Saint Nicholas Day, celebrated each year on 6 December, is a special occasion in Luxembourg, particularly for young children.
Known as “Kleeserchersdag” in Luxembourgish, this festive tradition centres around the beloved figure of the “Kleeschen” (Saint Nicholas). Similar to Santa Claus, he is depicted as an older man with white hair and a beard. He wears a red bishop’s mitre and carries a crosier (staff). He is often accompanied by the fear-inspiring “Houseker”, who wears dark clothes and carries a bag of twigs for “naughty” children.
Children who have been “nice”, however, can look forward to receiving gifts and sweets from the Kleeschen on the morning of 6 December. They typically leave their slippers outside their bedroom or front door for the treats to be dropped off overnight (5-6 December).
A traditional Kleeserchersdag specialty is the “Boxemännchen” man-shaped brioche bread.
The Kleeschen often makes appearances across the Grand Duchy during this festive period, stopping by Christmas markets, schools and shopping centres, among other places.
There is also a Kleeschen Secretariat at POST Luxembourg where children can post their letters (to the following address):
Kleeschen
1, Spillstrooss
L-3290 Am Himmelsland