Santa Claus has begun his annual global journey on Christmas Eve, and families around the world are eagerly tracking his progress as he delivers gifts to children everywhere. According to reports, Santa and his team of nine reindeer have taken off and are currently being tracked as they make their way across the sky.
How the Tracking Works
The famous NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) Santa tracker is once again live for 2025. This long-standing holiday tradition lets children and families follow Santa’s flight in real time as he travels from the North Pole across the globe. NORAD uses radar, satellites, and other technology to simulate Santa’s route, offering updates across its website and digital platforms. You can also track Santa through alternative services like the Google Santa Tracker, which provides a more interactive and animated experience with fun activities and games alongside real-time location updates.
Santa’s Worldwide Journey
Santa’s journey is already underway, and trackers show him passing over regions such as Asia, Australia, and Europe as the evening progresses. Multiple sources report that he has clocked billions of gift deliveries so far as he continues westward toward the Americas.
How to Follow Along
Families can follow Santa’s progress in several ways:
- Visit the NORAD Tracks Santa website for live location updates and interactive features.
NORAD Tracks Santa - Call the dedicated hotline at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to get Santa’s current location by phone.
- Use the Google Santa Tracker for a more playful online experience with maps and games.
A Cherished Holiday Tradition
This holiday tracking tradition began in 1955, when a misprinted phone number in a newspaper led children to call a military defense center asking for Santa’s location. Rather than disappoint them, the staff decided to play along, starting a tradition that’s now beloved worldwide.
Even the Reindeer Are Ready
In parts of the U.S., local officials have even weighed in on Santa’s preparations — for example, state veterinarians in Connecticut confirmed Santa’s legendary reindeer are “cleared to fly” with favorable weather and good health, making sure the sleigh team is ready for its magical mission.
In short: Santa is officially on his Christmas Eve adventure for 2025, and millions are tracking his journey in real time through NORAD and other services — keeping the holiday spirit alive around the world.
What Happens as Santa Moves West
As Christmas Eve continues, Santa’s route traditionally moves westward, following time zones so children across the world can fall asleep knowing he will arrive during the night. After passing through Europe, the tracker usually shows Santa heading across the Atlantic before reaching North and South America. This timing helps maintain the magic, ensuring gifts appear while households are asleep and the excitement lasts until morning. For many families, watching Santa’s progress has become part of their holiday routine. Parents often use the tracker as a fun way to encourage children to go to bed on time, reminding them that Santa only stops at homes where everyone is fast asleep.
Why the Santa Tracker Remains So Popular
Despite being rooted in a playful idea, the Santa tracker continues to attract millions of visitors every year. Its popularity comes from nostalgia, tradition, and the sense of shared global excitement it creates. Families from different countries follow the same journey, creating a moment of connection that crosses borders and cultures. The tracker has also evolved with technology. What started as simple phone updates has grown into a fully interactive experience with maps, animations, games, and educational content. This keeps children engaged while also introducing them to geography, time zones, and basic technology concepts in a fun way.
A Moment of Magic in a Digital World
In an age dominated by fast news cycles and constant online updates, the Santa tracker stands out as something lighthearted and positive. It offers a brief escape from everyday worries and reminds people of the joy, generosity, and imagination associated with the holiday season. For children, it reinforces belief in magic and wonder. For adults, it often brings back memories of their own childhood and the simple excitement of Christmas Eve.
