speak Dutch but are related to the Dutch/Belgians or are a fan of Sinterklaas, feel welcome.
Everyone speaks English anyway, right?
Borreltijd
Besides all the sweets we have typical Dutch and Belgium treats, like bitterballen, frietjes and poffertjes, and many more savory treats.
Mr. Heinken sponsors the event as well, so if you feel like it, enjoy a nice cool beer.
Arrival of Sinterklaas
Please come around 1:30. Around 2 PM Sinterklaas is expected to arrive. Let's all welcome him.
Do you remember the songs? Did you make a drawing to give him?
Let's sing loud, so they'll hear us and knows where to go!
Poppenkast
Puppet theater to watch and enjoy or try it yourself? Don't miss it. Check what time the show will start.
Sinterklaas is for Dutch and Belgian kids alike
Who doesn't like a good time and good food and drinks? Good old fashioned "gezelligheid"?
Sponsors & Donations
Do you want to help? Volunteer?
Sponsors and extra donations make this event extra good while keeping it affordable for the guests.
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Do you or does your company want to sponsor? Feel free to contact us any time: SinterklaasInHouston@gmail.com
The Sinterklaas 2025 event!
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It takes a village to organize an event like this. We truly appreciate all the help and support from the volunteers and sponsors.
Thank You
​​​The 2025 Sinterklaas In Houston organization:
Lisette van den Berg, Louise Eekhof, Nathalie Cras Delwaide,
Floor Bondam, Wendy Knippenberg, Esther den Ouden,
Inge Elmendorp, and Diana Mulder
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The Dutch Heritage and Culture Foundation
​Our loyal sponsors who already acknowledge their support for this event:
TecLogistics, Heineken, Holland Club, The Dutch Spoon,
Dutch Consulate Houston, Hanneke en Jan van Onzen,
Radial Drilling Services, ALLTEC Lifting Systems, Hatenboer Water,
Jumbo Offshore, Mammoet, Boskalis, Atlas NextWave
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you have questions about this event, send an email to sinterklaasinhouston@gmail.com
