Feast of Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas, Feast of, festival on Dec. 6 in honor of a 4th-century bishop of Asia Minor. Saint Nicholas, later known also as Santa Claus, is patron saint of children, and the festival is celebrated as a children's holiday, with rewards and punishment according to the children's behavior. Although Santa Claus became identified with Christmas, the Feast of Saint Nicholas continues to be celebrated by some on Dec. 6.