St. Nicholas Day celebration brings Dutch holiday traditions to Philipse Manor Hall
Kids explored 17th-century Dutch customs with crafts, music and a visit from St. Nicholas.
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A St. Nicholas Day celebration took place at the Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, teaching children about the Dutch holiday once observed by the family who built the manor.
Once of the observed traditions included children leaving out shoes or clogs on Dec. 5, which would then be filled with candies, coins and other fun things overnight. At the event, kids made shoes they could put out themselves.
Visitors could also make festive orange pomanders, create their own St. Nicholas beard, design a St. Nicholas miter and stop by a gingerbread station. The historic site also welcomed an appearance from St. Nicholas himself.
There was a live performance by award-winning storyteller April Armstrong, accompanied on piano by Mario E. Sprouse. They shared a variety of holiday tales and seasonal songs.
Organizers say the event was designed to educate kids while also giving them a fun experience.
“We always come here every year and it’s so phenomenal and the kids have so much fun and it’s so creative,” said visitor Samantha Alvarez, of Yonkers.
