St. Nicholas service in Barbing: Register now for December 5th and 6th!

St. Nicholas service in Barbing: Register now for December 5th and 6th!

The traditional St. Nicholas celebration will take place in Barbing, Sarching and Illkofen in December 2025. The festive event takes place on December 5th and 6th and is very popular. Saint Nicholas and his companion Krampus will visit the children in the respective towns to bring them gifts and give them a joyful time. Registration for this popular tradition is necessary and should be done in good time to secure a place. While in Sarching Santa Claus visits the population every day from 6 p.m., visits in Illkofen take place after dark.

In Sarching, interested families can now register by calling Mr. Stefan Walig on (01 76) 60 00 90 61. In Barbing, the organization of the St. Nicholas service is carried out by the warrior and reservist association. You must register with the Sulzer family on (0 94 01) 44 77. In Illkofen, children are invited to visit Santa from nightfall. Registrations can be sent by email to Lukas Bauer at balu10.lb@gmail.com. Families in Friesheim can also register with Mr. Niedermeier on (01 60) 27 53 924.

St. Nicholas customs and their meaning

St. Nicholas Day on December 6th has its origins in the legend of St. Nicholas of Myra, a martyr who was known for performing acts of kindness. In Bavarian tradition, children place their boots or shoes in front of the door to receive gifts. These customs are at the heart of Advent, which is characterized by various traditions and rites that celebrate winter and the upcoming Christmas. An important part of this culture is the Krampus, which is considered to be St. Nicholas' companion and is often used to teach children good behavior.

Among the Bavarian Advent customs, the Advent wreath, the Paradeisl and the Barbara branches are also worth mentioning. The Advent wreath, originally introduced in the 19th century, symbolizes the increase in light in the run-up to Christmas. The Paradeisl has a similar effect and consists of shiny red apples that are decorated with candles and also symbolize light and hope. The custom of St. Barbara's branches being brought into the living room on December 4th is another beautiful tradition that is maintained during Advent to increase the anticipation of Christmas.

The St. Nicholas celebration in Barbing, Sarching and Illkofen is not only a joyful event for children, but also an important part of the Bavarian Advent traditions, which celebrate love, light and community in the often cold winter time.