Planning a Sinterklaas company party for employees’ children? Start with the date, the number of children and their ages. Then arrange the venue, Sinterklaas, presents and a programme that fits your group. These eight tips help you make it an enjoyable afternoon for parents too.
For the musical part, take a look at the Sinterklaas disco for companies. This service page is in Dutch.
1. Choose a date that works for families
Ask colleagues which afternoon is practical. A Wednesday or Friday can work alongside weekend options, but check school hours and travel time. Confirm the venue, Sinterklaas and entertainment before sending invitations. Ask for children’s ages and set a registration deadline.
2. Give Sinterklaas a friendly briefing
Share the schedule, name pronunciations and cheerful stories parents want to contribute. Children do not have to speak or sit on anyone’s lap. Appoint one colleague to welcome Sinterklaas and signal when the programme can start.
3. Make room for different ages
Alternate watching, singing and moving. Let young children stay with a parent and provide a quiet corner. Waving from a seat counts as joining in. Invite families for photos in small groups to avoid one long queue.
4. Keep presents organised
Use one gift list and label every parcel clearly. Check duplicate first names. For a larger group, coloured cards can guide families to matching gift tables. Agree who sets out and hands over the presents.
5. Open presents together
Once everyone has a gift, count down together. Allow time to look at the presents and show them to others. Follow with a short break for drinks and the toilet before the music starts again.
6. Keep a few spare gifts
A late registration or missing name can happen. Choose spares for the ages you expect and keep blank labels and a pen nearby. Also decide where coats go and who clears the wrapping paper.
7. Share a simple running order
Write down arrivals, Sinterklaas’s entrance and who guides each transition. Share the same version with the venue, Sinterklaas and DJ.
Example: a two-hour afternoon
- 14:00: welcome families and offer drinks.
- 14:15: dancing and singing before Sinterklaas arrives.
- 14:45: welcome Sinterklaas for a shared moment.
- 15:15: distribute and open presents, followed by a short break.
- 15:35: photos and a cheerful disco finale.
- 16:00: time to head home.
This is a planning example, not a fixed show package. Adapt it to ages, numbers and your arrangements with Sinterklaas. Large groups need more time for photos and presents.
8. Fit entertainment around Sinterklaas’s visit
Already booked your own Sinterklaas? My disco can fit before or after his visit. Tell me what you have arranged and where you need help. We can agree when the children dance and when the attention turns to Sinterklaas. The Blijwin® Sinterklaas show includes music, light and sound.
Preparation checklist: what happens when?
Use these steps as a guide and adjust them to your timetable.
- When choosing the date: appoint an organiser, agree a budget and check availability with suppliers. Invite families once bookings are confirmed.
- At registration: collect adult and child numbers, ages and dietary needs. Explain whether parents must stay throughout.
- After registration closes: check names and gifts, divide tasks and confirm timings.
- During the final week: share one final schedule with phone numbers, arrival times, gift arrangements and finishing time. Confirm who opens the venue and where suppliers unload.
- On the day: prepare labels and presents, test the sound and walk through arrivals and transitions before families arrive.
How much does a company Sinterklaas party cost?
There is no single price for every company. Budget separately for the venue, Sinterklaas and any helpers, entertainment, gifts, food and drinks. Check what quotes include and whether travel, parking or additional time costs extra.
Count gifts per child and refreshments for everyone, including parents. Leave a small reserve for extra registrations. Compare proposals for the same group size, duration and services.
Who does what?
Assign four tasks: registrations and the gift list, welcoming families, contact with Sinterklaas and the DJ, and refreshments. One person can take several roles in a small team. Keep someone available for questions during the show.
What music works well?
Mix familiar Sinterklaas songs with cheerful children’s music. Keep the entrance relaxed, the disco lively and the volume lower while Sinterklaas speaks. My Sinterklaas music tips are available in Dutch.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the party last?
The example lasts two hours. Shorten it for a young group or allow more time for gifts and photos with a large group.
Can we book the disco if we already have Sinterklaas?
Yes. Tell me when he arrives and whether you want music before or after his visit.
What details do you need for a proposal?
Share the date, location, expected child numbers and ages, whether Sinterklaas is already booked and the part of the afternoon you would like me to provide.
Shall we plan your afternoon?
I can help with the music and programme coordination. Ask about availability and tell me your date, venue and number of children. We can work out what suits your afternoon.
