Organising a Sinterklaas party at school, an after-school club or home? Start with the length of the celebration, Sinterklaas's arrival and a few moments for children to move. A simple plan leaves more room to enjoy it together.
Your Sinterklaas party checklist
- Confirm the date, start time and finish time.
- Check the room, power supply and space for dancing.
- Match the length to the group. A short, familiar programme may suit younger children better.
- Prepare recognisable songs and a few dance favourites from the Sinterklaas playlist.
- Assign the welcome, music, supervision and contact with Sinterklaas.
- Check the present list and how gifts will be handed out.
- Choose a shared closing song and make pickup arrangements clear.
A sample 90-minute schedule
- 0–15 minutes: welcome the children, put coats away and settle in with music.
- 15–30 minutes: sing together or play a short dance game. One helper checks Sinterklaas's arrival.
- 30–50 minutes: welcome Sinterklaas and share a short conversation or a rehearsed song.
- 50–70 minutes: give out presents in small groups. Other children do a quiet activity with a helper.
- 70–85 minutes: dance together and wave goodbye.
- 85–90 minutes: gather belongings and follow the agreed pickup plan.
This is a planning example for the whole event, not a fixed show duration. If every child has an individual moment with Sinterklaas, add up that time first. Allow more gift time or shorten another activity if necessary.
Share four responsibilities
Choose someone to coordinate, someone to welcome Sinterklaas, someone to operate the music and someone to supervise the children. Also agree who parents can contact. Put names and phone numbers on the schedule.
Check dietary requirements and arrange a quiet place for children who want a break. Have an indoor alternative if you start outside.
School, after-school club or home?
At school, plan clear transitions between larger groups. At an after-school club, account for mixed ages and different pickup times. At home, a short programme with familiar songs can be enough. Long speeches rarely leave much time for playing!
For a company event, see the separate Sinterklaas company party tips. For the dance sections, use the games in planning a Pietendisco.
Would you like help with the music and dancing?
The Sinterklaas disco combines music and entertainment. Send the date, location, ages and group size via WhatsApp. I will gladly help you think through a suitable programme.
