Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

The holiday season always brings joy, nostalgia and Santa Claus, the beloved iconic symbol of Christmas.

Otherwise known as Saint Nicholas, the Father Christmas goes by other monikers, such as Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, and is named after St. Nicholas, a bishop who was famous for his generous gifts to the poor.

While the tradition was inspired by the 4th-century Greek Christian bishop, Santa Claus has now become a worldwide phenomenon and a symbol of the season's kindness and generosity.

Take a look through these fascinating and funny photographs of people dressing as Santa Claus in the past:

A man in Santa Claus costume sleeping on a bench, circa 1940

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

A man dressed as Father Christmas shaking hands with a soldier, 1940

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Trainees at a school for Santa Claus impersonators, 1940

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Father Christmas in wartime London, 1940

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

A 45-foot Santa Claus inflated for the Macy's Parade, New York, 1940. (Weegee)

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Santa Claus handing out gifts during World War II, 1942. (David E. Scherman)

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Group of Santa Claus mascots inside the Macy's department store, 1948. (Nina Leen)

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

A bus driver shaking hands with Father Christmas passing by on his scooter, London, 1949. (Reg Speller)

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Glenn Ford dressed as Santa Claus in the film 'Mr. Soft Touch,' 1949.

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

A sponsored Santa Claus searching for a chimney on the rooftop, Rye, Sussex, 1950.

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Santa Claus gets a traffic ticket, Maywood, California, 1952.

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Santa Claus held up by a group of boys armed with toy guns, London, 1954.

Lucille Ball and fellow cast members during the 'I Love Lucy Christmas Special,' 1956.

Group of Santa Clauses crossing the street, 1959.

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Santa Claus flanked by two policemen down the street, 1959.

Salvador Dali in Santa outfit, 1961.

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Santa Claus rally in New York, 1961.

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

Debbie Reynolds arrived at the Golden Apple Awards in Los Angeles dressed as Santa Claus, 1969.

A saddened Father Christmas at David Morgan's store in Cardiff, 1973.

Fascinating Vintage Photos of Santa Claus in the Past

A woman glance at a surly looking Santa in a busy shopping street, 1975.

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Topics: us old 1950s 1960s 1970s life & culture 1940s people holiday & festival Santa Claus