The Many Faces of Santa Claus

From Saint Nicholas to Father Christmas

The figure of Santa Claus, known as Pɛʁ nɔɛl in French, has evolved over centuries from Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and gift-giving. In the Netherlands, he is known as de Kerstman, the Christmas man, while in Germany, he is called Weihnachtsmann, also meaning Christmas man.

Père Noël: The French Santa Claus

In the 1950s, the American image of Santa Claus was introduced to French children, and the name Père Noël was adopted. While he largely resembles the traditional Santa Claus, there are a few distinct differences. Unlike his American counterpart, Père Noël does not have a red suit and instead wears a long red robe and a bishop's mitre, a nod to his origins as Saint Nicholas.