Santa Claus
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved ("good" or "nice") children on Christmas Eve (24 December) and the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December). The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas (a fourth-century Greek bishop and gift-giver of Myra), the British figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of "Sinterklaas" (himself also based on Saint Nicholas). Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan, who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule and led the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession through the sky.
Pancho Claus
According to the tradition, Pancho Claus hails from the South Pole rather than the North Pole, and is sometimes described as Santa's southern "cousin". Pancho Claus differs from Santa Claus principally by attire, wearing outfits commonly associated with Hispanic culture such as a sombrero and poncho or serape, and often favoring a black or salt-and-pepper beard rather than the white beard of Santa. Instead of reindeer pulling his sled, Pancho is sometimes depicted with a cart and a draft team of burros. In West Texas, Pancho Claus is sometimes referred to as Pancho Clos to further distinguish him from his North Pole counterpart.