Sinterklaas celebrations in Belgium: A time for joy, gifts and smart storage solutions

As December 6th approaches, Belgian families prepare for one of the year's most beloved traditions — the arrival of Sinterklaas. Streets come alive with parades, homes fill with the smell of stuffed turkey in the oven, and children eagerly await the good saint’s annual visit.  

Yet as every family knows, this cherished celebration comes with its share of practical challenges. As seasonal decorations and holiday supplies pile up at home, space becomes a bit of an issue. The good news is that your celebrations don’t have to derail your order at home.  

In this blog we take a look at how smart storage solutions can help you stay organised and calm during the festive rush.  

Sinterklaas traditions: A joyful prelude to December  

The legend of Sinterklaas begins with the enchanting tale of his grand steamship appearing on the horizon, signaling the start of the festive season.  

According to tradition, the beloved saint and his helpers travel through towns and cities, gliding along waterways by boat or riding through cobblestone streets on horseback, spreading joy and excitement.   

By December 4th, the anticipation in homes reaches its zenith. Children, following age-old customs, place their shoes by fireplaces or radiators, often filling them with letters and carrots for Sinterklaas’s horse. Kitchens come alive with the scent of freshly baked treats, while chocolate letters and marzipan figures evoke the magic of this cherished story.   

6 Special Sinterklaas traditions to try  

Sinterklaas is more than just gifts and sweets; it’s about bringing loved ones together through meaningful traditions. Whether you’re new to the celebration or looking to enhance your festivities, here are some special Sinterklaas traditions to try this year:   

1. Leave shoes out for Sinterklaas   

One of the most beloved customs is placing shoes near the fireplace (or a modern substitute like the radiator) for Sinterklaas to fill with treats. Children often include a drawing, a wish list, or even a carrot for Sinterklaas’s horse, hoping to find chocolate, small gifts or speculoos in return.   

Make It Special: Organise a family shoe-decorating session where kids can personalise their shoes for the occasion.   

2. Bake Speculoos together  

Nothing says Sinterklaas like the warm, spicy aroma of speculoos cookies. Gather the family to bake these traditional treats.   

Pro Tip: Store your holiday baking supplies and equipment in a dedicated bin.   

3. Read Sinterklaas stories 

Relive the magic of Sinterklaas by reading classic tales about the saint’s adventures. These stories are a wonderful way to introduce children to the history and meaning behind the tradition.   

Modern Twist: Create a homely reading corner with blankets, fairy lights, and holiday decor for an immersive storytelling experience.   

4. Host a Sinterklaas-themed party  

Why not invite friends and family over for a Sinterklaas party? Include games like gift exchanges, treasure hunts, or crafting sessions to keep everyone entertained. 

Don’t forget to serve traditional snacks like marzipan, chocolate coins, and Pepernoten!   

Space Saver Tip: Store party supplies and extra seating in a Storo storage unit to keep your home tidy during and after the celebrations.   

5. Organise a surprise gift swap 

One of the most creative Sinterklaas traditions is the “surprises” gift exchange. Participants draw names and prepare thoughtful, often humorous, gifts wrapped in elaborate, handmade disguises. These are accompanied by witty poems teasing the recipient.   

Family Fun: Dedicate an evening to crafting surprise packages together — just don’t give away who you’re gifting to!   

6. Watch Sinterklaas parades and events 

Many towns and cities in Belgium host Sinterklaas arrivals or parades in late November or early December. These events, complete with music, costumes, and plenty of sweets, are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.   

Capture the Moment: Don’t forget to take photos and videos so that you can treasure the memories forever. Consider creating a digital scrapbook to look back on each year’s celebrations.   

By incorporating these traditions into your festivities, you’ll create lasting memories for your family while keeping the spirit of Sinterklaas alive.  

Declutter your home with self storage during the holidays  

Holiday preparations can turn any space into chaos, especially when decorations, party supplies, and gifts start piling up. Instead of cramming everything into your attic or garage, why not make the season more enjoyable with a self storage unit in Groot-Bijgaarden?   

At Storo, our storage facilities are designed to give you the extra space you need without the stress. Here’s how you can benefit from renting a storage unit:  

Organised holiday decor storage 

From Sinterklaas-themed banners to elaborate Christmas tree ornaments, decorations can take up a surprising amount of space. By storing them in labelled boxes in a unit, you’ll keep them organised and damage-free.   

Hide your gifts with ease 

If you’ve started shopping early for the holiday rush, don’t let your living room turn into a storage depot. A secure storage unit ensures your gifts stay hidden and undamaged until you’re ready to wrap them up.   

Seasonal overflow solutions 

Schools, clubs and community groups often have large costumes, props, and decorations that are only used during the holiday season. Instead of letting them take up valuable space all year, rent a small storage unit to keep everything safe and in pristine condition.   

One of the best parts of the Sinterklaas season is spending quality time with loved ones. A clutter-free home can make this experience even more special. By temporarily moving items you don’t need to Storo Self Storage, you’ll create a welcoming space for guests and holiday fun.   

Plus, after the holidays, your storage unit will still come in handy for keeping seasonal items out of sight until next year.   

Why choose Storo self storage for your holiday needs? 

 

As the season gets busier, having a convenient and reliable storage solution is essential. Here’s why Storo is your ideal choice:   

• Affordable rates: New customers get their first month for just €1 when you rent for a minimum of 3 months.   

• 24/7 access: Need to grab something in a pinch? No problem. Just use your Storo app and code to access your unit anytime.  

• Secure facilities: Our advanced security ensures your items are safe. We offer 24/7 camera surveillance, and each unit is separately equipped with an alarm. 

• Flexible sizes: From small units for decor to larger spaces for bulkier items, we’ve got you covered.   

Reserve your holiday storage today  

With Sinterklaas right around the corner and Christmas following soon after, now’s the time to make your storage plans. At Storo, we’re here to help you enjoy a stress-free, clutter-free holiday season.   

Let’s make this Sinterklaas season unforgettable — without the mess. Trust Storo Self Storage to take care of your extra belongings, so you can focus on what matters most: creating cherished memories with family and friends.