About Sankt Nikolaus Fest
All are welcome to enjoy this nostalgic visit with Christmas past. With a focus on family fun and making lasting memories, the Athenaeum Foundation brings traditional holiday favorites to ring in the season of joy. Since 1985, the Sankt Nikolaus book of names has kept the name and age of every child who has visited with St. Nikolaus. At check in, your child’s name is added for a personalized visit with St. Nikolaus himself!
Street parking is free on Sundays, so bring the whole family and enjoy a day of fun activities!
Please note Sankt Nikolaus Fest will be located inside the Athenaeum building during Christkindlmarkt.
History & Ways to Celebrate St. Nikolaus
Sankt Nikolaus of Myra was a Christian bishop who lived in modern-day Turkey/Greece in the 4th century AD. After his death, he was made into the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants. December 6 is Sankt Nikolaus Day and marks the beginning of Advent, the season leading up to Christmas.
Over time, Sankt Nikolaus has become a Christmas icon. Depending on where you are in the world, he may have different names and different traditions connected to him. There are some things in common worldwide, though:
The costume: At the Athenaeum, Sankt Nikolaus is depicted wearing long red robes, a white beard, a Mitre while carrying a golden staff.
The Animals: Sankt Nikolaus needs animal companions to help him travel and bring gifts. In some countries, he is said to ride a white donkey. In America, Santa Claus has a sleigh with flying reindeer. In Germany, he rides a donkey!
The Celebrations: Around the world there are parades, singing, dancing, and all kinds of activities to make the day special. We invite you to celebrate with us!
Sankt Nikolaus' "Golden Book" (Das Goldene Buch des Nikolaus)
The Golden Book is the special record book carried by Sankt Nikolaus when he visits children. The book contains notes about each child over the past year. During the visit, he calls each child by name to come forward and speak with him before giving them a small gift. To register for FREE please use the attached link.
Add your little one's name to the Golden Book here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehvWcJxoxV361tKy52XBunA1yF0JwIbT0HcNECOi1I1pGMMg/viewform
If you would like to volunteer at Sankt Nikolaus Fest visit
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49ADA62FA6F9C25-60294257-sankt#/
Indoor Schedule
1:00 - 2:00 PM | Cookie Decorating | Max Kade
1:00 - 2:00 PM | Paper Star Crafting (while supplies last), Coloring Pages | Dameverein
1:45 - 3:00 PM | Check in/add your child's name into the Golden Book to visit with Sankt Nikolaus | 1st Floor Lobby
2:30 - 3:00 PM | Adzooks Puppet Show | Dameverein
3:00 PM | St. Nikolaus Procession, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sing-along with VOCE and Liederkranz German Band & Golden Book Reading | Auditorium
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