What you need for a Sinterklaas parade

A Sinterklaas parade needs more than costumes, music and sweets. You also need supplies to mark the route, manage crowds, keep volunteers connected and run a simple arrival point. This shopping list covers the practical items people often remember too late, including spare power, lighting, signage and storage. Check quantities against your route length, expected attendance and number of volunteers before you buy or collect anything.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 40
Dressing tablesqty 2
Clothes racksqty 2
Coat racksqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Wooden cratesqty 6

Equipment

Battery speakerqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable walkie-talkiesqty 10
Power banksqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4
Phone chargersqty 6

Traffic equipment

Traffic barriersqty 24
Traffic conesqty 30
Crowd barriersqty 12
Traffic marshal vestsqty 10
Barrier tapeqty 6
Route arrowsqty 20
Information boardsqty 8
No parking signsqty 10

Decorations

Sinterklaas flagsqty 20
Pieten balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 4
Buntingqty 12
Red, white and gold tableclothsqty 10
Sinterklaas postersqty 12
Artificial chimneysqty 2
Light netsqty 4
Adhesive hooksqty 40
Cable tiesqty 200
Duct tapeqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 150
Paper platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Teaspoonsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Ice packsqty 20
Food containersqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 3
Cling filmqty 3
Paper towel holdersqty 3

Sinterklaas materials

Sinterklaas mitresqty 2
Pieten hatsqty 12
Pieten collarsqty 12
Pieten glovesqty 12
Piet wigsqty 12
Piet costumesqty 12
Sinterklaas cloak
Sinterklaas beard
Sinterklaas staff
Golden staff
Gift bagsqty 20
Gift boxesqty 120
Sinterklaas book

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Children's wristbandsqty 200
Safety vestsqty 20
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Hand warmersqty 40

Office

Clipboardsqty 10
Pensqty 30
Printer paperqty 2
Tapeqty 6
Writing foldersqty 10
Route mapsqty 30
Volunteer badgesqty 40
Name stickersqty 100

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Trash bag holdersqty 8
Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Hand sanitizerqty 6
Toilet paper holdersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 8 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Plant-based milk - 4 liters
- Cocoa powder - 2 packs
- Whipped cream - 12 cans
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Blackcurrant syrup - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Hot chocolate - 10 liter
- Mulled wine - 8 liters
- Non-alcoholic mulled wine - 4 liters
- Spiced biscuits - 20 kilos
- Stuffed speculaas - 8 pieces
- Spiced cookies - 8 packs
- Pepernoten - 10 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Cheese crackers - 6 packs
- Savory snacks - 6 packs
- Mini sausages - 6 kilo
- Cheese cubes - 5 kilos
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Multigrain bread - 6 loaves
- Mini wraps - 8 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 12 tubs
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Olives - 3 jars
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Allergy-free cookies - 8 packs
- Vegan kruidnoten - 4 kilo
- Gluten-free spiced cookies - 3 kilos
- Sinterklaas stickers - 10 sheets
- Chocolate coins - 500 pieces
- Mandarin bags - 200 pieces
- Candy bags - 250 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Recycling trash bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Food storage bags - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Lemon slices - 4 nets
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Star anise - 2 bags
- Cloves - 2 jars
- Oranges - 5 kilos
- Cane sugar - 2 kilo

Tips

Plan one route sign or arrow for every visible change of direction, plus a few information boards at the arrival point. Pack spare signs and barrier tape because decorations and paper notices can be moved or damaged during the parade.
Give each traffic marshal a high-visibility vest and a way to communicate. Test the rechargeable walkie-talkies before the event, and keep at least two charged power banks available for phones used by coordinators.
Bring a battery speaker, wireless microphones and a megaphone rather than relying on one sound source. Charge every device the night before and pack extension cords, power strips and phone chargers for the arrival area.
Prepare separate crates or tables for gifts, treats, badges and wristbands. Sorting these before the parade prevents a queue at the handout point and keeps food, costumes and paperwork from being mixed together.
Set aside a weather backup area with party tents, folding chairs, coat racks and coolers if people will wait or change clothes on site. Check the forecast 48 hours before the parade, then confirm the final setup and transport plan the day before.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a Sinterklaas parade?: Plan supplies for four areas: route control, sound and communication, arrival setup, and gifts or treats. The core equipment usually includes barriers, cones, marshal vests, route signs, a battery speaker, microphones, lighting, tables and storage crates.
How many traffic cones and barriers do I need for a Sinterklaas parade?: Count the route’s crossings, turns and waiting areas first, then add at least 10% spare equipment. Each controlled point may need cones, barriers, barrier tape and a visible route sign, depending on the local traffic plan.
When should I buy supplies for a Sinterklaas parade?: Buy or reserve non-food equipment at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead, especially sound equipment, tents, barriers and transport. Purchase treats and other short-life items close to the event, after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed.
What should I pack for bad weather at a Sinterklaas parade?: Prepare a covered backup area with party tents, chairs, coat racks, coolers and lighting. Recheck the forecast 48 hours before the parade and make the final weather decision no later than the day before.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.