Free shoe calendar 2026: print, color, and count down to Sinterklaas

As soon as Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands, the questions start: can I set out my shoe tonight? What about tomorrow? And tonight again? For a toddler, waiting feels endless, and 'in three sleeps' does not mean anything yet. The result: the same discussion at bedtime every single night.

A shoe calendar keeps things simple. You agree on set shoe-setting evenings in advance, color in those boxes together, and stick the calendar on the fridge. That way, your little one can see for themselves when it is time, without any evening struggles.

Download the free Broemba shoe calendar 2026 (PDF) here

What is a shoe calendar?

A shoe calendar is a cheerful countdown calendar. Together with your child, you mark the evenings when they are allowed to set out their shoe. In Dutch tradition, children place a shoe near the door or fireplace, often with a drawing or a carrot for Sinterklaas's horse. With this calendar, your toddler knows exactly when it is time for a song, a carrot, and a small surprise the next morning.

For young children, time is hard to grasp. Words like "in three sleeps" or "next weekend" do not mean much to them yet. A shoe calendar makes those days visible and real. Your child sees the shoes, can point at them, and easily counts down. This brings calm and predictability during a busy season full of new impressions.

Our tip: hang the calendar at your child's eye level. For example, use colorful tape on the fridge or on a low cabinet. This way, your little one can reach it to point at the days. It makes it feel like their very own project.

How does the free Broemba shoe calendar work?

The Broemba shoe calendar is made especially for families with young children. The calendar runs from the arrival of Sinterklaas on Saturday, November 14, until "pakjesavond" (gift night) on Saturday, December 5, 2026.

The calendar is filled with cheerful illustrations of Sinterklaas, his horse, gifts, and numbered shoes to color in. Here is how to use it in five simple steps:

Download and print the calendar: Print the document for free on standard A4 paper. Use plain white paper so your child can color everything themselves.
Write your child's name on it: There is a special box at the bottom for your little one's name. This makes it a very personal calendar.
Choose the shoe evenings together: Decide in advance which nights they can set out their shoe, for example on Wednesday and Saturday. Circle those days with a bright color.
Color the shoes: Has the chosen evening arrived? Let your child color the shoe for that day, or put a nice sticker on it together.
Hang it in a familiar spot: Hang the calendar in a central place at home where you can look at it together every morning or evening.

Why a shoe calendar is great for every age

Every child experiences the Sinterklaas season in their own way. The shoe calendar grows along with your little one's age:

For a young toddler (1 to 2 years): It is mostly about exploring together. Your little one does not understand the calendar yet, but loves pointing at pictures, naming colors, and coloring big areas together.
For an older toddler (2 to 4 years): Toddlers love the excitement, but can also get overwhelmed. The calendar offers structure. Your toddler can help choose the shoe evenings and understands the ritual of placing a sticker or coloring in a shoe.
For a preschooler (4 to 6 years): Counting down is a true adventure for preschoolers. They count the nights until gift night themselves, learn about the days of the week, and decorate the calendar with their own drawings.

Our tip: want to avoid discussions at bedtime? Agree on shoe night early in the day, like at breakfast. This way, your child knows what to expect all day, and bedtime stays calm.

When does the shoe calendar start in 2026?

In 2026, Sinterklaas arrives on his steamboat on Saturday, November 14. From that Saturday evening, children can set their shoes until gift night on Saturday, December 5.

All the days in between are on the calendar, but you do not need to set out a shoe every day. For most young children, once or twice a week is plenty. This keeps the moment special and avoids too much sugar and excitement.

Turn the calendar into a cozy craft activity

The shoe calendar is not just practical. It is also a fun craft activity for a rainy afternoon. Grab the colored pencils or crayons and sit down together:

Give Sinterklaas's miter a lovely red color.
Decorate the horse with your child's favorite colors.
Draw stars, hearts, or carrots around the shoes.
Add glitter or stickers on the special celebration days.

Do you have more than one child at home? Print a copy for each child. That way, each child has their own calendar with their own name and craft style.

Do you have to color a shoe every day?

No, definitely not! The calendar is meant to bring clarity, not extra tasks.

You can choose to color only the agreed shoe evenings. Does your little one want to count down to gift night every day? Then cross off the past day together each morning. That way, your child sees the big celebration coming closer, while the shoes only light up on the special shoe evenings.

Cute shoe gifts for young children

What do you put in the shoe when the time comes? A small and practical gift is often the most fun for a toddler.

For the little ones: safe and soft teethers to chew on and explore.
For independent toddlers: their own stainless steel baby bowl or ergonomic baby cutlery to enjoy meals at the table.
A fun board book, a mandarin, or a small box of raisins.

Frequently asked questions about the shoe calendar

Where can I download the free shoe calendar?

You can download the free Broemba shoe calendar 2026 directly via the link on this page as a PDF file. Print it on A4 paper and you can get started right away.

Is the shoe calendar suitable for toddlers?

Yes, the calendar is designed specifically for young children. The clear illustrations and large spaces make it very easy for toddlers and preschoolers to use.

Can I also print the calendar in black and white?

Yes, of course. The calendar is designed as a black-and-white line drawing. It uses little ink, and your child can color it completely as they like.

How often can a toddler set their shoe?

Once or twice a week is plenty for most toddlers. Fixed days, like Wednesday and Saturday, give clarity and prevent disappointment on other days.

Can I use the calendar for multiple children?

Yes, absolutely! You can print the PDF file as many times as you like. Each child can write their own name and decorate it in their own style.

Download your free shoe calendar

Whether your little one is standing by the door in awe for the first time or already singing Sinterklaas songs happily: a clear shoe calendar makes the whole season relaxed and warm.

Download the free Broemba shoe calendar 2026 (PDF)

Compact gift ideas by age are on small gifts for babies and toddlers.

Do you want more helpful tips about bedtime routines, dealing with excitement, and ideas for shoe gifts? Read our blog Setting shoes with your toddler? 7 practical tips.

Have fun coloring and have a wonderful Sinterklaas season!