St. Nicholas Day traditions

St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th in many European countries, honors the gift-giving Saint Nicholas. Traditionally, children leave shoes or stockings out the night before, hoping to find small presents, candies, or fruits in them the next morning. In some regions, St. Nicholas visits accompanied by a sidekick, like Krampus or Black Peter, who help deliver treats or, in some cases, playfully discipline mischievous children. The day emphasizes generosity, kindness, and the spirit of giving, reflecting Saint Nicholas’s reputation as a protector of children and the needy. It often includes community gatherings and festive parades.