Science fiction portrayals of Santa Claus range from sinister to downright bizarre.

Christmas is just around the corner and we are all eagerly anticipating what Santa will put in our stockings. Saint Nick’s global gift-giving spree has long been associated with folklore, magic and mythology, but there are a number of films which suggest Father Christmas is less of a polar magician and more of a scientist. 

As far-fetched as it may sound, different pop culture portrayals of Santa can tell us a lot about our fears, anxieties and desires about different facets of science. 

Discover some of the weird and wonderful examples of Santa science that have appeared on screen over the years in the ANU Reporter!