Holiday Tradition Sinterklaas Set To Return To Rhinebeck

The popular holiday tradition known as Sinterklaas will return to the Hudson Valley this fall and is expected to draw thousands. Put Saturday, December 1st on your calendar if you're up for heading to Rhinebeck to celebrate at this non-denominational, all-inclusive event. But what is Sinterklaas? According to the Sinterklaas Hudson Valley website, the event draws from the Hudson Valley's Dutch heritage but with 'some modern twists'. Settlers from the Netherlands brought holiday traditions with them when they arrived some 300 years ago. Sinterklaas was reportedly a real person who lived in the fourth century and is known as the patron saint of children and sailors.

So what can you expect in Rhinebeck on December 1st? The day is all about the kids and features performances throughout the village. There will be more than 250 musicians, actors, and other performances all leading up to the Starlight Parade which steps off at 6 PM. This year's honored animal is the butterfly. Here's a look at a previous Starlight Parade.