Biography · SEASON 3
Santa Claus
Episode 38 · 1994-12-19
- Documentary
Episode overview
He breaks into houses uninvited—yet he comes to give. Almost as old as Christianity itself, Santa Claus is one of history’s most beloved figures, one who has symbolized the magic, enchantment, and unquestioning belief of childhood. Though derived from the doctrines of various religions, Santa Claus symbolizes the secular spirit of generosity. Santa Claus embarks on a journey through history to reveal the roots of Father Christmas, from the Roman Befana to the Germanic Berchte and Knecht Ruprecht, from Saint Nicholas to Père Noël, and expose the historicity and magic of this jolly figure. Fascinating interviews with historians and experts—including Tim Allen, star of The Santa Clause—illuminate his extraordinary legacy. Join Biography in uncovering the real history of this timeless character, one of the most enduring and charming figures ever.
60 minutes
Season 3 episodes
1. Harry S. Truman
2. Henry Ford: Tin Lizzy Tycoon1994-07-21
3. Mata Hari: The Seductive Spy
4. Paul Revere: The Midnight Rider
5. Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon1994-01-18
6. Sid Caesar: Television's Comedy Genius1994-04-12
7. The Rockefellers1994-05-30
8. Teddy: A Kennedy Portrait1994-06-03
9. General Omar Bradley1994-06-06
10. Marilyn Monroe: Behind the Legend1994-06-10
11. Houdini: The Great Escape1994-06-20
12. George Washington: Founding Father1994-06-24
13. Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space1994-07-11
14. Wilbur and Orville: Dreams of Flying1994-07-12
15. Gene Roddenberry: Star Trek and Beyond1994-07-14
16. Donald Trump: Master of the Deal1994-07-21
17. Frank Capra: Mr. Capra Goes to America1994-07-25
18. Davy Crockett: American Frontier Legend1994-08-01
19. Roy Rogers: American Legend1994-08-02
20. Willie Nelson1994-08-04
21. Patsy Cline: Remembering Patsy1994-08-05
22. W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter1994-08-08
23. Eleanor Roosevelt: A Restless Spirit1994-08-30
24. The Babe: The Story of Babe Ruth1994-09-01
25. Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith1994-09-12
26. Bette Davis: If Looks Could Kill1994-09-13
27. Gilda Radner: In Her Own Words1994-09-14
28. Benjamin Franklin: Citizen of the World1994-09-15
29. Mike Tyson: Fallen Champ1994-09-16
30. Michelangelo: Artist and Man1994-09-21
31. Edgar Allan Poe: The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe1994-10-27
32. Cleopatra: Destiny's Queen1994-11-25
33. Van Cliburn: Concert Pianist1994-12-01
34. Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey1994-12-05
35. FDR: The War Years1994-12-06
36. Hirohito1994-12-07
37. Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso1994-12-11
38. Santa Claus1994-12-19
39. Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop1994-12-20
40. Stooges: The Men Behind the Mayhem1994-12-23
41. FDR: Years of Crisis1994-12-26
42. Andrew Carnegie: Prince of Steel1995-01-01
43. Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People1995-01-03
44. Aristotle Onassis: The Golden Greek1995-01-04
45. Attila: Scourge of God1995-01-05
46. Benedict Arnold: Triumph and Treason1995-01-06
47. Charles Dickens: A Tale of Ambition and Genius1995-01-09
48. Charles Manson: Journey into Evil1995-01-10
49. Charlton Heston: For All Seasons1995-01-11
50. Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World1995-01-12
51. Crazy Horse: The Last Warrior1995-01-13
52. Daniel Boone1995-01-16
53. Genghis Khan: Terror and Conquest1995-01-17
54. George Custer: Showdown at the Little Bighorn1995-01-18
55. Goebbels: Master of Propaganda1995-01-19
56. H.G. Wells: Time Traveler1995-01-20
57. Hercules: Power of the Gods1995-01-23
58. Huey Long: The Kingfish1995-01-24
59. Jack the Ripper: Phantom of Death1995-01-25
60. John Dillinger: Public Enemy #11995-01-26
61. John Wilkes Booth: Assassin in the Spotlight1995-01-27
62. Lee Harvey Oswald: An American Tragedy1995-01-30
63. Leif Ericson: Voyages of a Viking1995-01-31
64. Malcolm X: A Search for Identity1995-02-01
65. Marco Polo: Journey to the East1995-02-02
66. Mozart1995-02-03
67. Nostradamus: Prophet of Doom1995-02-06
68. Patrick Henry: Voice of Liberty1995-02-07
69. Ponce de León: The First Conquistador1995-02-08
70. Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective1995-02-09
71. Sitting Bull: Chief of the Lakota Nation1995-02-10
72. Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for the Cause1995-02-13
73. The Gettys: A Tragedy of Riches1995-02-14
74. The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers1995-02-15
75. The Red Baron: Master of the Air1995-02-16
76. The Vanderbilts: An American Dynasty1995-02-17
77. Theodore Roosevelt: Roughrider to Rushmore1995-02-20
78. Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom1995-02-21
79. Tokyo Rose: Victim of Propaganda1995-02-22
80. Wild Bill Hickok: Gentleman of the Old West1995-02-23
81. Yitzhak Rabin: Soldier of Peace1995-02-24
