Great news! On Saturday 15 November 2025, Texel will be the shining centre of the national welcoming of Sinterklaas. The steamer will dock in the port of Oudeschild on that day, where the good saint will be festively welcomed.

First time in 40 years

It is for the second time and the first time in 40 years that Sinterklaas will arrive on a Wadden island; in 1984 it happened on Terschelling. Mayor Mark Pol of Texel is happy that his island gets to host this year. "We are proud to be hosting the national welcoming of Sinterklaas," he said. The entry of Sinterklaas gives us the opportunity to show what Texel excels at: extraordinary hospitality combined with amazing nature and lively villages. A celebration for the whole of the Netherlands and an invitation to all children and parents in the Netherlands to experience all that Texel has to offer. We are very much looking forward to it."

Sinterklaasjournaal and live report

Around the welcoming, Texel will play a prominent role in the popular Sinterklaasjournaal. The broadcasts start Monday 10 November and run through Friday 5 December. Like last year, Merel Westrik will present the TV programme and Stephanie van Eer will report on the quay during the entry. The NTR will broadcast the entry live on NPO Zapp (NPO 3) from 12:00.

Accommodations during the entry

Would you like to stay overnight on Texel during the national entry of Sinterklaas and experience the party from close by? Then don't wait too long and book your stay quickly!

More news