Track Santa’s Journey in 2025: NORAD & Google Offer Festive Updates
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Keep spirits bright this holiday season by following Santa’s worldwide journey delivering gifts! As Christmas approaches, technology offers several ways to chart Father Christmas’s progress across the night sky, bringing joy to families around the globe.
When Does Santa Begin His Gift Delivery?
Santa Claus embarks on his annual voyage from the North Pole, covering nearly every corner of the Earth. According to most accounts, Santa initiates his deliveries at the International Date Line – located halfway around the world from London. This means that families in the United Kingdom may see Santa’s progress as early as noon on Christmas Eve. For those in New York, the magic begins around 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve, though a visit to their homes will likely occur after bedtime.
From his starting point, Santa will travel to the South Pacific Islands, then onward to New Zealand and Australia, before continuing through Japan, Asia, Africa, and Western Europe. Finally, he’ll cross the Atlantic to deliver presents throughout the Americas. By noon on Christmas Day in London, Santa is expected to have completed his global tour.
How to Track Santa in Real-Time
Several options are available for those eager to follow Santa’s progress. Here are two of the most popular methods:
NORAD Santa Tracker: A 69-Year Tradition
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa since 1955, marking its 70th anniversary this year. The tradition reportedly began when a child mistakenly called NORAD after seeing a newspaper advertisement encouraging children to call Santa. Colonel Harry Shoup, then in charge, instructed his staff to monitor radar for signs of Santa’s journey from the North Pole.
You can view the official NORAD Santa Tracker here. The tracker is also available as a mobile app for both iPhone and Android.
Google Santa Tracker: Games & Real-Time Updates
Google also offers an official Santa Tracker, complete with a yearly countdown leading up to the launch on Christmas Eve. Beyond tracking Santa’s location, Google provides a wealth of festive games and experiences to enhance the holiday spirit.
This year’s offerings include:
- Out Like A Light
- Yule Log
- Penguin Proof
- Santa Selfie
- Elf Maker
- Ollie Under The Sea
- Code Lab
- Gumball Tilt
- Railroad Ride
- Present Bounce
- Build & Bolt
- Snowball Storm
- Holiday Traditions
- Translations
- Present Drop
- Quick Draw
- Santa’s Canvas
- Snowbox
- Elf Jetpack
- Santa Search
- Penguin Dash
- Elf Ski
- Season of Giving
- Rudolph Racer
- Code Boogie
- Elf Jamband
- Wrap Battle
- Map Quiz
- Elf Glider
- Reindeer Runner
These games are all free to play and provide entertainment for the entire family, even throughout the year.
Google’s Santa Tracker is easily accessible here.
With these tools, keeping an eye on Santa’s progress has never been easier – or more fun!
