Many people look forward to the winter holidays, a time filled with family, traditions, and festive cheer. One of the earliest celebrations is St. Nicholas Day, a holiday that honors a Christian saint known for his generosity. If you’re planning for the holiday season, you might be wondering when to mark your calendar for St. Nicholas Day.
This post will tell you exactly when St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in 2025. We will also share the history behind the day and explain how people around the world observe this special occasion. You will learn about the traditions that make this day meaningful for many families.
When is St. Nicholas Day 2025?
In 2025, St. Nicholas Day will be celebrated on Saturday, December 6th in Western Christian countries.
In Eastern Christian countries that follow the Julian calendar, St. Nicholas Day falls on December 19th. This guide will focus on the December 6th celebration, which is more common in the United States and many European nations.
What is the story of St. Nicholas Day?
St. Nicholas Day honors Saint Nicholas of Myra, a Christian bishop who lived during the third and fourth centuries in a region that is now part of modern-day Turkey. He was known for his piety and kindness.
Nicholas was born to wealthy parents who died when he was young. He used his inheritance to help the poor and sick, always doing so in secret. He did not want any attention for his good deeds.
One of the most famous stories about him involves a poor man with three daughters. The man could not afford to pay for his daughters’ weddings, which meant they would likely face a difficult life. On three separate occasions, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the family’s window at night. This gold provided the dowries, allowing the daughters to marry and have a secure future.
It is said that one of the bags of gold landed in a stocking or shoe that had been left by the fire to dry. This story is the origin of the tradition of children leaving out their shoes or hanging stockings for St. Nicholas to fill with gifts. After his death, stories of his generosity spread, and he became one of the most beloved saints in Christianity.
How is St. Nicholas Day celebrated?
Celebrations for St. Nicholas Day vary by country, but they often share common themes of gift-giving and feasting. The traditions focus on delighting children and reminding everyone of the spirit of giving.
Leaving Out Shoes
The most widespread tradition occurs on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5th. Children clean their shoes or boots and leave them by the front door, on the windowsill, or near the fireplace. They hope that St. Nicholas will visit during the night and fill their shoes with treats.
In the morning, children wake up to find their shoes filled with small gifts. These often include:
- Oranges or clementines, symbolizing the gold balls Nicholas gave away
- Chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil
- Candy canes
- Small toys and nuts
This tradition serves as a small preview of the larger gift-giving that often happens on Christmas.
St. Nicholas as a Visitor
In some European countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, St. Nicholas arrives as a visitor. Men dress up as the saint, wearing a bishop’s red robes, a tall hat (miter), and carrying a staff (crosier). He often arrives from Spain by steamboat in mid-November and makes public appearances in parades and at schools until December 6th.
He is sometimes accompanied by a helper. In the Netherlands, this character is known as “Zwarte Piet” (Black Pete), while in Germany and Austria, he is joined by “Knecht Ruprecht.” These companions traditionally helped St. Nicholas by carrying his book of names and distributing treats.
During his visits, St. Nicholas might ask children if they have been good all year. Well-behaved children receive treats, while naughty children were once jokingly told they would be carried away in the companion’s sack. Today, these traditions are much more lighthearted, focusing on joy and celebration for all.
Special Foods and Feasts
Food is another important part of the celebration. Families often bake special cookies and sweets to mark the occasion. A popular treat is the speculaas, a spiced shortcrust biscuit that is often molded into the shape of St. Nicholas. Another common food is a sweet bread, sometimes baked with fruit and nuts.
In many regions, December 6th is marked by a family feast. This meal brings everyone together to share good food and enjoy the start of the holiday season.
How is St. Nicholas connected to Santa Claus?
Over the centuries, the story and traditions of St. Nicholas merged with other cultural figures to become the modern-day Santa Claus.
When Dutch settlers came to America, they brought their traditions of “Sinterklaas” (the Dutch name for St. Nicholas). Over time, the name “Sinterklaas” evolved into “Santa Claus.” The image of the kind, gift-giving saint also blended with the English figure of Father Christmas, who represented holiday cheer and feasting.
The famous 1823 poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” helped shape the American image of Santa Claus. It described him as a jolly man who flies in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, a departure from the bishop who arrived on a horse or boat. This new image became popular, and the connection to the original St. Nicholas grew more distant for many.
Though they share a common origin, St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are celebrated differently. St. Nicholas Day remains a distinct holiday with its own rich traditions that honor a real historical figure known for his generosity.
Plan Your Celebration
St. Nicholas Day is a wonderful tradition that brings joy to the start of the holiday season. It offers a chance to teach children about the importance of giving and to create lasting family memories.
Whether you choose to leave out shoes for treats, bake special cookies, or simply share the story of the kind bishop, celebrating St. Nicholas Day is a great way to honor the spirit of generosity.