Sinterklaas Parade in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

A month before Christmas, yet still in November, the Dutch Santa Claus, called Sinterklaas, comes to Amsterdam. He announces his arrival by travelling by boat along the Berlagebrug, Nieuwe Herengracht and Schippersgracht canals. The theatrical arrival of the city’s winter guest is always a popular sight, and is followed by the solemn procession of Sinterklaas around the city, surrounded by his fairy-tale assistants and musicians.