Santa's Friends Around The Globe
Santa Claus might be the most famous Christmas visitor, but he’s not alone! Around the world, many cultures celebrate the holidays with their own special gift-bringers. Some are kind, some are quirky, and all of them carry a hint of holiday magic. Let’s take a trip around the world and meet over 30 of Santa's gift-bringing friends!
Saint Nicholas
In many places around the world, including France & Germany, Saint Nick is celebrated as the bringer of gifts. Saint Nicholas was a kind bishop who was known for giving gifts to the poor and less fortunate children in Myra (now Turkey). Having shown such kindness and generosity, he is still celebrated today, almost 1,700 years later! Saint Nick is considered to be "The Original Santa."
The Many Helpers of Saint Nick
In different parts of the world, Saint Nicholas is often accompanied by a variety of other Christmas characters. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, he’s joined by an angel and a devil, while in Germany or Hungary, he might appear with Knecht Ruprecht, Krampus, or Belsnickel, who make sure kids are on their best behavior!
The Three Wise Men
In Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe and Asia, The Three Wise Men, or "Los Reyes Magos", bring gifts on January 6th, known as the day of Epiphany. Kids often leave out shoes filled with hay or grass for the kings’ camels in exchange for presents!
Christkind
In Germany, Austria, and Belgium, The Christkind, or “Christ Child”, is an angelic figure with golden hair and a glowing crown. She delivers gifts on Christmas Eve and is celebrated in beautiful Christmas markets across Europe.
Saint Lucy
In Italy and Croatia, Saint Lucy brings light and gifts to children. She is often depicted wearing a crown of candles. In some areas, kids leave out carrots for her donkey and find presents waiting the next morning!
Saint Basil the Great
In Greece, Saint Basil delivers gifts on New Year’s Day, known as Saint Basil’s Day. Families bake a special cake called Vasilopita with a hidden coin inside for good luck!
Wangkarnal the Christmas Crow
Here's a unique one: In some outback towns of Western Australia, Wangkarnal the Christmas Crow helps spread the message of generosity and kindness during the holidays! This wacky character stems from a blend of Gija and Christian cultures.
Vieja Belén
Vieja Belén, or "The Old Lady of Bethlehem", is an old woman symbolizing kindness and faith who delivers gifts to children in the Dominican Republic.
Joulupukki
Before Santa came along, Finland had Joulupukki, the Yule Goat! Once a scary winter spirit with the head of a goat, he evolved into a friendly figure who now delivers presents and rides a goat rather than brandishing the head of one.
Olentzero & Mari Domingi
In parts of Spain and France, Olentzero, a cheerful charcoal maker, brings gifts on Christmas Eve. He's often joined by his partner, Mari Domingi. Together they symbolize warmth, generosity, and the spirit of giving.
Father January
In some regions of France, Father January, or "Le Père Janvier", brings gifts to celebrate the new year, reminding families that generosity can (and should) extend beyond December 25th!
Aunt Arie
Aunt Arie, or "Tante Arie", is a kind-hearted, elderly figure from eastern France who rewards good children with sweets and small gifts.
Saint Martin of Tours
Saint Martin was a Roman soldier who famously cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm. St. Martin's Day is celebrated in his honor on November 11th with parades, lanterns, songs, and treats, including sweet breaded figures called Martinsmann. Look familiar?
The Yule Lads
Iceland has not one, not two, but 13 gift-bringers! Each of the Yule Lads visits children on a different night leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts (or potatoes) in their shoes. They are known to cause mischief—a little trick here, a little treat there. With names like Door Slammer and Spoon Licker, they’re quite the goofy bunch! Think Snow White's 7 dwarves, only there's 13... and they all like to steal things.
La Befana
La Befana is a sweet old woman who flies on a broomstick, delivering gifts in places like Italy and Switzerland. Taking after Santa, she leaves candy for the good kids and coal for the naughty ones!
The Seven Lucky Gods
In Japan, The Seven Lucky Gods sail on their Treasure Ship, Takarabune, at the start of the New Year, bringing blessings and good fortune. One of them, Hotei, is known as a jolly gift-bringer who always keeps an eye on good behavior!
Star Man
In Poland, Star Man, or "Gwiazdor", visits homes with gifts, guided by the Star of Bethlehem. He sometimes tests children on their prayers or songs before handing out presents.
Grandfather Frost & Snegurochka
In places like Romania and Russia, you might hear talk of The Lord of the Cold, or "Ded Moroz." Just like Santa Claus, Grandfather Frost goes by many names. He delivers gifts on New Year’s Eve, traveling in a magical sleigh with his granddaughter Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden.
Baboushka
In another Russian legend, Baboushka, an elderly woman, visits children on Epiphany Eve, bringing gifts as she searches for the baby Jesus, whom she once failed to visit.
Tió de Nadal
Perhaps the strangest character on this list, Tió de Nadal, or The Christmas Log, is celebrated by children in parts of Spain. Kids will “feed” the log leading up to Christmas Eve, then sing songs and gently tap it with sticks, until it magically produces presents and candy!
Anjanas, L'Anguleru, and Apalpador
Spain is full of regional gift-bringers. Depending on which part of the country you're in, you might spot:
Anjanas, gentle water fairies who reward good children.
L'Anguleru, a fisherman who brings gifts from the sea.
Apalpador, a mountain dweller who makes sure children are well-fed and leaves sweets behind.
Jultomten
The Swedish Jultomten is a small, friendly gnome who delivers gifts on Christmas Eve, often traveling with a sleigh pulled by goats (these ones don't fly). Families leave him bowls of porridge to thank him for his help.
And of Course...
Father Christmas, Chimney John, Père Noël, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus: Whatever you may call him, he continues to bring happiness and magic to homes all around the world.
Meet With Santa at Metropolis Resort!
We can't promise any fairies or gnomes, but Santa and Mrs. Claus always stop by Metropolis Resort during the holiday season! See our full holiday schedule here.
