In Greater Cincinnati, the holiday spirit begins earlier than the traditional Christmas celebrations, with the Feast of St. Nicholas kicking off festivities on December 6. Known affectionately as St. Nick’s Day, this occasion holds a special place in the hearts of local families, marked by stockings and small gifts, distinct from the celebrations of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
While St. Nick’s Day may not be widespread across the U.S., it is cherished in cities with significant German or Dutch heritage like Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Cleveland. The tradition commemorates St. Nicholas of Myra, a Roman Empire bishop revered for his generosity and kindness to children and the needy. His legacy of gift-giving led to traditions including children hanging stockings or leaving out plates for goodies.
St. Nicholas is believed to have passed away on December 6, 343 A.D., and this date has been celebrated as his feast day since the medieval period, especially in German-speaking regions. On St. Nick’s Day, children often find treats like cookies, candies, and small gifts in their stockings or shoes, along with letters for St. Nicholas and offerings for his donkey.
The custom was introduced to America by German immigrants starting in the 1600s, with Cincinnati’s first Christmas tree being credited to Dr. Ludwig “Louis” Rehfuss, a German immigrant. The local tradition of celebrating St. Nick’s Day has remained strong, deeply rooted in the area’s German heritage.
While St. Nicholas and Santa Claus share similarities, they also have unique roles — St. Nicholas rewards children based on their behavior on the eve of December 6, while Santa Claus does so on Christmas Eve. The iconic image of Santa Claus as we know him today was popularized by cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 1860s, inspired by St. Nicholas.
As the holiday season progresses, St. Nick’s Day serves as a joyful reminder of the spirit of giving and community, fostering connections among families in the region. In a world where traditions can sometimes fade, events like St. Nick’s Day not only enhance the holiday experience but also reinforce cultural heritage and family bonds, inviting everyone to partake in the festive cheer.