We will be arriving in Nuremberg on Dec 5 and leaving on Dec 7. I have been looking online for the types of holiday activities that occur on these dates in addition to the Christmas Markets. I understand that there are parades and special events on St. Nicholas Eve and St. Nicholas Day. Yet I can't find specifics of what to expect. Will many places be closed?
Has anyone been there on these dates in previous years?
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
Trust me, there will be plenty to do while you are there besides one of the best Christmas markets anywhere. Here's a link to more info -- http://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/.
I don't remember anything special for St. Nicholas Eve or Day and couldn't find anything about it online either. Maybe you are thinking of the Lantern Parade. Unfortunately, the children's Lantern Procession will be happening on 10 December 2015, just a few days after you leave. That was my favorite event when I lived there.
This is a quote from the Christkind link on the page cited above which may explain why we can't find anything:
"The idea that the Christkind brings children their Christmas gifts goes back to the protestant reformer, Martin Luther (1483-1546). In Luther’s time, it was traditional to give children gifts on December 6th, St. Nicolas’s Day. To turn away from the Catholic veneration of saints and saint’s days, Luther laid gift-giving in his household on Christmas Eve. He told his children that "Holy Christ" had brought their presents. This tradition quickly took hold in Lutheran families. In Nuremberg, it was already common by the end of the 16th century.
Through the years, this fictional gift-giver took on form. It was most likely the medieval German tradition of Christmas plays, with an Angel of the Annunciation as the main character, which gave the Christmas Angel its earthly appearance. As angels of all sorts began to be depicted as female and not only male, the Christkind also took on a feminine appearance. That is why today a young woman is chosen to play the part of the Nuremberg Christkind."
Have a great time in Nuremberg and don't drink too much mulled wine!
Posted by
OP
Dallas
63 posts
Thank you so much! This sight is very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1528 posts
We have visited various Christmas Markets on St Nick's day. I do not remember it as a special event. The stores and booths were all open. We did see St. Nick in Regensburg riding his appointed rounds on a red tractor.
