サンタクロース

さんたくろーす
noun
Santa Claus
cultureperson
1. Santa Claus
The figure who brings presents to children at Christmas. In Japan he leaves presents on the night of December 24, and the short form サンタ is common in speech.
サンタクロースが来(き)た。
Santa Claus came.
子(こ)どもはまだサンタクロースを信(しん)じている。
My child still believes in Santa Claus.
On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus left a present by my pillow.

Usually shortened to サンタ or サンタさん in conversation.

Common collocations

Cultural note

Christmas in Japan is a secular, commercial holiday. Children receive presents from Santa on the night of the 24th, and families often eat Christmas cake and fried chicken.