How to Write a Letter to Sinterklaas and Get a Reply
It’s November, Sinterklaas has arrived in The Netherlands and you (or your child) want to send him a letter… But how do you write a letter to Sinterklaas? What is his address? Will he read it and how can you make sure you get a reply? As someone who has written to Sinterklaas before I can answer those questions (first in a quick infographic and then in more detail below).
Want to know more? Here is a bit more detail…
What is Sinterklaas’ address?
While he is staying in the Netherlands all mail for Sinterklaas should be sent to:
Sinterklaashof
Postbus 368
5670 AJ Nuenen
I’ve also been told that an envelope with simply ‘Sinterklaas’ written on the front will reach him but I have not tested this out myself yet. However, considering the man can deliver thousands of presents to children all over the country in a single night intercepting incorrectly addressed mail is probably easy for him.
You’ll notice the address is for a postbus so don’t go hoping to find it on google maps and show up on his doorstep (as I was planning to do). I also don’t recommend walking around Nuenen calling out his name. You’ll get a few odd looks.
What should I send to Sinterklaas?
Anything you want. You could send him a well wishing message, a picture, a list of demands gift ideas. Just remember to be polite. You don’t want to unintentionally end up in the naughty section of his book.
How can I send a letter to Sinterklaas and get a reply?
There are a few extra but simple steps to take if you want to be sure you’ll get a reply from The Sint:
- Be sure your letter reaches Sinterklaas before November 28th. That way you will get your reply before Pakjesavond on December 5th.
- Write your name and address clearly on the back of the envelope. I would also recommend writing them in the letter itself too, just to be safe.
- Attach an extra stamp on the front of the envelope.This will be used by PostNL to pay for the reply.
How long does it take to get a reply from Sinterklaas?
In my experience it takes about a week. So really do be sure that your letter arrives before November 28th at the latest (earlier is better).
What does a reply from Sinterklaas look like?
The reply comes in a special Sinterklaas envelope. The extra stamp you included with your letter will have been exchanged for an exclusive Sinterklaas stamp too (which is excellent for stamp collectors).
In the envelope you’ll get a letter from Sinterklaas. You might also get an extra note from the Writing Piet (who in my case let me politely know that he knew I was not the young child I might have portrayed myself to be). On the back of the reply I received there was also a children’s activity page with puzzles, colouring-in, etc. It might look a little different now considering my correspondence with Sinterklaas was in 2012 but I’m sure it’ll still be just as cool.
Now that you know everything you need to know to send Sinterklaas a letter get writing.
If you’d like to find out more about the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas check out: Sinterklaas vs. Santa – Eight Humorous Differences.
