Pakjesavond (Sinterklaas gift evening, 5 December) is about more than unwrapping presents. A few good Sinterklaas games at home turn it into an evening the kids will talk about for weeks. Below are 9 games for different ages, most with no preparation at all, plus one the whole family plays together.
What makes a good Sinterklaas game?
- Age: choose games where young children don't need to read, or play in mixed teams.
- Time: 10 to 15 minutes per game keeps the excitement going.
- Together, not against each other: a shared goal prevents tears among the little ones.
No-prep games (4+)
1. Pepernoten race
Straws, a plate of pepernoten and a timer. Who can suck the most pepernoten onto their own plate in 30 seconds?
2. Who is the Piet?
One child is secretly the "Piet" and winks at the others. Will they be caught before everyone has been "tagged"?
3. Shoe hunt
Hide a small gift in one of the shoes in the house and give "warmer/colder" hints.
Games with a little preparation (6+)
4. Finish the rhyme
Read a Sinterklaas rhyme aloud but leave out the last word. Who can finish it? Ready-made: the Rhyming Helper Puzzle is a printable surprise game full of rhyming riddles for ages 8+.
5. Present dice game
Take turns rolling the dice: roll a 6 and you take a present. When the timer goes off, the stealing begins.
6. Treasure hunt through the house
Leave notes with clues that lead to the next note. The final note leads to the sack of presents.
The highlight: a Sinterklaas escape room at home (8+)
Want one game that carries the whole evening? With a printable escape room, kids and adults play together against the clock. In the Sinterklaas Escape Room "The Missing Big Book", Sinterklaas's Big Book has disappeared, and only your family can find it using codes, riddles and clues.
- Print, cut and go: about 15 minutes of preparation
- Suitable from age 8; younger children join in a team
- Instant download, print as often as you like for your own family
7. Tip: hide the "presents signal" in the final puzzle
Make the final code the moment someone knocks on the door. The escape room becomes the start of pakjesavond.
Games for older kids and adults (12+)
8. Poem quiz
Read the Sinterklaas poems aloud anonymously. Who can guess who wrote each one?
9. Mystery game after the presents
Kids in bed? Then play the party game "The Mystery of the Missing Diamond" with the adults: a murder-mystery-lite for 5 players aged 12+.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can you play a Sinterklaas escape room?
Independently from about age 8. Younger children can join in a team with a parent or an older sibling.
Do I need a colour printer?
No, the games work fine in black and white.
How long does the game take?
Allow 45 to 60 minutes, just right for the start of pakjesavond.