How to Celebrate St Nicholas Day in Romania: A Family Guide

On the evening of 5 December, children across Romania carefully clean their best pair of boots and leave them by the door or on a windowsill. When they wake on the morning of 6 December, St Nicholas Day — known as Moș Nicolae — they find the boots filled with small treats and gifts, left by the beloved saint himself. This centuries-old tradition is a warm, family-centred start to the winter holiday season, and it is easy for visitors and expatriates to take part.

Unlike Santa Claus, who comes at Christmas, Moș Nicolae arrives two and a half weeks earlier. He is a gentle, white-bearded figure, often dressed in bishop's robes, who rewards good behaviour and leaves a gentle reminder for children who have been less than angelic. The custom is rooted in the real Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) famous for his secret gift-giving and care for children.

Who is Moș Nicolae?

Saint Nicholas is one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox Church. In Romania, his feast day on 6 December has been celebrated for centuries. He is seen as a protector of children, sailors, and the poor. Over time, his story blended with local folklore to create the figure of Moș Nicolae, an old man with a long white beard who travels on a donkey or horse, distributing gifts to well-behaved children.

Unlike the commercialised Santa Claus, Moș Nicolae is more intimate and less about grand presents. The focus is on small, thoughtful items — often sweets, fruit, nuts, and occasionally a small toy or book. The day is not a public holiday, so schools and businesses remain open, but the evening and morning are filled with quiet family rituals.

The Boot-Shining Tradition

The heart of the celebration is the preparation of footwear. On the evening of 5 December, children take their winter boots or shoes and polish them until they shine. The boots are then placed by the front door, on a windowsill, or sometimes near the stove. The idea is that Moș Nicolae will pass by during the night, notice the clean boots, and fill them with treats.

Parents often use this ritual to encourage good behaviour in the weeks leading up to the day. Children are told that Moș Nicolae sees everything and will reward those who have been kind and obedient. The anticipation is a big part of the fun, and many families make an evening of it, with stories and warm milk before bed.

What to Expect in the Boots

The next morning, children rush to their boots to discover what the saint has left. Typical gifts include:

• Sweets such as chocolate, toffees, and candy canes
• Seasonal fruit like apples, oranges, and tangerines
• Nuts, especially walnuts and hazelnuts
• Small toys, colouring books, or pencils
• A decorative rod, called nuielușă, often tied with a red ribbon

The rod is not meant to be frightening; it is a gentle symbol that there is always room for improvement. Many parents include a small rod alongside the sweets as a playful reminder. In some regions, children also receive a small bag of covrigei (pretzel-shaped biscuits) or homemade cookies.

How to Join In as a Visitor or Expat

If you are living in Romania or visiting during early December, you can easily take part in the tradition. If you have children, help them clean their boots and leave them out on the evening of the 5th. In the morning, you can fill them with small treats from a local shop or market — no need for anything expensive. Look for seasonal sweets and fruits, which are widely available.

If you are invited to a Romanian home on St Nicholas Day, it is customary to bring a small gift for the children of the household. A bag of sweets, a book, or a small toy is perfect. You might also bring a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates for the hosts. The atmosphere is warm and family-oriented, so expect a relaxed gathering with tea, coffee, and homemade cakes.

St Nicholas Day is a beautiful introduction to Romanian winter traditions. It is a time for family, small joys, and the gentle magic of childhood. Whether you have children or simply want to embrace local customs, polishing a pair of boots and waking up to a sweet surprise is a simple pleasure that everyone can enjoy.