Across continents and cultures, the figure of Santa Claus continues to inspire wonder and excitement. Although the modern image of Santa is widely recognized, his name and characteristics change depending on the traditions of the country celebrating him.
These variations capture cultural values, folklore, and festive customs passed down through generations. We will take a look at each different name of Santa and where it’s commonly used during the approaching Christmas season.
Papa Noel
In many French-speaking regions around the world, the beloved gift-bringer is known as Papa Noel. This name is most commonly used in France, but it is also familiar in French-influenced areas such as parts of Canada, Haiti, and several West African countries.
The name translates directly to Father Christmas, and the traditions surrounding him closely resemble those found in other Western celebrations. Children often place their shoes by the fireplace for Papa Noel to fill with gifts, a custom echoing earlier European practices.
In some cultures, he travels with a companion figure who may reward good behavior or warn against mischief, reflecting the emphasis on moral lessons during the festive season.
Babbo Natale
In Italy, Santa Claus takes the name Babbo Natale, which means Father Christmas in Italian. The character has become increasingly popular across Italy, blending modern Santa imagery with older Italian folklore.
Historically, Italians associated Christmas gifts with figures such as La Befana, the kindly witch who delivers presents on Epiphany. Although La Befana remains important, Babbo Natale has grown into a central figure of Italian Christmas celebrations.
He is often portrayed as warm and cheerful, embodying the family-centered values central to Italian culture. Italian children look forward to gifts from Babbo Natale on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, and he is commonly depicted in local markets and holiday parades.
Sinterklaas
The Dutch figure Sinterklaas is one of the oldest and most influential inspirations for the modern Santa Claus.
Celebrated primarily in the Netherlands and Belgium, Sinterklaas arrives each year by boat from Spain in mid-November and participates in lively parades throughout the region.
The feast of Saint Nicholas on December 5 or 6 is the central moment of gift-giving, when children leave shoes out to be filled with treats. Sinterklaas is depicted as a tall, dignified bishop dressed in red robes, reflecting his origin in the story of Saint Nicholas of Myra.
This tradition emphasizes generosity, folklore, and community celebrations, and it remains one of the most cherished cultural festivities in Dutch-speaking regions.
Ded Moroz
In Russia and several neighboring countries, Ded Moroz — literally Grandfather Frost — is the figure who delivers gifts during the New Year celebrations.
Unlike Santa Claus, who is usually depicted as cheerful and jolly, Ded Moroz is often shown as a noble, wizard-like figure with a long coat, ornate staff, and fur-lined hat.
He is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden, symbolizing the importance of family and seasonal folklore in Slavic culture.
Ded Moroz traditionally brings gifts to children on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas, reflecting the cultural significance of the New Year holiday in Russia and other Slavic nations.
Joulupukki
In Finland, Santa is known as Joulupukki, a name that translates to Christmas Goat. This intriguing title originates from an old Finnish tradition in which a Yule Goat figure visited homes during winter festivities.
Over time, the goat evolved into a friendly, gift-bringing character, merging with the modern Santa image while preserving its folkloric roots. Joulupukki is believed to live in Korvatunturi in Lapland, enhancing Finland’s connection to the idea of Santa’s Arctic residence.
Families often report that Joulupukki visits in person on Christmas Eve, making Finnish celebrations especially interactive and memorable for children.
Dun Che Lao Ren
In China, the figure resembling Santa is known as Dun Che Lao Ren, meaning Old Christmas Man. Although Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday, it has become increasingly recognized in urban areas.
Dun Che Lao Ren is usually portrayed similarly to Western Santa Claus, often appearing in shopping centers and festive decorations.
Chinese celebrations tend to emphasize friendship, giving, and colorful displays rather than religious traditions, and Dun Che Lao Ren reflects the blending of global holiday customs with modern Chinese culture.
Santa Hal-abeoji
In South Korea, Santa Claus is typically called Santa Hal-abeoji, which translates to Grandfather Santa. The name reflects the cultural norm of referring to respected elders with affectionate terms.
Santa Hal-abeoji appears in decorations and malls throughout Korea during the Christmast season, dressed in the familiar red suit but sometimes influenced by local design elements.
While Christmas in Korea combines both Western and Korean traditions, Santa Hal-abeoji symbolizes that sense of celebration and togetherness, particularly for families and children enjoying the festive season.
