Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, is the Dutch counterpart to Santa Claus (and in fact, predates the Westernized Santa). Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands in November, generally by steamer, and celebrates his birthday on December 5th by giving presents to all children. Sinterklaas' traditional attire, while still emphasizing the beard and red colors, more closely resembles a clergyman, tying into his "Saint" title and roots in the Catholoc tradition.

Sinterklaas has figured prominently in many Sesamstraat productions, often accompanied by his helper, Black Pete (who in current Sinterklaas lore, is one of many, akin to Santa's elves). In Sesamstraat: Bert en Ernie: Hoor Wie Klopt Daar Kinderen, Bert and Ernie, along with a nervous Grover anxiously await his arrival. He also visits Sesamstraat on television on December 5, portrayed by Bram van der Vlugt, the official Sinterklaas who, in accordance with an agreement by the various Dutch television networks, plays the jolly saint in every television appearance. Two of these episodes have been released on the DVD Sesamstraat: Sinterklaas Bezoekt Sesamstraat.