St Nicholas Day

St Nicholas Day

When is St Nicholas Day 2022?

Saint Nicholas Day observed on December 6 in the US. The legendary personality of St. Nicholas is derived from Nicholas of Myra, who directed as a bishop in the 4th century. During his existence, he developed a respect for gift-giving by inserting coins into other people's shoes, which considers for many of today's Christmas beliefs that include leaving gifts in shoes or boots.

Some Europeans who resettled to the United States brought with them beliefs, customs, and practices associated with St Nicholas' Day. It has recorded that celebrations related to the observance took place in cities such as New York in the early 1800s.

How people Celebrate St Nicholas' Day?

The children in families who celebrate St Nicholas' Day receive treats - including candy, fruit, cookies, or small toys on December 6 in socks, shoes, stockings, or bags. Some churches have unique services dedicated to the feast of St Nicholas day.

In the United States, there is a custom associated with Saint Nicholas Day that children are leaving their shoes in the entrance hall on Saint Nicholas Eve in the belief that Saint Nicholas will put some coins on the soles.

Surprise someone with a treat or a gift into their shoe on Saint Nicholas Day. Use #StNicholasDay to post on social media to tell your friends and followers, that you are engaging in the celebration of this day.

Feasts of Saint Nicholas not celebrated nationally. The cities which have strong German influences celebrate St. Nick's Day on a large scale similar to the German customs, like Evansville, Indiana, Cincinnati, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Milwaukee, Newport News, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Missouri, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Although it is not widespread in other countries, some people in the United States celebrate a different St Nicholas Day by placing their shoes outside their bedroom doors or hanging an empty stocking at the fireplace on the eve of December 5. St Nicholas then arrives during the night. On the 6th December morning, people will find their shoes or stockings full of gifts and sugary treats.

The adoption of the custom of this day has widely spread among the German, Belgian, Polish, and Dutch communities throughout the United States. Americans celebrating Saint Nicholas Day usually celebrate Christmas Day (December 25) as a separate holiday. Some of the Christmas traditions and rituals are similar to the traditions of Saint Nicholas Day, such as dropping out a shoe or stocking to be filled.

St Nicholas Day Observances

Year Date Day Holiday
2024 6 Dec Fri St. Nicholas Day
2023 6 Dec Wed St. Nicholas Day
2022 6 Dec Tue St. Nicholas Day
2021 6 Dec Mon St. Nicholas Day
2020 6 Dec Sun St. Nicholas Day
2019 6 Dec Fri St. Nicholas Day

Other Popular Holidays

St Nicholas Day Facts

06

INDIA

December 6, 2022

Quick Schedules

This Year Friday, 6 Dec, 2024
Last Year Wednesday, 6 Dec, 2023
Type Observances