What you need for a Sinterklaas parade

A Sinterklaas parade needs more than costumes and sweets. You’ll need practical equipment for the route, a reliable sound setup, refreshments for volunteers and visitors, and signs that remain visible outdoors. Plan quantities around the expected crowd, parade duration and number of volunteers. This checklist helps you shop early for items that are often forgotten, such as power supplies, serving equipment, lighting and weather protection.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 20
Pouring jugsqty 12

Equipment

Mobile sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Hot boxesqty 4
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED construction lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Pieten bannersqty 12
Sinterklaas flagsqty 12
Balloon archesqty 3
Red carpetsqty 2
Photo backdrop
Decorative packagesqty 12
Decorative staff

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 30
Traffic conesqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 6
Route signsqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8
Safety vestsqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 8
Chilled drink dispensersqty 4
Aluminum foil dispensersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Communication

Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Power banksqty 6
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 24

Costumes

Piet costumesqty 12
Sinterklaas costume
Piet wigsqty 12
Pieten hatsqty 12
Beardsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 20 liters
- Sugar - 4 packs
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Cinnamon - 3 jars
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snack mix - 8 bags
- Pepernoten - 20 bags
- Spiced cookies - 15 bags
- Speculaas - 12 packs
- Stuffed speculaas - 8 pieces
- Mini muffins - 12 dozen
- Mini currant buns - 10 bags
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Chocolate sprinkles - 4 packs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Cheese - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 8 trays
- Grapes - 10 kilos
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Mandarins - 10 kilos
- Mini cocktail sausages - 12 cans
- Puff pastry - 12 packs
- Vegetarian snacks - 300 pieces
- Tomato ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Straws - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes

Tips

Plan two to three reusable cups per visitor if drinks are served in more than one round, and add separate coffee cups for hot drinks. Order plates, cutlery and serving platters for the full catering group plus about 10% extra.
Test the mobile sound system, wireless microphones, music player, extension cords and power strips at least 48 hours before the parade. Bring a backup battery or power option if the route has no dependable outlets.
Prepare one clear route sign for every major turn, entrance and crossing point. Print the run sheet and keep a spare copy with the parade coordinator, sound operator and lead volunteer.
For an outdoor arrival area, arrange enough party tents, tables and chairs for the planned waiting and serving areas. Check the forecast two days beforehand and confirm how costumes, food and equipment will stay dry.
Count costumes by role before shopping or collecting them: check every Sinterklaas and Piet outfit, including accessories, and keep a small repair kit and spare fasteners with the costume supplies.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups do I need for a Sinterklaas parade?: Allow two to three reusable cups per person when visitors may take more than one drink. For coffee or tea, plan one coffee cup per serving and add around 10% extra for losses and replacements.
What equipment is needed for parade announcements?: Use a mobile sound system with at least one wireless microphone and a music player. Test the complete setup 48 hours before the parade and pack extension cords and power strips for the actual route and arrival area.
How early should I buy supplies for a Sinterklaas parade?: Buy or reserve non-food equipment, costumes, tents, tables and sound equipment at least two to four weeks ahead. Purchase fresh catering supplies closer to the event, while allowing time for dietary requirements and supplier changes.
How many route signs are needed for a Sinterklaas parade?: Prepare one sign for every major turn, entrance and crossing, then add at least two spare signs. Walk the route once before printing so signs can be placed where families and traffic controllers will see them.

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