As the clock ticks down to Christmas Day 2025, the world's most famous delivery driver is preparing for his annual global mission. Santa Claus is gearing up to deliver festive cheer to billions, a logistical feat of staggering proportions that can now be followed in real-time by families across the UK and beyond.
The Immense Scale of Santa's Christmas Eve Journey
The task facing Father Christmas on the night of Wednesday, December 24, is almost unimaginable. To ensure every child receives their gift, he must visit an astonishing 390,000 homes every single minute. His total travel distance exceeds 40 million miles – a distance comparable to travelling from Earth to Mars.
This incredible itinerary requires Santa to travel at lightning speed, making him virtually invisible to the naked eye. He relies on his team of elves and trusty reindeer to manage this epic operation, which spans every country on Earth and involves stops at 419 different locations over a 25-hour period.
How to Follow Santa's Progress Live
Thankfully, modern technology provides a window into this magical journey. For over six decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has taken a break from its usual duties of monitoring aerospace for threats to track Santa's sleigh as it departs from Lapland.
Through the NORAD Santa website, the organisation provides live updates on Saint Nick's whereabouts. Visitors can watch a digital Santa and his reindeer traverse a 3D map of the world throughout Christmas Eve.
Not to be outdone, Google offers its own sophisticated tracker at santatracker.google.com. This platform not only shows Santa's current global position but also tallies the number of presents delivered. It features various festive games and activities to enjoy throughout December.
Key Stops on a Historic Route
Santa's whirlwind tour includes some symbolic locations steeped in festive history. His route typically pays homage to the origins of the Santa legend, with planned stops including:
- The ancient city of Myra in Turkey: The historical home of Saint Nicholas, the bishop who inspired the Father Christmas story.
- Rovaniemi in Finland: Widely regarded as the official 'home of Santa Claus' in the Arctic Circle.
- Santa Claus, Indiana, USA: A traditional quick pass by the aptly named American town.
This Christmas Eve, families can gather around screens to witness this global phenomenon. The trackers offer a delightful way to build anticipation and share in the magic of Santa's once-a-year mission to make every wish come true.
