Many Names of Santa Claus - Around the World, Countries

anta Claus is a beloved figure celebrated across the globe, but his name and traditions differ from country to country. While the core concept of a jolly, gift-giving figure remains, each culture has added unique elements to their version of Santa. Here’s a look at how Santa is named and celebrated worldwide.

Santa Claus – United States and Canada

In the United States and Canada, Santa Claus is the dominant figure of Christmas folklore. His image is based on St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop, and he is often depicted wearing a red suit with white fur trim. Santa travels on Christmas Eve, delivering presents to well-behaved children. Children traditionally leave cookies and milk by the fireplace for Santa and carrots for his reindeer.

Father Christmas – United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Father Christmas is the traditional name for Santa. Historically, Father Christmas was a figure associated with feasting and merriment rather than gift-giving, but over time, the character merged with the image of Santa Claus, adopting similar traits. Children hang stockings by the fireplace, hoping Father Christmas will fill them with gifts overnight.

Père Noël – France

In France, children eagerly await Père Noël, who delivers gifts on Christmas Eve. French children often leave their shoes by the fireplace, and Père Noël fills them with treats and small presents. In some regions, Père Noël is accompanied by Le Père Fouettard, who punishes naughty children by giving them coal or sticks.

Weihnachtsmann – Germany

In Germany, Weihnachtsmann (literally "Christmas Man") is the gift-bringer on Christmas Eve. However, some regions of Germany celebrate St. Nikolaus on December 6th, a separate figure who rewards children with sweets and small gifts. St. Nikolaus is often depicted riding a white horse and visiting children at their homes or schools.

Babbo Natale – Italy

Babbo Natale is the Italian version of Santa Claus. He brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve, much like his counterparts elsewhere. In some parts of Italy, the witch La Befana also delivers presents on Epiphany (January 6th), believed to visit children while they sleep and leave gifts in stockings.

Papá Noel – Spain and Latin America

In Spain and many Latin American countries, Papá Noel is the figure who delivers gifts on Christmas Eve. However, Los Reyes Magos (The Three Wise Men) play a more significant role in gift-giving on January 6th during Epiphany celebrations. Children leave their shoes by the door to receive gifts or candy from the Wise Men.

Sinterklaas – Netherlands

The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas on December 5th, during the feast of St. Nicholas. Sinterklaas is depicted as a bishop who arrives by steamboat and delivers gifts to children. He is accompanied by Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), who hands out candy and treats. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace and sing songs for Sinterklaas.

Ded Moroz – Russia

In Russia, Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) is the iconic winter figure. Accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), Ded Moroz delivers gifts on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas. He is often portrayed in a long blue or red coat and travels by troika (a three-horse sleigh).

Jultomten – Sweden

In Sweden, Jultomten is a combination of Santa Claus and a local folklore figure known as Tomte. Jultomten visits homes in person on Christmas Eve, often asking "Are there any good children here?" before handing out gifts. Swedish families traditionally enjoy a feast known as Julbord on Christmas Eve.

Santa-san – Japan

In Japan, Santa-san is celebrated during Christmas, which is not a traditional holiday but has grown in popularity. Santa is primarily associated with gift-giving and festive decorations, aligning with Western customs. Christmas in Japan is more of a commercial holiday, with gift exchanges and elaborate light displays.

Julenissen – Norway

Julenissen is Norway’s version of Santa, closely tied to the folklore of Nisse, a gnome-like creature. Julenissen brings gifts and plays a role in ensuring good fortune for the household. Norwegian children leave porridge out for the Nisse to keep them happy and prevent mischief.

Agios Vasilis – Greece

In Greece, Agios Vasilis (Saint Basil) delivers presents on New Year’s Eve, aligning with the feast day of Saint Basil, celebrated on January 1st. Greek families enjoy Vasilopita, a cake with a hidden coin inside, believed to bring good luck to the person who finds it.

Papai Noel – Brazil

In Brazil, Papai Noel visits during Christmas, donning robes suitable for warmer weather. Children leave a sock near the window, and Papai Noel exchanges it for a present. Christmas in Brazil is celebrated with fireworks, nativity scenes, and large family dinners.

Joulupukki – Finland

Joulupukki (Christmas Goat) is Finland’s version of Santa. Rooted in ancient Yule traditions, Joulupukki visits homes, often accompanied by elves, to hand-deliver presents. Finnish families often sauna together on Christmas Eve as part of their holiday traditions.

Yule Lads – Iceland

Iceland celebrates 13 Yule Lads, mischievous figures who visit children in the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Each Yule Lad leaves small gifts or plays tricks, depending on the child's behavior. Children leave shoes by the window to receive presents or potatoes.

Mikulás – Hungary

In Hungary, Mikulás (St. Nicholas) visits children on December 6th. Children leave polished boots by the window, and Mikulás fills them with candy and small gifts. Naughty children may receive sticks instead of presents.

Babadimri – Albania

In Albania, Babadimri is the gift-bringer who arrives on New Year’s Eve. His name translates to "Father December," and he is celebrated with fireworks and family gatherings.

Swiety Mikolaj – Slovakia

In Slovakia, Swiety Mikolaj (Saint Nicholas) visits children on December 6th, leaving small gifts and chocolates. He is often accompanied by angels and devils who evaluate children’s behavior.

Hoteiosho – Japan (Buddhist Tradition)

In some Japanese Buddhist traditions, Hoteiosho is a gift-giving monk believed to have eyes on the back of his head. He is considered a Buddhist deity of good fortune and happiness, bringing presents to children during the New Year.

Tomte – Denmark

In Denmark, Tomte or Julemanden delivers presents. He is a Christmas gnome-like figure who is said to live in the forest and rides in a sleigh pulled by goats, similar to Finland’s Joulupukki.

Christkind – Austria and Switzerland

In Austria and Switzerland, the Christkind (Christ Child) brings gifts on Christmas Eve. Often depicted as a golden-haired angel, the Christkind is a symbol of light and hope.