Gijs Naber is the new Sinterklaas, succeeding Stefan de Walle after fifteen years

Gijs Naber has been revealed as the new actor portraying Sinterklaas, succeeding Stefan de Walle who held the role for fifteen years. The announcement was made during Het Sinterklaasjournaal shortly before the traditional arrival, resolving a mystery that had been built up throughout the week regarding the character's whereabouts.

Stefan de Walle, who stepped down in September, stated that leaving the role was not his own choice and that he had hoped to continue for several more years. The 46-year-old Naber takes over the iconic mantle at the same age De Walle was when he first began the portrayal. Prior to Naber's confirmation, several other prominent actors had been speculated as potential successors for the character.