Santa Claus Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply "Santa", is a historical, legendary and mythological figure who, in many Western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve, December 24 or on his Feast Day, December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day). While Saint Nicholas was originally portrayed wearning bishop's robes, today Santa Claus is generally depicated as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearning a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. This image became popular in United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, he is often depicated in manner identical t...