Long before Santa Claus, there was St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his kindness and secret gifts. St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6, honors him in many countries with small gifts, sweets and treats left in children's shoes or stockings the night before. In parts of Europe, it's one of the most anticipated days of the holiday season, and in the United States, families with German, Dutch and Central European roots keep the tradition alive.
History of St. Nicholas Day
Nicholas was born in the 3rd century in the region of Lycia, in present-day Turkey, and became bishop of Myra, now Demre. Few historical details survive, but many legends describe his generosity. The best-known story tells of a poor man who couldn't afford dowries for his three daughters. Nicholas secretly tossed bags of gold through a window, or down a chimney, at night, sometimes landing in stockings drying by the fire.
Nicholas died on December 6, around the year 343, and became one of the most popular saints in Christianity. He's the patron saint of children, sailors and several countries and cities.
Traditions developed across Europe. In the Netherlands, 'Sinterklaas' arrives in mid-November and gifts are exchanged on the evening of December 5. In Germany, Austria and elsewhere, children leave shoes outside the door on December 5 to find them filled with treats the next morning. Dutch settlers brought Sinterklaas to New Amsterdam, and over time, through American writers and illustrators, he evolved into Santa Claus.
Why St. Nicholas Day Matters
St. Nicholas Day celebrates generosity, especially giving quietly without seeking credit. That makes it a meaningful way to start the gift-giving season.
It also connects modern holiday customs to their roots, showing how traditions travel and change across centuries and continents.
How to Celebrate St. Nicholas Day
- Fill shoes: let children leave shoes out on December 5 for small treats like oranges, nuts and chocolate coins.
- Give secretly: do an anonymous good deed or gift in the spirit of St. Nicholas.
- Learn the legends: read the story of the three daughters and the bags of gold.
- Bake traditional treats: try speculaas or spiced cookies.
- Explore traditions: learn how Sinterklaas is celebrated in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, start a 'secret Nicholas' tradition where colleagues leave small anonymous treats on each other's desks, or kick off a holiday giving drive for a local charity. In schools, St. Nicholas Day is a great entry into lessons about how holiday traditions differ around the world, with students comparing Sinterklaas, St. Nicholas and Santa Claus. Younger children can decorate paper shoes and find a sticker or treat inside the next day. At home, keep it simple: a few clementines, nuts, chocolate coins and a small book in a shoe can become a cherished family ritual. Pair it with an act of secret kindness for a neighbor.
Fun Facts About St. Nicholas Day
- St. Nicholas was a bishop in Myra, in present-day Turkey.
- He is the patron saint of children and sailors.
- Dutch 'Sinterklaas' traditions helped inspire the American Santa Claus.
St. Nicholas Day FAQs
When is St. Nicholas Day?
St. Nicholas Day is December 6, with many traditions taking place on the evening of December 5.
Was St. Nicholas a real person?
Yes. He was a 4th-century bishop of Myra in present-day Turkey, though many stories about him are legends.
Why do children put out shoes?
In many European traditions, children leave shoes out so St. Nicholas can fill them with treats overnight.
Is St. Nicholas the same as Santa Claus?
Santa Claus developed from St. Nicholas traditions, especially Dutch Sinterklaas, but evolved into a separate figure.