Sinterklaas was due to arrive at events across North Holland on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November. Saturday’s arrivals, including those in Alkmaar, Zaandam and Hoorn, were expected to take place in dry weather, with occasional sunshine and temperatures of 9 to 10 degrees. Local fog was possible in the morning but was expected to clear. Sunday could bring more cloud and rain later in the day, including at events in Volendam, Amsterdam and other towns.

In Haarlem, the foundation’s ship could not sail because a bridge was broken, so Sinterklaas was to walk from Coldenhove to the Grote Markt. In Amsterdam, he was due to arrive by steamboat at De Omval and continue by horse from the Stopera to the Waterlooplein; the arrival was to be broadcast live. Further arrivals were also planned for the following weekend, including in Heiloo and Heerhugowaard.