On 6 December, across much of Europe, children wake to find shoes filled with sweets, chocolate coins, and tiny gifts. It’s St Nicholas Day — a tradition that has delighted generations and inspired the spirit of Christmas itself.
Here in the UK, the custom isn’t widely celebrated, but its story is full of charm — and it just might be the perfect excuse to enjoy a little Belgian chocolate while learning how Santa got his start.
The Legend Behind the Saint
The story of St Nicholas begins in the 3rd century, in the coastal town of Myra — now part of modern-day Turkey. Nicholas was a kind and generous bishop known for helping the poor and protecting children.
One of the most famous legends tells how he secretly threw three bags of gold through the window of a poor man’s home so that his daughters could afford dowries and escape hardship. In some versions, he dropped the coins down the chimney — which is why, centuries later, children hang up stockings or leave shoes by the fire, hoping for treats to appear overnight.
After his death on 6 December 343 AD, Nicholas was canonised, and his feast day became a celebration of giving, kindness, and childhood wonder. Over the centuries, his legend travelled from Asia Minor to Europe, gaining special popularity in the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France.
From Sinterklaas to Santa Claus
In Belgium and the Netherlands, St Nicholas — or Sinterklaas — still visits children on the night of 5 December, arriving on a white horse and leaving gifts in freshly polished shoes. The next morning, little ones discover mandarins, marzipan, speculoos biscuits, and chocolate figures — often shaped like the Saint himself.
When Dutch settlers later crossed the Atlantic, they carried the Sinterklaas tradition with them. In America, Sinterklaas gradually became Santa Claus — the jolly, red-suited figure we know today. His British cousin, Father Christmas, eventually merged with the same image. So, in a way, every mince pie left out on Christmas Eve still pays homage to the generous bishop of Myra.
St Nicholas in the UK
While St Nicholas Day isn’t widely celebrated in British homes, the UK quietly keeps his spirit alive.
There are over 500 churches dedicated to St Nicholas across the country, many of which hold special services or children’s events in early December. Some coastal towns — fittingly, since Nicholas is also the patron saint of sailors — still mark his day with community gatherings.
And increasingly, families are rediscovering the charm of the European custom: leaving out a small shoe or stocking on the night of 5 December, and waking to a simple surprise — a tangerine, a note, or a piece of fine chocolate. It’s a lovely way to ease into the festive season, especially for children (or adults) who can’t wait for Christmas morning.
Why St Nicholas Brings Chocolate
Chocolate plays a starring role in the St Nicholas tradition — and not just because it’s delicious. The gold coins often given on his feast day symbolise the gold Nicholas once gifted in secret. Over time, real coins turned into chocolate ones, wrapped in shimmering foil and shared with joy.
Belgian chocolatiers, including Leonidas, have kept this heritage alive for more than a century, crafting chocolate coins, figurines of St Nicholas, and seasonal treats that capture the warmth of the holiday.
At Leonidas, every creation is made with 100% pure cocoa butter and absolutely no palm oil — a commitment that honours both quality and kindness, echoing the Saint’s generous spirit. Each bite is a small act of care — for the planet, for the people who produce cocoa, and for those lucky enough to receive a box of chocolates.
Sustainable Joy: A Modern Take on an Ancient Tradition
If St Nicholas were to fill children’s shoes today, he’d probably choose chocolates made with respect for nature and people — something Leonidas takes to heart. Our Belgian chocolates are made using responsibly sourced cocoa, traceable ingredients, and recipes that celebrate craftsmanship over compromise.
So when you offer St Nicholas chocolates — be it creamy milk pralines, dark chocolate coins, or whimsical figurines — you’re not just giving a treat. You’re reviving a beautiful story of generosity and giving it a modern, sustainable twist.
How to Celebrate St Nicholas Day at Home
Even if you didn’t grow up with the tradition, celebrating St Nicholas Day is easy — and wonderfully heart-warming. Here are a few ideas:
- 🥿 Leave out a shoe on the evening of 5 December — for each family member. In the morning, fill them with small surprises: chocolate coins, a clementine, a handwritten note, or a Leonidas praline or two.
- 📖 Tell the story of St Nicholas and how his kindness inspired Santa Claus. It’s a lovely bedtime tale that teaches the value of generosity.
- 🎁 Share chocolate as an act of giving. Surprise a neighbour, teacher, or colleague with a small chocolate bag — a simple “St Nick moment” that brightens the day.
- 🌿 Choose sustainable treats. Make your gifts meaningful by choosing chocolates made without palm oil and with pure cocoa butter — indulgence that’s kind to the planet.