The Wide World of Santa Claus

• A Right Jolly Old Elf

  Photograph by Volkmar K. Wentzel, National Geographic Creative

  In this photo from a January 1957 National Geographic article, Alaskan reindeer pull Santa Claus's sleigh during the Pageant of Peace in Washington, D.C. The annual event, which includes the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, began in 1923 under President Calvin Coolidge.

  The Santa we know today bears little resemblance to the original Saint Nicholas. Yet the character has proved an enduring icon of Christmas. For many people around the world, the jolly, red-suited, white-bearded figure is a central part of the holiday's celebration—and commercialization.

  As you wait for Santa to come down your chimney tonight, browse through these images of Old Saint Nick from the National Geographic photo archive.

  —By Anna Lukacs, photo gallery by Kathy Moran

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  The Not-So-Polar Express

  Photograph by William Albert Allard, National Geographic

  A locomotive inspector dressed as Santa Claus greets Aboriginal women from a supply train near Watson, Australia.

  This photograph was published in a June 1986 National Geographic article about the Tea and Sugar Train, which delivered supplies to the most remote parts of the Australian outback. (Read "First Australians" in National Geographic magazine.)

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Sunbathing Santas

  Photograph by Annie Griffiths, National Geographic Creative

  Several friends in Santa hats bask in the sun on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

  Despite the usually balmy temperature, Christmas Down Under includes many of the same traditions as up North. One exception: Some Aussies cook their Christmas dinner out on the "barbie."

  This photograph appeared in an August 2000 National Geographic article about Sydney. (Read about why Australia is the happiest country in the world.)

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Shaggy Dog Santa

  Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Creative

  Every dog has his day. For this Goldendoodle—wearing a Santa hat in a snow-covered yard in Lincoln, Nebraska—that day is Christmas.

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Old Schuss Nick

  Photograph by Gordon Wiltsie, National Geographic Creative

  A man dressed as Santa Claus skis near the character's legendary home at the North Pole.

  At 90° north latitude, the geographic North Pole lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. (Read more about the North Pole.)

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Subway Santas

  Photograph by Jodi Cobb, National Geographic Creative

  A quartet of department-store Santas wait for the subway in New York City.

  This photo appeared in a September 1990 National Geographic article about Broadway.

  (From Santa to shopping, National Geographic explains the origins of Christmas traditions.)

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Santa for Hire

  Photograph by David Alan Harvey, National Geographic

  Hoping to earn money for the holiday season, a man dressed as Santa Claus walks the Piazza Vittoria in Naples, Italy, offering to pose with children for a fee.

  This photo was first published in a March 1998 National Geographic article about Naples.

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Christmas and Commerce

  Photograph by Maria Stenzel, National Geographic Creative

  Wearing sunglasses and a ragged beard, a man dressed as Santa sits in front of a department store's display window in Kunming, the capital of China's Yunnan Province. (See more photos of Yunnan Province.)

  China is officially a non-religious Communist state, so most people there celebrate Christmas as a commercial holiday. In fact, Christmas Eve is the biggest shopping day of the year.

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  A Santa for All Seasons

  Photograph by Randy Olson, National Geographic Creative

  A wooden cutout of Santa, in summer vacation mode, helps decorate a leafy lakeside retreat in Whitesburg, Kentucky. (Check out National Geographic's guide to Kentucky.)

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Big Old Saint Nick

  Photograph by Jodi Cobb, National Geographic Creative

  An oversize Santa statue is installed in a Moscow mall.

  The Russian equivalent of Santa Claus is Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost, who delivers gifts to children during New Year celebrations. Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7, in line with the Julian calendar.

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Cheer and Ch-Ching

  Photograph by Fritz Hoffman, National Geographic

  Bucking tradition in China, a young woman dressed as Santa Claus stands in a shopping district.

  Because only about one percent of China's population is Christian, most Chinese celebrate the holiday in secular fashion. That means embracing commercialism and various Western traditions—like Santa.

  Published December 24, 2014
• 

  Old Saint Nick, Old-Fashioned

  Photograph by Reza, National Geographic

  In the Middle East, where Jesus was born—thus inspiring the Christmas holiday—a man assumes the guise of a classic Saint Nicholas, complete with cloth sack and candle.

  Representations of Santa Claus have changed drastically over the years, but one element exists in nearly all depictions: the long white beard.

  Published December 24, 2014