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Event Details
Welcome to the Intrede van Sinterklaas 2026 in Aarschot
On Saturday 22 November 2026, Sinterklaas and his Pieten visit Aarschot and open the pre-Christmas Sinterklaas season in the Hageland region. Organised by vzw Fundays together with the City of Aarschot, the route stops in several districts in the morning and culminates in a big celebration on the Grote Markt in the afternoon. Admission is free.
Highlights & Attractions at Intrede van Sinterklaas in Aarschot
- Traditional arrival of Sinterklaas and the Pieten – a key family ritual in Belgium and the Netherlands before 5/6 December.
- Morning stops in the districts: Gijmel (08:40, Our Lady of Fatima church), Ourodenberg (09:00), Langdorp (10:00), Rillaar (10:30, Parking Den Akker) and Gelrode (11:10).
- Afternoon Sinterklaas festival on the Grote Markt in Aarschot from 14:00 to 17:30.
- Music, dancing, sweets and the chance to meet Sinterklaas and share wishes.
- Free for all ages – ideal for families with young children.
- Organised by vzw Fundays and the City of Aarschot, firmly rooted in the local Hageland community.
- Clear day structure: morning stops in the outlying areas, central gathering on the main square in the afternoon.
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Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The day starts early in the districts. From 08:40, families welcome Sinterklaas and the Pieten in turn in Gijmel, Ourodenberg, Langdorp, Rillaar and Gelrode. In the afternoon the main Intrede takes place on the Grote Markt: from 14:00 to 17:30 Sinterklaas and the Pieten are present for a festive programme with music, dancing and treats; children can meet the Saint and share their wishes. Exact intermediate times and any last-minute changes are published by the City of Aarschot and Fundays closer to the date – check aarschot.be and the organisers’ channels for updates.
Tickets & Admission for Intrede van Sinterklaas Aarschot
The Intrede van Sinterklaas in Aarschot is a public, free family event. No tickets are sold; admission is 0 euro. Separate paid Sinterklaas shows in cultural venues (for example CC Het Gasthuis) are not part of the free arrival on the Grote Markt. Official information: aarschot.be and fundaysaarschot.be.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Aarschot
- Getting there: Aarschot is well served by train (NMBS); the station is within walking distance of the centre. By car, use parking near the Grote Markt and the Demervallei area – arrive early on event days and follow local traffic advice.
- Weather and clothing: Mid to late November in Flanders is often cool, windy and wet. Warm layers, sturdy shoes and rain jackets for children and adults are recommended; most of the programme is outdoors.
- Where to stay: A same-day trip from Brussels, Leuven or Antwerp is realistic. Overnight visitors will find hotels and B&Bs in Aarschot and the wider Hageland; book early in the busy pre-Saint Nicholas period.
- With children: Arrive in good time for your district stop or for the Grote Markt from 14:00. Keep young children close; squares can get crowded. Photo and meeting slots with Sinterklaas are limited – patience helps.
- Stay updated: Programme details and any changes (weather, traffic) appear on the City of Aarschot website and via Fundays. ROBtv and local media also cover the arrival.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
