What you need for a Sinterklaas parade

A Sinterklaas parade needs more than costumes and presents. You need supplies for the route, the reception area, refreshments, sound, decorations and a workable backup for wet weather. This shopping list covers the practical items people often remember too late, such as power equipment, wayfinding signs, serving supplies and changing screens. Use the expected attendance and route length to set quantities, then check what can be reused or hired before buying.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Crowd barriersqty 20
Changing room screensqty 2
Clothes racksqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Serving traysqty 8
Pitcherqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 3
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Battery packsqty 2

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Decorations

Sinterklaas flagsqty 12
Red-and-white buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 150
Pieten hatsqty 100
Photo backdrop
Decorated staff
Gift bagsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Storage binsqty 12
Chilled tablewareqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Waste binsqty 12
Trash grabbersqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
Cable matsqty 8

Organization

Route signsqty 12
Directional signsqty 10
Clipboardsqty 8
Markersqty 12
Wristbandsqty 250
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Notice boardsqty 3

Game materials

Colored pencilsqty 30
Drawing tablesqty 4
Shoe boxesqty 20

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 8 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 12 liters
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Pepernoten - 12 bags
- Speculaas cookies - 12 bags
- Spiced cookies - 8 packs
- Mini marshmallows - 6 bags
- Mandarins - 15 kilograms
- Apples - 10 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 boxes
- Carrots - 6 bags
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White rolls - 15 bags
- Mini croissants - 10 boxes
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan cookies - 8 packs
- Allergen labels - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 3 packs
- Teaspoons - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Cleaning gloves - 12 pairs
- Tissues - 20 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Gifts - 200 pieces
- Wrapping paper - 10 rolls
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Name stickers - 250 pieces
- Coloring pages - 250 pieces
- Printer paper - 3 reams
- Balloon pump - 2 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 200 pieces
- Duct tape - 6 rolls

Tips

Plan at least one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra for loss and late arrivals. For hot drinks, provide one coffee cup or tea glass per expected serving rather than relying on the same cup being reused.
Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour of the reception, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra thermos flasks and serving trays so refreshments can be replenished without queues forming.
Prepare route signs and wayfinding arrows at least three days before the parade. For a route with several turns, make one sign per decision point plus two spare signs, and pack tape or ties for mounting them.
Test speakers, microphones, the mixer and every extension cord at least 24 hours beforehand. Keep two battery packs available for essential announcements if mains power fails or the parade reaches a place without a usable outlet.
Do not leave rain supplies until the forecast is certain. Set aside party tents, work lights and changing room screens at least one day before the event so the reception area, costumes and equipment can be protected quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups and plates do I need for a Sinterklaas parade?: Start with one cup, plate and cutlery set per registered guest, then add 10% extra. For 100 guests, that means at least 110 of each item, with separate coffee cups and tea glasses for hot drinks.
How much coffee and tea should I buy for a Sinterklaas parade?: For the first hour, plan two to three hot drinks per person, then one per person for every additional hour. For 100 guests at a two-hour reception, prepare roughly 300 servings and keep extra hot water available.
When should I prepare the parade decorations and route signs?: Finish the signs and check all decorations at least three days before the parade. Pack them by route section, including two spare signs, so volunteers can place them without sorting materials on the day.
What power equipment do I need for a Sinterklaas parade?: For sound and lighting, plan extension cords, power strips and battery packs, and test them 24 hours before the event. Keep at least two charged battery packs for microphones or essential announcements if mains power is interrupted.

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.