Sinterklaas Festival; family friendly Dutch heritage holiday celebrated at the Van Wickle House, circa 1722 set on 9 acres of farmland along the Delaware Raritan Canal and Raritan River at 1289 Easton Avenue and DeMott Lane intersection. Dutch crafts, music, clog dancing, Dutch chocolate and other holiday baked goods, as well as dot painting for the children (stiplewerk).

Sinterklaas, the Dutch Saint Nicholas, visits the Van Wickle House every year on the first Sunday in December after Thanksgiving weekend.  Dressed in his red Bishop’s robe and miter, he rides in on a white horse accompanied by his companion and helper Zwarte Piet.  In the Netherlands St. Nicholas day, December 6 is a very special holiday for children and families. In honor of this Dutch tradition the Meadows Foundation sponsors a celebration with music and dancing and hands on activities for the whole family.

Visitors are presented with a little slice of the Netherlands as dancers in traditional costumes perform Dutch Klompen Dances, and the beautiful Dutch street organ, the Violanta, plays Sinterklaas songs.  All are invited to learn a dance or two or sing along with the Violanta. The highlight for every child is a chat with Sinterklaas, who keeps a record of good deeds and bad.  Good boys and girls receive a small gift from Zwarte Piet.

From 1pm to 4pm