• instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • about
  • |
  • participate
  • |
  • Contact
  • |
Menu
Search
  • Eat
    • Local Eatery Articles
    • Farms + Markets
    • Restaurants + Cafes
    • Wine + Spirits
  • Play
    • Summer Fun Articles
    • Outdoors
    • Art + Entertainment
  • Stay
    • Eat/Stay/Play Articles
    • Bed and Breakfasts
    • Hotels + Motels
  • Live
    • Home Articles
    • Home + Garden
    • Services
    • Shopping Locally
    • Wellness
  • Business Profiles
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Magazine
Close Menu

Yes, there is a Santa

LOCAL HISTORY: Sinterklaas

And here’s how he arrived to the Valley

The American version of the Santa Claus figure received its inspiration and name from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas, brought by settlers to New York in the 17th century.

The American Press, as early as called him “St. A. Claus,” but it was the popular author Washington Irving who gave Americans the initial comprehensive information about the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas. Under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, in 1809 Irving’s “History of New York” was published.  Irving described the arrival of the saint on horseback each Eve of Saint Nicholas much like the SinterKlaas Parade in Rhinebeck each year. (See event details) 

This Dutch-American version of this immortal person attained his wholly and not “holy” Americanized form in 1823 with the poem “A Visit From Saint Nicholas”— customarily known as “The Night Before Christmas” by writer Clement Clarke Moore. 

Could that be the official time when Santa arrived in the Hudson Valley? Moore was a resident of the Valley residing not far from Rhinebeck. 

However, in pursuit of Santa’s historical roots one must delve deep into the past to retrieve a blend of many different legends and mythical creatures; both religious and just “goody-goody”.

Over the centuries, customs from different parts of the world and Northern Hemisphere came together and created a “Global” Santa Claus, lessening the religious aspects of some cultures and homogenizing him into an ageless, timeless, immortal being with a white-beard, a jolly laugh and the omnipotent generosity of gift-giving. 

But, more significantly, is that Santa Claus, Kris-Kringle, Saint Nick, Sinter Klaas, Papai Noel, Babbo Natale, Father Christmas, Belsnickle and myriad of nom de plumes have produced a person and tradition that has unified all peoples by raising the spirits of all ages, races, creeds, and beliefs.

by Rochelle Riservato



RELATED ARTICLES

BETHEL WOODS

opus 40

HUDSON VALLEY MANSIONS

Mohonk Mountain House

A HUDSON RIVER PERSPECTIVE

maverick concerts

The Rosendale Theatre

Hudson Valley's Most HAUNTED

Traversing the Boundless

The Maverick Colony

RECEIVE EPOSTS

WHATS HAPPENING

ADD YOUR BUSINESS

SEE WEDDING SITE

  • Dutchess County Fairgrounds

    Rhinebeck, 845-876-4000
    www.dutchessfair.com/

  • Buzzanco's Greenhouses & Farm

    Kingston, (845) 336-6528
    www.buzzancogreenhouses.com/

  • Wayward Ranch Animal Sanctuary

    Kerhonkson, (845)-626-7645
    www.waywardranch.org/

  • Ole Savannah Southern Table and...

    Kingston, (845) 331-4283
    www.olesavannah.com/

  • Habitat Real Estate Group

    Stone Ridge , 8456877954
    www.habitatrealestategroup.c...

  • Halter Associates Realty

    Kingston & Woodstock
    www.halterassociatesrealty.c...

  • Rhinebeck Artists Shop

    Rhinebeck, New Paltz, Kingston
    www.rhinebeckartistsshop.com...

  • Colony Woodstock

    Woodstock, 845-679-7625
    www.colonywoodstock.com

  • Emerson Resort & Spa, Mt. Tremp...

    Mt. Tremper, 845-688-2828
    www.emersonresort.com

  • Saunderskill Farm


    www.saunderskill.com/

  • Shawangunk Wine Trail

    Marlboro, 845-256-8456
    www.shawangunkwinetrail.com

  • Blue Mountain Guest House

    Saugerties, 3233138426
    www.vrbo.com/560528

  • Jugo Mobile Beverage Company

    New Paltz, 347-228-7283
    www.jugomobilebeveragecompan...

  • The Art Effect

    Poughkeepsie
    feelthearteffect.org/

FAQ

ADD EVENT

ADD BUSINESS

  • instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
CONTACT

CALL: 845-687-3470
EMAIL: VISITVORTEX@GMAIL.COM

VISITVORTEX
PO BOX 82
HIGH FALLS, NY 12440
SIGN UP

SIGN UP FOR EPOSTS OF EVENTS,
THINGS TO DO AND SEE NEW
HUDSON VALLEY VIDEOS!

SEE OUR WEDDING SITE


© VISITVORTEX.COM 2022.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS