Josh Gates explores the origins of Santa Claus, a familiar yet mysterious figure

There are few legends as universally cherished — or as widely misunderstood — as the story of Santa Claus. Yet standing beside Josh Gates in the heart of Bari, Italy, I was reminded that behind the red suit and sleigh bells lies a far older narrative rooted in devotion, charity, and centuries of cultural transformation. And nowhere does that history feel more alive than during the Feast of St. Nicholas.

The city awakens before dawn as church bells echo through narrow stone streets. Lanterns flicker, incense wafts from ancient basilicas, and pilgrims gather in hushed anticipation. Together with Josh, I followed the crowd toward the Basilica di San Nicola — a magnificent 11th-century structure built specifically to protect the relics of St. Nicholas himself, the man whose life inspired the modern Santa Claus.

Inside the crypt, the atmosphere shifted entirely. Cool air drifted between marble columns, and the low glow of candlelight illuminated the saint’s stone sarcophagus. As an archaeologist, I’ve stood in countless sacred spaces, but few carried the emotional weight of knowing the bones resting before us belonged to a man whose legacy spans continents, religions, and centuries.

Above ground, Bari erupted into celebration. Musicians crowded the piazzas, children waved banners, and families carried on traditions that had survived for nearly a millennium. Josh immersed himself in every moment — from sampling holiday foods to speaking with historians, clergy, and local devotees who preserve these customs with remarkable devotion.

Yet beneath the festival’s vibrant energy lay a deeper truth: the real St. Nicholas was a figure of justice and generosity, a protector of the vulnerable, and a symbol of hope long before commercialized holiday imagery emerged.

Exploring Bari with Josh Gates revealed that the origins of Santa Claus are not merely folklore — they are a living tapestry woven from faith, history, and enduring human kindness. And in the glow of the Feast of St. Nicholas, that story feels more powerful than ever.