Cancelled for 2024

Rhinebeck, New York

Sinterklaas Festival Day

Cancelled for 2024 but you can Help Keep the Light on sinterklaashudsonvalley

Rhinebeck, New York

"...just a smile away from Whoville with a hint of It's a Wonderful Life."

—Huffington Post

Gallery

Highlights from Sinterklaas in Rhinebeck, New York

The Seven Sisters — stars from the cosmos — preceded by their Little Sister Stars. (photo: Doug Baz)
The Hummingbird is introduced at the Opening Ceremony. The Hummingbird was the 2014 Honored Animal. (photo: Doug Baz)
The newest addition to the Sinterklaas cast of characters arrives at the Opening Ceremony coaxed along by his trusty trainer and his music side kick! (photo: Doug Baz)
The Polar bear is a little bit shy but when he is sung to… (photo: Doug Baz)
…he dances! (photo: Doug Baz)
All afternoon families filled the Liberty Lounge and were transported as they watched tiny puppet shows performed by Amy Tompetter, Great Small Works, Modern Times Theater and Chinese Theater Works. (photo: Doug Baz)
Wire walking AND Fire Juggling at the same time!
Opening Ceremony includes storytelling that sets the intention for the day. (photo: Doug Baz)
The Beekman Arms not only hosted events all day, they displayed the beautiful illuminated Sinterklaas pop-up book. (photo: Doug Baz)
All around town, all afternoon long, inside and outside there is much to do and see! (photo: Doug Baz)
Jenny Saturn Big Hula Hoop show presented by the Bindlesstiff Family Cirkus at Upstate Films. (photo: Doug Baz)
The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus spins plates among other exciting acts during their performances at Upstate Films. (photo: Doug Baz)
The Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra filled the space with an explosion of color and sound! (photo: Doug Baz)
Raspberry Hill Fiddlers. (photo: Doug Baz)
Robert Sabuda demonstrated the art of pop-up books at Oblong Books. (photo: Doug Baz)
Sinterklaas' horse greets a child during the Parade.
St. George encounters the Dragon!
The Hummingbird, this year's honored animal, towers above all in a flight of joy and beauty. (photo: Doug Baz)
The Kukeri, a pan-European folk tradition new to Sinterklaas this year, dance and ring bells to scare away any evil spirits that may come in the dark of winter. (photo: Doug Baz)
From the Mexican Tradition--the Chinelos dance and swirl.
The Pocket Lady unveils the first pockets of the year!
the Pokingbrook Morris Team does a traditional Medieval Dance
The Grumpus perform on the Pageant Stage
The Pageant the follows the parade tells the Sinterklaas Story and honors the children with a Star Ceremony. We see and learn more about all the members of the parade, too. (photo: Doug Baz)
At the Havdalah
A child makes her Crown and Branch in the Workshop at the Firehouse on the day of Sinterklaas
The Sinterklaas Grumpses perform their last dance of the day. (photo: Doug Baz)
After the the Blessing of the Hummingbird and after the Star Ceremony, the day closes as the Peace Dove, filed with our wishes, passes by and we sing an ancient song that connects us all. (photo: Doug Baz)
The Storytelling house and Mother Holly.
From the St. George and the Dragon play!
Father Winter in the Parade!
On stage--the Ancient Spirits are called forth by Didgeridoo player Thomas Workman.
The Twin Serpents--Lux and Lumina perform in the Parade!
A the Toy Theater Festival!
A Toy theater Festival happens all day at Liberty!
In the Parade!
Wonderful things happen all day outside as folks walk from place to place!

Coming soon: more photos of

The workshops
Crowns and branches
Sinterklaas Kingston
Sinterklaas Rhinebeck
The best of the Grumpii
The Parade and Pageant
Behind the scenes

Video

This one: the Polar Bear joins the Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra at the After-Party.

Buy A Star

Feed A Family

Our stars feed both the soul and the body!

Scavenger Hunt

Help the and find her colony!

Start the Hunt!

Parking Spot Raffle

We all know how hard it is to park on Sinterklaas Day. Here is a chance to win your very own parking spot for December 2nd — all day and evening.

With Gratitude

This project is made possible, in part, through funding from Dutchess Tourism, Inc. and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.

It's A Great Show!

Sinterklaas brings over 350 musicians, actors, magicians and other magical performers to town to entertain you!

Meet Some of the Performers