The question of where Santa Claus lives has sparked a variety of claims from countries across the globe. Finland, for instance, touts Korvatunturi in Lapland as Santa's home, drawing tourists to the region. Denmark points to Greenland, Sweden suggests Mora, and all these locations are close to the North Pole, contributing to the myth of a snowy Santa home. However, this image of Santa as a jolly man with reindeer and a sleigh was not always so cheerful.

Historically, European folklore surrounding Santa was darker. In Finland, a figure called "nuuttipukki" would visit homes, demanding gifts and threatening bad luck if they weren't given. Over time, this transformed into the more familiar "Joulupukki," the Finnish version of Santa Claus, who gives gifts to well-behaved children. By the 19th century, Santa Claus had become the iconic figure we know today, thanks in part to illustrator Thomas Nast, though his actual home remained uncertain.

As territorial claims for Santa's origin continue, such as Canada issuing passports to Santa and his wife, the question of where he truly resides might surprise you. Santa Claus, derived from Saint Nicholas, has deep roots in Turkey, where the Christian bishop Nicholas of Myra (modern-day Demre) is credited with gifting to children. An archaeological find in 2017 even believed to have uncovered Saint Nicholas’ burial site. This connection may be the most authentic, challenging the snowy northern claims.