Sinterklaas arrival 2026 in Grave — how to go alone
The Netherlands' national Sinterklaas arrival (landelijke intocht) is in Grave on Saturday 14 November 2026. This page gives what the municipality has published so far, says plainly what it has not, and adds a few ideas for going on your own.
Also in: Nederlands · Last checked 27 Oct 2026.
When and where
- Date Saturday 14 November 2026
- Time 12:00 to 16:00; the steamboat is due around 12:00
- Place Boat at the Maaskade; procession through the centre to the Markt
- On TV Live on NPO Zapp (NPO 3)
Getting there and parking
Municipality of Land van Cuijk, news of 23 Oct 2026, and its access page. Details may change, so re-check before you go.
- Advice: come by public transport or bicycle. The municipality still expects many visitors by car, from all over the country.
- Parking outside the centre: about 1,000 spaces at the grass field by tennis club THOS, about 450 around Merlet College and Laco, about 400 at the Essinklaan field and about 2,250 on Generaal de Bonsweg (meadow opposite the barracks). Shuttle buses run from the farther car parks to the centre; times were not published when we checked.
- Roads: the Sint Elisabethstraat (N321) between the Estersveldlaan and the N324 is closed to through traffic on 14 November. Streets in the centre are closed step by step from 9 November, and on the day the closures run 9:00 to 15:00. The waterway is closed 11:00 to 15:00.
- Centre car parks: P-Lunette, P-Poternen, P-Markt/Hoofdwagt, P-Gasthuisstraat, P-Bekaf (part), P-Arsenaal and P-Museumpark are unavailable from between 9 and 12 November until Sunday 15 November. Follow the signed parking route.
- Crowds: expect the busiest moments in the morning and right after the procession. The municipality says to leave early and allow extra time.
Source: Official: access (bereikbaarheid) · Official: news of 23 Oct
Not published yet
When we checked, the municipality's visitor page listed these as coming soon: the best places along the route, toilets and first-aid posts, bicycle parking, and shuttle and parking details. It does not state whether entry is free, so we do not claim it. Check the official pages again in the week before.
Source: Official: visitors
Wheelchair users
There is a viewing area for wheelchair users and people with adapted buggies. Each person may bring one companion, places are limited and you apply through a form on the visitor page. Support for visually or hearing-impaired children was still being arranged.
What to bring
Warm clothes, and a raincoat rather than an umbrella so everyone can see. The municipality adds that a little wind or rain will not stop Sinterklaas.
How to go alone
- Arrive early. The arrival runs 12:00 to 16:00 and the centre is closed to traffic from the morning. Being early gets you a place to stand.
- Go by bike or train. It is the official advice, and it spares you the car parks and the shuttle queue on the way out.
- Pick an exit before the crowd forms. The busiest time is right after the procession. Decide where you will walk, and keep your phone charged.
- Want company? Agree a named meeting point, not "near the stage". The Meet & Mint app shows events and people near you on one map, with a chat for each event.
Other towns
Many towns hold their own arrival on other dates. We only list what an official municipal page confirms, and we have not verified those, so look at your own municipality's site. Belgium is not covered on this page.
Questions
When is the national Sinterklaas arrival 2026?
Saturday 14 November 2026 in Grave, 12:00 to 16:00, according to the municipality of Land van Cuijk.
Where in Grave?
The boat arrives at the Maaskade and the procession goes through the centre to the Markt.
Can I watch on TV?
Yes. The municipality says it is broadcast live on NPO Zapp.
Should I drive?
The municipality asks visitors to use public transport or a bicycle. If you drive, use the signed car parks outside the centre; centre car parks are unavailable.