Good, ol' Saint Nicholas Day... the German way!

If you're German, then there's a good chance that you heard of Saint Nicholas Day... or may have even celebrated it, especially as a kid!

It's a wonderful tradition that brings an early bit of warmth and joy to the approaching Christmas season, especially for families and children.

Coming from centuries-old customs, Saint Nicholas Day, or Nikolaustag, is celebrated with anticipation and surprise. Let’s take a peek into the history, customs, and the fun details.

It involves... shoes??!

First, who was this Nicholas fellow?

As it happens, Saint Nicholas was actually a real person... a historical figure, in fact -- a bishop from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) who lived in the 4th century.

Born into a wealthy family, he developed a reputation of generosity, treating all (especially children) with humble kindness and charity... and secret gift-giving! One tale recounts how he secretly gifted gold coins to a poor family, saving them from hardship.

Over time, these stories turned Saint Nicholas into a symbol of gift-giving and goodwill.

The Excitement of December 5th!

Even though St. Nicholas Day is on December 6th, the celebrations begin the evening before, on December 5th.

This is when children place their freshly cleaned boots or shoes (or sometimes stockings) outside the door, hoping for a visit from Saint Nicholas. Why clean shoes and boots? Tradition says Saint Nicholas prefers neat and tidy footwear for his gifts!

Surprises on Saint Nicholas Day

On the morning of December 6th, children wake excitedly and rush to check their boots to see what Saint Nicholas left behind. If they’ve been "good", they’ll find small gifts like:

• Oranges: a traditional and symbolic treat in many European countries
• Nuts: often walnuts or hazelnuts, representing abundance
• Chocolate: a modern favorite, usually in the shape of Saint Nicholas himself
• Small toys or trinkets: for extra excitement!

However, there’s a twist! If children haven’t been on their best behavior, they might find a small bundle of twigs (Rute) instead. This playful warning reminds them to be good in the lead-up to Christmas.

Community Celebrations and Traditions

Saint Nicholas Day isn’t just for children... communities across Germany mark the occasion with festive events such as:

• Parades & processions: Saint Nicholas might ride through the streets on a horse or in a sleigh
• Visits to schools & homes: Sometimes, a person dressed as Saint Nicholas visits children, asking if they’ve been good and rewarding them with treats
• Baking & sharing special treats: Traditional German goodies like Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread) is a big part of the celebration.

 

A Day of Kindness and Giving

In reality, Saint Nicholas Day is about more than just treats... it’s a celebration of generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness.

Many families use the occasion to donate to charities or help those in need. This reflects the spirit of Saint Nicholas himself -- quietly making the world a better place.

You too, can Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day!

So, wherever you are in the world, if you’d like to add a touch of German tradition to your holiday season, you can celebrate Saint Nicholas Day at home, too!

Here are some ideas:

1. Polish and clean up that footwear: have your family leave out boots or stockings on the evening of December 5th
2. When the kids are asleep, fill them (their shoes) with surprises: stick to the classics -- nuts, oranges, chocolates, and maybe a small toy or two!
3. Bake German treats: try making Lebkuchen to enjoy with family
4. Share stories: read tales about Saint Nicholas’s life to learn more about his legacy
5. Practice kindness: encourage everyone to perform small acts of generosity, like donating to a local food bank or helping out a neighbor

 

It's all about...

... the joy of discovery.

And simple traditions.

And giving.

And love. And kindness... and generosity... and more!  :)

For many, this holiday is a nostalgic reminder of childhood, filled with wonder and anticipation.

Whether you’re reliving memories, teaching your children about your heritage, or simply discovering something new, this celebration offers a way to feel connected -- to history, to culture, and to each other.

So, this December 6th, why not join in the fun? Celebrate the spirit of Saint Nicholas and create moments your family will treasure. Who knows -- maybe you’ll start a tradition of your own!
 

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Cheers,

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.

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