Every December 24, the same quiet ritual unfolds across living rooms worldwide. While kitchens buzz with last minute preparations and families gather for the evening, millions of eyes turn to a glowing screen, watching a tiny icon travel across a digital map. Santa Claus is on the move, and once again, technology allows us to follow his legendary journey in real time.
This year is no exception. Santa’s sleigh has officially left the North Pole and begun its global gift delivery tour, with Europe and North America waiting their turn as the night progresses.
A Global Journey That Captivates the World
Santa’s route follows a carefully timed logic. He begins in regions where Christmas arrives first, crossing the Pacific and Oceania before heading west through Asia, Europe, and eventually the Americas. By the time families in France, the United Kingdom, or the United States head to bed, Santa is already racing against the clock to visit millions of homes before sunrise.
This sense of shared anticipation is what makes tracking Santa such a unique global moment. Different countries, cultures, and time zones, all watching the same journey unfold.
How to Track Santa in Real Time
Behind the magic lies a combination of playful storytelling and real world technology. Several trusted platforms now offer live tracking of Santa’s sleigh, each with its own style and audience.
Flightradar24, the aviation enthusiast’s choice
Normally used to follow commercial aircraft, Flightradar24 adds a festive surprise on Christmas Eve. Santa’s sleigh appears as a special tracked flight, making it one of the most watched “aircraft” on the platform that night.
To find it, users simply enter one of Santa’s commonly used flight identifiers into the search bar. Depending on the year, these may include codes such as R3DN053, SANTA1, or HOHOHO. Once selected, the sleigh can be seen moving across the world map in real time, just like any other aircraft.
NORAD Tracks Santa, a long standing tradition
Perhaps the most iconic Santa tracking service comes from the North American Aerospace Defense Command. What began decades ago as a simple hotline has evolved into a full digital experience, complete with live maps, animations, and real time updates throughout December 24.
Available via website and mobile apps, NORAD’s tracker combines official sounding presentation with a festive tone, making it popular with families around the world.
Google Santa Tracker, playful and family friendly
Google’s approach focuses on fun and accessibility. Alongside live sleigh tracking, users can explore Santa’s village, play mini games, and discover interactive features designed to entertain children while they wait for Santa’s arrival.
It is a lighter, more colorful experience, but still provides accurate updates on Santa’s progress across the globe.
Santa’s Expected Arrival Over Europe
As Christmas Eve turns into Christmas morning, Santa’s sleigh is expected to pass over Europe during the late evening and early night hours. In France, anticipation peaks well before midnight, with families knowing that Santa’s visit could happen at any moment once darkness falls.
In a festive nod to tradition, the French city of Saintes even issued a symbolic municipal order authorizing Santa’s sleigh to fly over the town between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. A playful gesture that reflects just how seriously the magic of Christmas is taken.
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