What is Santa Claus traditionally called in German Christmas folklore?

In German Christmas folklore, Santa Claus is traditionally called the Weihnachtsmann.

The German word Weihnachtsmann means “Christmas man.” It describes a secular Christmas gift-bringer who developed from a blend of traditions associated with Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and other European figures. The Weihnachtsmann is commonly portrayed as an older man with a white beard, a red coat, and a sack of presents.

The Weihnachtsmann is distinct from the Christkind, or Christ Child, which brings gifts in many German-speaking regions. In some families and areas, Nikolaus visits around Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, while the Weihnachtsmann appears around Christmas Eve. These figures can overlap in modern popular culture, but they are not identical in traditional usage.

German Christmas customs vary by region, so not every household uses the Weihnachtsmann. Some areas retain the Christkind as the principal gift-bringer, reflecting the historical influence of Reformation-era changes to Saint Nicholas traditions.