The Netherlands: Sinterklaas and his white horse

In the Netherlands, the Christmas season begins much earlier than in most countries – in mid-November, when Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) arrives from Spain. According to Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas rides a magnificent white or grey horse named Amerigo (though some say his name is Ozosnel or Schimmel). This horse isn’t just any horse – he’s said to be able to walk across rooftops to help Sinterklaas deliver presents!

The arrival of Sinterklaas, called the Sinterklaas Intocht, is a massive celebration in Dutch towns and cities. Sinterklaas rides through the streets on his white horse, waving to children and throwing pepernoten (small spiced cookies) to the crowds. The horse is always beautifully groomed and decorated, often wearing a special red or purple blanket with gold trim. The care and presentation of Sinterklaas’s horse is taken very seriously – he needs to look magnificent and regal, befitting his important role.

Dutch children leave out carrots, hay, and water for Sinterklaas’s horse on the night of December 5th (Sinterklaas Eve). They put these treats in their shoes, which they place by the fireplace or front door. In the morning, if they’ve been good, they find the carrots and hay have been eaten by the horse, and their shoes are filled with presents and sweets. Many Dutch families make special cookies in the shape of horses as a tribute to Sinterklaas’s faithful companion.

In recent years, many Dutch communities have started using multiple horses for Sinterklaas events to ensure no single horse is overworked. The horses rotate duties, and each horse has a team of caretakers who monitor its well-being throughout the busy season. This shift reflects growing awareness about animal welfare while maintaining the cherished traditions that make Dutch Christmas so special.