What you need for a Sinterklaas market

A Sinterklaas market needs more than treats and decorations. You will need practical supplies for stalls, hot drinks, food service, payments, clear signage and safe visitor flow. Plan quantities around your expected attendance, the number of vendors and the market’s opening hours. This guide helps you check what must be bought, borrowed or collected before setup day, including items that are often left until the last minute.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Party tentsqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 18
Folding chairsqty 50
Tableclothsqty 18
Crowd control barriersqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 200
Reusable cutleryqty 200
Serving traysqty 10

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Hot water boilersqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 5
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 10

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 10
Cash registersqty 3
Cash boxesqty 3

Decorations

Sinterklaas bannerqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Artificial pine branchesqty 20
Signage boardsqty 12
Table signsqty 20
Name stickersqty 100

Activities

Craft tablesqty 4
Colored pencilsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Children's apronsqty 20
Children's scissors setsqty 10
Craft matsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Washing-up basinsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cocoa powder - 2 kilos
- Whipped cream - 12 cans
- Spa Blue - 8 trays
- Spa Rood - 4 trays
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Hot chocolate - 15 liter
- Tomato soup - 10 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Soup sticks - 10 packs
- Bake-at-home rolls - 180 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Semi-aged cheese - 4 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Strawberry jam - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Pepernoten - 8 kilos
- Spiced biscuits - 5 packs
- Chocolate letters - 100 pieces
- Mandarins - 10 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Gluten-free cookies - 6 packs
- Vegan cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 5 rolls
- Trash bags for large bins - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 3 boxes
- Coloring pages - 250 pieces
- Craft paper - 10 packs
- Glue sticks - 30 pieces
- Stickers - 20 sheets

Tips

Plan one serving station for every 100 to 150 visitors per hour. Allow extra reusable cups, plates and cutlery for peak periods so queues do not stop when items need washing.
Arrange power equipment at least 7 days before the market. Count every coffee machine and hot water boiler, then match them with extension cords, power strips and cable mats before vendors arrive.
Prepare packaged kruidnoten and gift bags 2 to 3 days ahead. Keep a small reserve of at least 10% so late arrivals, volunteers and damaged packages are covered.
Set aside one cash box per payment point and withdraw petty cash no later than the day before. Use visible table signs and signage boards so visitors can find stalls, food and the exit without asking volunteers.
Check tents, tables, chairs and barriers during setup, not when the market opens. Leave at least 60 minutes for positioning stalls, securing cables and keeping the visitor route clear.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a Sinterklaas market?: For the first hour, plan on 2 to 3 drinks per visitor if the market is mainly social, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Add at least 10% extra portions of snacks and drinks for volunteers, performers and unexpected visitors.
How many reusable cups should I buy for a Sinterklaas market?: Allow 1.5 to 2 cups per expected visitor when you have a washing or collection system. For 200 visitors, prepare 300 to 400 cups, plus a separate supply for vendors and volunteers.
When should I arrange the market stalls and tents?: Confirm the required number of stalls and tents at least 2 weeks before the market. Complete physical setup at least 60 minutes before opening so tables, barriers, signs and cables can be checked safely.
What should I prepare for hot drinks at a Sinterklaas market?: Use one coffee machine or hot water boiler for each busy serving point, with thermos flasks for holding prepared drinks. Test all equipment and power connections at least 1 day before the market, and keep coolers ready for cold drinks.

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