On 6 December, children across much of Europe wake to shoes filled with sweets, chocolate coins, and tiny gifts. This heartwarming tradition marks St. Nicholas Day, a holiday that has inspired the very spirit of Christmas. While not widely celebrated in the UK, the story of St. Nicholas captivates many and offers a delightful excuse to enjoy fine Belgian chocolate.
If you love festive customs, exploring the roots of St. Nicholas Day is a sweet way to start the season. Discover how the kindness of one bishop spread from the third century to modern times, shaping the legend of santa claus and leaving its mark on Christmas celebrations around the world.
The Legend Behind the Saint
The story of St Nicholas began in the 3rd century, in the ancient coastal town of Myra—now part of Turkey. Nicholas was a bishop famed for his generosity and care for the poor and children. His charitable deeds became legendary, especially the one where he secretly tossed three bags of gold into a destitute family's window, saving three sisters from hardship.
Some tales suggest he dropped the coins down the chimney, which is why, centuries later, children hang stockings or leave shoes by the fire, hoping for treats overnight. After his passing on 6 December 343 AD, Nicholas was canonised, and his feast day transformed into a celebration of giving, kindness, and childlike wonder.
Over time, his legend traveled from Asia Minor to Europe, gaining popularity in the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France. These countries embraced both his name and his spirit, turning his legacy into a cherished winter tradition that continues today.
From Sinterklaas to Santa Claus
In Belgium and the Netherlands, St Nicholas, known locally as Sinterklaas, still visits children on the night of 5 December. He arrives on a white horse, leaving gifts in shoes polished especially for the occasion. On the morning of St. Nicholas Day, children discover mandarins, marzipan, speculoos biscuits, and chocolate figures, often shaped like the Saint himself.
When Dutch settlers crossed the Atlantic to America, they brought the Sinterklaas tradition with them. Over time, Sinterklaas evolved into santa claus, the jolly, red-suited figure known today. In Britain, Father Christmas gradually merged with this image, forming the character who appears in holiday festivities each December, paying silent tribute to the generous bishop of Myra.
St Nicholas in the UK
Though St. Nicholas Day is not widely celebrated in British homes, the UK has kept his spirit alive. There are over 500 churches across the country dedicated to St Nicholas, many holding special services or children’s events in early December.
Some coastal towns, fittingly since Nicholas is also the patron saint of sailors, mark his day with community gatherings. Recently, more UK families have rediscovered this European tradition by leaving out a shoe or stocking on the night of 5 December and waking to find a simple surprise—a tangerine, a sweet note, or a fine piece of chocolate.
Why St Nicholas Brings Chocolate
Chocolate is a key part of the St. Nicholas Day tradition, not only for its rich flavor but for its symbolism. The gold coins given on his feast day recall the secret gifts of gold that Nicholas once bestowed. Over the centuries, real coins were replaced by chocolate ones, wrapped in shimmering foil and given with joy.
Belgian chocolatiers, including Leonidas, have carried on this legacy for over a hundred years, crafting chocolate coins, Saint-shaped figurines, and other seasonal treats that embody the warmth of holiday giving. Leonidas chocolates are made from 100% pure cocoa butter with no palm oil, a standard that honors both quality and the generous spirit of St Nicholas. Each box is a small act of care toward the planet and its people.
Sustainable Joy: A Modern Take on St. Nicholas Day
If St Nicholas were to fill children’s shoes today, he would likely choose chocolates made with respect for both nature and people. Leonidas chocolates are crafted using responsibly sourced cocoa, traceable ingredients, and recipes that prize craftsmanship over shortcuts.
When offering St Nicholas chocolates—creamy milk pralines, dark chocolate coins, or whimsical figurines—you revive a beautiful story of generosity with a modern, sustainable twist.
How to Celebrate St Nicholas Day at Home
Celebrating St. Nicholas Day is simple, especially with children eager for festive magic before Christmas. Try these ideas at home:
- 🥿 Leave out a shoe for each family member on 5 December and fill them with chocolate coins, a clementine, a note, or a Leonidas praline.
- 📖 Share the story of St Nicholas and explain how his kindness inspired santa claus. It's an inspiring bedtime tradition for young and old alike.
- 🎁 Brighten a neighbour or teacher’s day with a small bag of chocolate, creating a "St Nick moment" that encourages giving.
- 🌿 Choose sustainable treats by selecting chocolates made without palm oil and with pure cocoa butter for gifts that are gentle on the planet.
To learn more about Christmas traditions, discover the history of Christmas celebrations here.