Emily DeLetter

For many, a certain day in early December marks the start of the Christmas season and the many decorations and festivities that come along with it: St. Nicholas Day.

The Feast of St. Nicholas, commonly known as St. Nick's Day, takes place annually on Dec. 6, and though it involves stockings and small gifts, it is separate from celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Celebrating the day is popular in American cities with large German or Dutch populations such as Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Cleveland. Here's a look at the time-honored holiday.

Things to do:Light shows, trains and where to see Santa in Cincinnati this holiday season 🎅

Who was St. Nicholas?

St. Nicholas was a bishop during the Roman Empire who became the Patron Saint of Children because of the kindness he showed to young kids. He was widely known for gift-giving and for helping the poor, even if it meant selling his own possessions. 

When St. Nicholas left golden coins behind for some children, slipping them into a stocking that was hanging up to dry, it began a long-lasting custom of children hanging up stockings or leaving a plate out on St. Nicholas Eve.

St. Nicholas was named a saint by the church on Dec. 6, which is the same day he is believed to have died in 343 A.D., and the day is celebrated as a feast day.

The Dec. 6 Feast of St. Nicholas became a popular tradition during the medieval period, particularly in Germany and German-speaking countries.

 

When did St. Nick's Day come to America?

St. Nick's Day was brought to the United States with German immigration that began in the 1600s. 

In Cincinnati, Dr. Ludwig "Louis" Rehfuss, a German immigrant who was a medical doctor, set up the first Christmas tree in the early 19th century, Don Heinrich Tolzmann, curator of the German Heritage Museum and president of the German American Citizens' League, previously told The Enquirer.

St. Nick's Day began in Cincinnati around that same time period.

"That custom, because of the German heritage of our area, is widely celebrated here even to this day," Tolzmann said.