In Dutch Christmas tradition, Sinterklaasavond is celebrated on 5 December.
Sinterklaasavond, also called Pakjesavond, is the main gift-giving evening associated with Saint Nicholas in the Netherlands. Families may exchange wrapped presents, read humorous poems, and enjoy sweets such as pepernoten.
The celebration takes place on the evening before Saint Nicholas Day, which falls on 6 December. Sinterklaas is traditionally said to arrive from Spain and travel with helpers, although modern portrayals have changed in response to concerns about racial stereotypes.
Sinterklaas is separate from Christmas Day in Dutch custom. Christmas itself is celebrated on 25 and 26 December, but the larger traditional gift exchange for many families occurs earlier, on Sinterklaasavond.