<P> Santa Claus , also known as Saint Nicholas , Kris Kringle , Father Christmas , or simply Santa , is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well - behaved ( `` good '' or `` nice '' ) children on Christmas Eve ( 24 December ) and the early morning hours of Christmas Day ( 25 December ) . The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas ( a fourth - century Greek bishop and gift - giver of Myra ) , the British figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas ( himself also based on Saint Nicholas ) . Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan , who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule and led the Wild Hunt , a ghostly procession through the sky . </P>
who is the character of santa claus based on
Saint Nicholas Father Christmas Sinterklaas Wodan