The Nikolaustag is celebrated each year on 6th December. Nikolaus, accompanied by his assistant Knecht Ruprecht, brings small presents to children who have hung up their stockings the night before. He also visits schools and kindergartens where he usually gives the children sweets.

Although other figures in the English-speaking world such as Santa Claus are also derived from the same Saint Nicholas, in Germany he is often portrayed as a bishop and wears a mitre. The chocolate figures associated with the day are, however, usually in the red and white associated with the Santa Claus figure.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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