Eve Of St. Nicholas

Ever wonder where we got the name "Santa Claus"? It actually comes from Sinterklass - the Dutch name for St. Nicholas, who would leave presents for children on this evening.

Christmas Day itself was a day for attending church services and enjoying family, rather than the gift-giving celebration it has evolved to today. Click here to learn more about how this feast was celebrated during our region's early days, while we were part of New Netherlands.