Sinterklaas intocht 2026: national arrival in Grave

The national Sinterklaas intocht takes place on Saturday 14 November 2026 in Grave, a historic town on the river Maas in the municipality of Land van Cuijk, Noord-Brabant. Broadcaster NTR, which produces the event, announced the host town on 24 February 2026, and the municipality has confirmed the date. The arrival is broadcast live on NPO Zapp from 12:00.

Why it matters

The televised arrival marks the official start of the Sinterklaas season, and the host town changes every year. This edition is the first national intocht in a Brabant municipality in 26 years. In the storyline told by NTR and the municipality, a message in a bottle from Sinterklaas washed ashore at Grave, and the municipality points to the town’s historic character and waterside location as reasons the choice fits.

Programme highlights

Officially confirmed so far: Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat on the Maas and is welcomed in Grave’s old town centre. The exact route, quay and timings have not yet been published by the organisers and the municipality.

For families following along at home, Het Sinterklaasjournaal returns on Monday 9 November 2026, daily at 18:00, and runs until 5 December. Merel Westrik presents both the journaal and the intocht broadcast, with Stephanie van Eer and Jeroen Kramer reporting.

Practical information

The municipality of Land van Cuijk expects large crowds and has stated that road closures and diversions will apply in and around Grave on the day. Details follow later via gemeentelandvancuijk.nl, so check there closer to 14 November before travelling.

The national arrival is only the start: towns and villages across the country hold their own local intocht on or shortly after 14 November. Local dates and locations are announced by each municipality.

Common questions

When and where is the national Sinterklaas arrival in 2026?

On Saturday 14 November 2026 in Grave, in the municipality of Land van Cuijk, Noord-Brabant.

How can I watch it?

NTR broadcasts the arrival live on NPO Zapp from 12:00. Het Sinterklaasjournaal, the daily programme that carries the storyline, starts on Monday 9 November at 18:00.

Why was Grave chosen?

In the official storyline, a message in a bottle from Sinterklaas washed ashore at Grave. The municipality also cites the town’s historic character and its location on the water.

Is the route through Grave known yet?

No. The municipality and organisers will publish the route, arrival point and timings later; road closures and diversions have already been announced in general terms.

Does my own town have an arrival too?

Municipalities across the country hold local intocht events on or shortly after the national arrival; dates come from each municipality.