Saint Nicholas Day is traditionally celebrated on December 6.
The date commemorates Saint Nicholas of Myra, a Christian bishop who probably lived during the fourth century in Lycia, in what is now Turkey. His feast day became associated with secret gifts, generosity, and children’s customs in parts of Europe.
In several countries, children receive small presents on the evening of December 5 or the morning of December 6. Dutch traditions connected the feast to Sinterklaas, whose name helped develop the English “Santa Claus.” German-speaking regions and other European communities also developed local Saint Nicholas customs.
Saint Nicholas Day is separate from Christmas Day and from Epiphany on January 6. Although modern Santa traditions often combine elements from several holidays, the December 6 observance remains directly tied to the historical saint’s feast.