St. Nicholas Day Traditions Highlighted Across U.S. German and Dutch Communities

The Dec. 6 feast day celebrates the fourth-century bishop known for his generosity, with unique customs in cities like Milwaukee and Cincinnati.

St. Nicholas Day, celebrated annually on December 6, honors Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century bishop and the Patron Saint of Children, known for his acts of kindness and gift-giving.
The holiday, brought to the U.S. by German and Dutch immigrants in the 1600s, remains popular in cities with strong German and Dutch heritage, such as Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.
Common traditions include children leaving shoes or stockings out on the night of December 5 to be filled with small gifts, candies, and symbolic items like oranges or chocolate coins.
Milwaukee and other Midwestern cities celebrate with unique events, such as bonfire ceremonies, Christmas markets, and church festivals, often featuring appearances by St. Nicholas.
St. Nicholas Day is distinct from Christmas, with its own customs and origins, though the figure of St. Nicholas influenced the modern image of Santa Claus.