Sinterklaas Festival in Rhinebeck

As of July 15, event organizers have announced that Stinterklaas has been canceled for December 2024. DTI will announce updates should details change.

Bundle up the kids in their coats and earmuffs and get ready for a magical event unlike any other. Steeped in centuries-old traditions that were brought to the Hudson Valley by the Dutch settlers in the 1600s, the Sinterklaas Festival in Rhinebeck is a magical, day-long celebration of the community's children.

The kids become royalty for a day at the magical Sinterklaas celebration, which celebrates the centuries-old Dutch character Sinterklaas (the precursor to Santa Claus in North America) and is rooted in the Hudson Valley’s rich heritage as a Dutch colony. This year’s festivities in Rhinebeck will once again include plenty of children’s workshops and thrilling performances all throughout the Village of Rhinebeck. The day’s festivities culminate at dusk with the Children’s Starlight Parade, which is led by Sinterklaas himself riding his trusty white steed. The parade marches into the center of the village and is followed by the Sinterklaas Pageant and the Illuminated Star Ceremony in honor of all the children. A special wish for peace brings the event to a close. For complete details, click here.

Related: Experience the Magic of Sinterklaas in Dutchess

Attached photo by Doug Baz courtesy of Jeanne Fleming.