December 6 is a date marked with a red cross on Luxembourg calendars. And why is that? Because it’s the feast day of Kleeschen, or Saint Nicholas, a day cherished by children and sometimes disconcerting for expatriate parents. If you too have ever dropped your child off outside the closed school gates on 6 December, welcome to the club! Here’s everything you need to know to avoid this cultural trap and make the most of this wonderful tradition.
What is Kleeschen?
Saint Nicolas, or Kleeschen in Luxembourgish, is an emblematic figure in local culture. Every year, on 6 December, he is celebrated as the patron saint of schoolchildren. Accompanied by his faithful Housecker, a harsher version of Père Fouettard, he rewards well-behaved children with gifts and sweets.
This tradition is deeply rooted in Luxembourg, and Kleeschen even makes appearances in schools to reward children, sometimes as early as the end of November. But beware: on 6 December, some schools close their doors, leaving the children to celebrate the day at home.
To find out more about the history and customs of this holiday, visit the official Luxembourg website.
No school on 6 December: for whom?
Depending on your child’s school, 6 December may or may not be a school holiday! Here are a few examples to help you plan ahead:
Schools closed :
Primary public schools: Luxembourg’s public schools are closed to celebrate this tradition. Children stay at home to enjoy their gifts and treats.
École Privée Sainte-Sophie: In accordance with the Luxembourg calendar, the school grants a day off on 6 December.
Lycée Michel Lucius : As with state schools, pupils have the day off.
Opened Schools:
Vauban, l’École et Lycée Français de Luxembourg :Classes run as normal, as Kleeschen is not included in the French calendar.
International School of Luxembourg (ISL) : The ISL does not celebrate this day as a public holiday, and classes follow their usual calendar.
École Européenne de Luxembourg (I & II) : The European schools also open on this day.
École privée Fieldgen : The Catholic school will continue classes as on a normal day.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, check the specific school calendar for your child’s school or ask the teachers directly!
An expat anecdote: ‘I took my daughter to school on 6 December’.
It was a morning like any other. I got up, got my daughter ready and we walked across town to her school. Everything seemed normal… until I discovered that the gates were closed. Not a sound, not a child. That’s when I knew: it was Kleeschen.
This little mishap taught me two things:
Always check the school calendar!
Take advantage of these traditions to immerse myself more fully in Luxembourg culture.
How to avoid the ‘Kleeschen trap’?
Make a note of specific public holidays: As soon as you start the new school year, look out for important dates in the school calendar.
Learn about the tradition: Consult resources such as this official article on Kleeschen.
Organise a family activity: If the school is closed, take part in a St Nicholas parade or visit a Christmas market.
Talk to other parents! 🙂
Kleeschen: a unique tradition to savour
This day is much more than just a public holiday. It reflects an important part of Luxembourg culture, where children are pampered and families take time to get together. So this year, instead of dropping your child off at a closed school, prepare a little party at home to make Kleeschen even more magical.
‘Note to self: add a recurring reminder in the diary, or better still, share the info with my other half, who always seems to forget these kinds of details!’
