Saint Nicholas Day
Historical Context
Saint Nicholas Day falls on 6 December every year and is not an official public holiday. It is one of the most beloved traditions, especially for children.
Saint Nicholas Day on 6 December celebrates the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century bishop renowned for his generosity. In the Low Countries, the tradition developed over centuries into a major children's festival with rich folklore surrounding the saint and his helpers. Saint Nicholas Day is one of the most cherished traditions in the Low Countries.
In the weeks before 6 December, children leave their shoes by the fireplace or window, filled with carrots for Saint Nicholas's horses. On the evening of 5 December, Saint Nicholas Eve, the saint brings gifts for the children. Typical Saint Nicholas treats include speculaas biscuits, pepernoten, mandarins and chocolate.
Regional Traditions
Antwerp
The national arrival of Saint Nicholas traditionally takes place at the Antwerp quays. Saint Nicholas arrives by steamboat and is accompanied by a colourful procession through the city centre, attended by thousands of children and parents.
Flanders
Saint Nicholas rides a white horse and visits children at schools, sports clubs and homes in the weeks before 6 December. Speculaas biscuits shaped like the saint are sold everywhere.
Wallonia
In French-speaking Belgium, Saint-Nicolas rides a donkey instead of a horse. For many Walloon families, Saint Nicholas is at least as important as Christmas, if not more so.
Sint-Niklaas
The city named after the saint transforms for four weeks into the "City of the Saint". Thousands of visitors attend the festive arrival at the Hendrik Heymanplein and the weekly events throughout November and December.
Liège
In the Liège region, Saint Nicholas's traditional companion is not Père Fouettard but Hanscrouf (Jean le Bossu, John the Hunchback), a hunchbacked figure who swatted naughty children with a pig's bladder. A typically Liège tradition that is gradually fading.
Eupen
In the German-speaking Community, Sankt Nikolaus is accompanied by a Secretary and three Hans Muff figures, the East Belgian equivalent of Knecht Ruprecht. A distinct tradition that differs from both the Flemish and Walloon versions.