During the Holiday Season, one man and only one is the centre of attention. Flying in the sky on his magic sleigh, distributing presents all over the world and bringing joy in each home, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa Claus. Ever wonder what Santa is called in different countries?

Here’s your answer (with the literal translation in brackets afterwards if needed).

 Brazil – Papai Noel

 Chile – Viejo Pascuero (Old Man Christmas)

 China – Dun Che Lao Ren (Christmas Old Man)

 Denmark – Julemanden

 Finland – Joulupukki

France – Père Noël

 Germany – Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man)

Greek – Άγιος Βασίλης

 Hungary – Mikulas (St. Nicholas)

 Italy – Babbo Natale

 Japan – Hoteiosho (A god or priest bearing gifts)

 Norway – Julenissen (Christmas gnome)

Polish –  Święty Mikołaj

 Portugal – Pai Natal

 Spain – Papa Noel

 Romania – Mos Craciun

 Russia – Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)

 Turkey – Noel Baba

Tracking Santa Around the World

For the last couple of years you can track Santa around the world using Google, more accurately using the Google Santa Tracker. Its a handy little tool to help the kids (and big kids) watch were he’s been on the big night and the estimated time of arrival at your location (obviously you have to be asleep when he actually comes down your chimney or the magic won’t happen).