Christmas in Hungary Christmas in Hungary Christmas in Hungary is celebrated with traditions similar to those found in other Central European countries ("See:" Christmas worldwide) as well as customs unique to the region. The Christmas and gift-giving season starts relatively early compared to other cultures, with the Santa-like figure, or Hungarian version of Saint Nicholas, Mikulás (or Szent Miklós) traditionally visiting the homes of Hungarian children on the night of 5 December, on the eve of Saint Nicholas Feast Day, 6 December. Although the role of gift-giver on Christmas Day itself is assigned to the Christ Child, on the night before St. Nicholas
Church of St Nicholas, Melnik the Church Fathers and the vision of Peter of Alexandria. The life of church patron Saint Nicholas is also painted on the walls of the church. The frescoes also feature portraits of Antipas of Pergamum, Anthimus of Nicomedia, Gregory of Nyssa and Procopius of Scythopolis. Some of the murals have been stripped from the walls and sent to the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia, though others remain in place. A 13th-century Greek-language inscription was discovered on the interior walls of the Church of St Nicholas. In translation, it reads: "Prayer of God's slave "sebastos" Vladimir, brother of a single womb