Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Depending on where you are in Europe, it’s possible to bump into St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Père Noël, Samichlaus, Sinterklaas, and others. All are brothers of sorts, tracing their lineage back either to an early Christian saint or a pagan deity.

The origin of these multicultural gift-givers is a tangle of folklore, crossed with some early Christian public relations and a dash of modern commercial branding.

Visit ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.

*Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:*
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio
• European tours: ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: store.ricksteves.com/shop/guidebooks
• Travel gear: store.ricksteves.com/shop
• Travel classes: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks
• Rick Steves Audio Europe app: ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-europe

Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.