In Czech Christmas tradition, Ježíšek is believed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Ježíšek means “Little Jesus” and refers to the infant Jesus as the gift-bringer. Czech children traditionally do not see him arrive. Instead, a bell may announce that Ježíšek has visited and left presents beneath the Christmas tree during the evening of 24 December.
This custom differs from the better-known image of Santa Claus entering homes visibly at night. Ježíšek is usually portrayed without one fixed appearance, so illustrations and descriptions vary considerably. The tradition connects Christmas presents with the Christian story of Jesus’s birth rather than with a single standardized fictional character.
Saint Nicholas still has an important place in Czech seasonal customs, but his visit occurs earlier, on the evening of 5 December. He is therefore not the main Christmas Eve gift-bringer in this tradition.