What you need for a Sinterklaas parade

A Sinterklaas parade needs more than costumes and gifts. You will need clearly marked routes, traffic equipment, lighting, sound equipment and a practical setup for volunteers and visitors. Buy or gather disposable essentials early, especially batteries, extension cords, power banks and catering supplies. Use the final headcount to calculate cups, seating and refreshments, then keep a small reserve for children, volunteers and unexpected delays.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Catering table coversqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Traffic equipment

Traffic barriersqty 30
Route signsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
Safety vestsqty 15
Reflective vestsqty 10

Decorations

Sinterklaas flagsqty 12
Pieten balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Red-and-white buntingqty 10
Sinterklaas postersqty 8
Gift wrappingqty 150
Decorative mitresqty 20
Decorative staffqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Glovesqty 12
Thermos bottlesqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Earplugsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Litter pickersqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 5 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 10 liter
- Coffee creamer - 4 bottles
- Hot chocolate - 12 liters
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Spiced cookies - 12 kilos
- Pepernoten - 8 kilos
- Speculaas cookies - 8 packs
- Filled speculaas - 6 pieces
- Spice cake - 6 pieces
- Mini muffins - 200 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Jam - 4 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 4 packs
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Cheese sticks - 8 packs
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Candy bags - 150 pieces
- Vegan candy - 4 bags
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper tablecloths - 10 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable trash bags - 50
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Tissue boxes - 6 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Tissues - 12 packs

Tips

Plan one route sign for every major turn, entrance and crossing, then add at least two spare signs. Pack cones, barrier tape and traffic barriers together so volunteers can place them quickly.
Allow one reusable cup per guest plus 10% extra, and add more if cups will not be washed during the parade. Keep a separate supply for volunteers and performers.
Check every powered item at least 48 hours beforehand. Bring extension cords, power strips and power banks, and use battery lanterns where cables could cross a public walkway.
For a parade after dark, place lighting at the gathering point, tables, entrances and any dim route sections. Test string lights and LED lamps before setup rather than discovering flat batteries on the day.
Pack decorations and gift-wrapping materials in labelled boxes by location. Keep gifts sorted separately, with a written count, so the distribution team does not have to open every package during the event.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups do I need for a Sinterklaas parade?: Plan one reusable cup per expected guest, plus 10% extra. For 100 guests, take at least 110 cups and keep a separate set available for volunteers and performers.
How many route signs are needed for a Sinterklaas parade?: Use one sign at every major turn, entrance and crossing, then add two or three spare signs. Count the route points during the route check at least 3 days before the parade.
When should I buy supplies for a Sinterklaas parade?: Buy non-perishable supplies, decorations and traffic equipment 1 to 2 weeks in advance. Check batteries, cables, lighting and sound equipment again 48 hours before the parade.
What lighting do I need for a Sinterklaas parade?: Use string lights or LED lamps at the gathering point, tables and entrances, with battery lanterns for darker route sections. Bring at least one spare set of batteries for every battery-powered light.

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