This evening, polished shoes will be placed outside of apartment and house doors throughout Germany for kids and adults alike in hopes that they will be filled with small treats from St. Nicholas.

If you’re new to Germany, you may notice that the holiday season seems to start a little earlier and includes traditions you might not have seen before. One of the most beloved is “Nikolaustag”, or St. Nicholas Day, celebrated every year on December 6th. It’s a delightful mix of folklore, kindness, and a touch of magic—especially for children!

St. Nicholas Day  is celebrated on December 6th. Traditionally, children place their cleaned or “geputzt” boots before the door in hope that St. Nicholas will fill them with sweets and small gifts. In some regions, children also partake in a ‘Nikolauslauf,’ a small parade or visit to local shops. Children sometimes dress like the jolly christmas elf or “Wichtel’ or even St. Nicholas himself and recite a silly poem in shops to receive a sweet festive treat. 🎅✨

👢 What Happens on Nikolaustag?
On the evening of December 5th, children (and sometimes adults!) place a polished boot or shoe outside their door. According to tradition, St. Nicholas—a historical bishop known for his generosity—comes by during the night to fill the shoes with:
🍫 Chocolate Santas
🍊 Mandarins
🥜 Nuts
🎁 Small gifts

It’s a simple gesture, but waking up on December 6th to a little surprise brings a spark of joy to the beginning of the festive season.

🎅 Who Is St. Nicholas?
St. Nicholas was a 4th-century bishop from Myra (in present-day Turkey). Known for his compassion and secret acts of giving, he inspired the modern Santa Claus. He passed away on December 6th and he is honored each year on this day. In Germany, he remains an important figure of the Advent—saintlier and more traditional than the jolly Santa who appears at Christmas.

The tradition began as a small celebration which focused on morality and charity. As early as the fifteenth century, it was documented in cities that children from lower income families would place their shoes to be filled with small gifts outside their doors. This would later develop into a tradition throughout Germany. In many regions, he even visits kindergartens or homes in person, dressed in bishop’s robes, to talk with children about their good deeds (and gentle reminders for the coming year). The day can be a sweet way to immerse yourself in German culture and share in the festive spirit.

May your shoe be filled with sweet treats in the morning!