In Belgium, Saint Nicholas Day is not just a date on the calendar: it is a way of life that brings families, schools, and businesses together around centuries-old traditions and delicious Belgian specialties to give as gifts. Every December 6, young and old alike celebrate this heartwarming holiday that precedes Christmas and showcases Belgian groceries, artisanal expertise, and the best of each Belgian product. With Belices.be, enjoy Belgian product delivery in France and throughout the European Union to share these treats wherever you are.
The fascinating history of Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop, has become over the centuries a symbol of generosity and the protection of children. Tradition has it that he would secretly slip gold coins into the homes of modest families at night through their chimneys.
In Belgium, one legend has left a lasting impression on people's minds: that of the three little children saved by Saint Nicholas. Passed down from generation to generation, it embodies the saint's kindness and protection, values that still permeate the rituals and treats offered on this occasion today.
This collective memory explains why every Belgian product associated with Saint Nicholas carries a strong symbolic meaning, combining indulgence, tradition, and protection.
The feast of Saint Nicholas in Belgium: family and popular traditions
The magical night of December 5 to 6
The night before, children leave their shoes by the fireplace or window, along with a drawing, a glass of water or coffee for the saint, a carrot for the donkey... and sometimes a beer to honor the Belgian brewing tradition. In the morning, they discover fruit, speculoos cookies, marzipan, chocolates, and other small gifts that reward a year of good behavior. This family ritual creates lasting memories and anchors tradition in the heart of the home.
Regional parades
From Mechelen to Liège, via Brussels, Saint Nicholas parades bring cities and neighborhoods to life. Volunteers distribute Belgian specialties—artisan pralines, crispy speculoos, gingerbread—and perpetuate a unique culinary heritage. These festive moments are perfect for (re)discovering the diversity of Belgian confectionery and understanding why Belgium is world-renowned for its confectionery and chocolate.
Traditional Saint Nicholas treats
Speculoos: ambassadors of Belgian tradition
Much more than just cookies, speculoos tell the story of Belgian guilds and craftsmanship. Spiced (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) and molded into traditional shapes—including the face of Saint Nicholas—they have become a staple among Belgian specialties to offer as gifts. They are sought after all over the world under the names Belgian cookies or Belgian biscuits, proof of their international renown.
Marzipan: almond sweetness, childhood sweetness
The star of Saint Nicholas' plates, marzipan seduces with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and almond flavor. Traditionally shaped into small figures (fruit, animals, Saint Nicholas), it comes in bars, figurines, and filled bites. It is the ultimate nostalgic treat, perfect for sharing with family and ideal among Belgian specialties to offer as a tender and authentic gift.
Artisanal chocolates and pralines
Belgium excels in the art of chocolate. For Saint Nicholas Day, master chocolatiers create special creations: figurines of the saint, spiced pralines, speculoos ganaches, marzipan fillings. Combining tradition and innovation, these chocolates embody the excellence of Belgian pastry and Belgian chocolate. Available in gift boxes or ballotins, they showcase Belgian pralines with character and leading Belgian chocolate brands, which are highly appreciated throughout Europe.
Modern treats
Alongside the classics, the festival welcomes more contemporary flavors: original bars, fruity fillings, and fusion recipes. It's an opportunity to taste Belgian snacks, Belgian chocolate bars with creative flavors, and other sweets that renew the pleasure without betraying the spirit of tradition.
Saint Nicholas in the workplace: the art of professional sharing
Saint Nicholas has naturally found its place in the workplace. Offering speculoos, marzipan, and pralines to your teams creates convivial moments and strengthens collective bonds. For social committees, HR, and management, it is a simple and appreciated gesture that values the work accomplished and nurtures the corporate culture.
At Belices.be, we offer ready-to-give assortments and customizable selections for committees and teams (various sizes, themes, messages, branding options). We organize the preparation, packaging, and bulk or multi-address shipping in Belgium, France, and throughout the EU.
Saint Nicholas internationally: sharing the Belgian tradition
With our Belgian product delivery service in France and the European Union, expatriate families and lovers of Belgian delicacies can celebrate Saint Nicholas throughout Europe. This international dimension maintains a strong link with Belgian roots and allows new audiences to discover the holiday, particularly in France, where this tradition
Why choose authentic Belgian specialties
In this age of standardization, authentic Belgian specialties are a benchmark of quality. Every box of pralines, every packet of speculoos, every assortment of chocolates tells a story: that of a Belgian product crafted using expertise passed down from generation to generation.
In the homes and workshops of chocolatiers, recipes remain faithful to traditional methods, with carefully selected ingredients. It is this high standard that makes all the difference when it comes to sharing.
Celebrate Saint Nicholas with Belices.be
To fully experience the magic of the holiday, explore the treasures of Belgian grocery stores on Belices.beWe select artisanal creations for you: crispy speculoos, melt-in-the-mouth marzipan, refined Belgian chocolates and pralines, as well as delicious Belgian pastries. Whether for family, friends, your clients, or your teams, put together gourmet baskets of Belgian specialties to give as gifts and make someone happy with ease.
Need ideas or a corporate volume? We can assist you in French, Dutch, and English, with fast delivery times in Belgium, Belgian product delivery in France and Europe, and customized options for your team gifts.
To complete your gift boxes, discover our internationally sought-after categories: Belgian confectionery, Belgian chocolate, Belgian chocolate bars, and many more.
Saint Nicholas Day 2025 is approaching: order your Belgian products now on Belices.be and give or share treats that bring people together. At home or at the office, bring generosity, friendliness, and the Belgian art of living to the heart of your celebration.