Saint Nicholas Day in Germany
6 December is Saint Nicholas Day – or Nikolaus in Germany. While the date receives its most elaborate religious celebrations in Southern Germany and other traditionally Catholic regions, children across the country (and much of Europe) still look forward to it with excitement each year.
History
Saint Nicholas was originally Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century Greek bishop renowned for his generosity, particularly his habit of secretly leaving coins in people’s shoes. Over the centuries, the stories surrounding him evolved and spread, inspiring a wide range of figures across Christian cultures: Nikolaus in Germany, Santa Claus in North America, Father Christmas in the UK, Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, and many more regional variations. What unites these traditions is the emphasis on giving — especially gifts for children — on 6 December and/or at Christmas.
Celebrating Today
In Hamburg and throughout Germany, children place their shoes by the fireplace or front door on the evening of 5 December. By morning, they discover that Nikolaus has filled them with small treats and gifts. For parents new to Hamburg with kindergarten- or school-aged children, it’s worth marking the date to ensure a timely visit from Saint Nicholas. The tradition helps ease the long wait for Christmas, delighting children with tangerines, sweets and small surprises that bring a little festive magic into early December.
