Tracking Santa: A Holiday Tradition
It’s Christmas Eve, and as the holidays start to really bed in, it’s a time to come together and find joy in the simple things – and one of those is the constant question of ‘When is Santa coming?’
Well, while this is one of the times when it’s great to not be glued to a screen (unless it’s to watch one of the best Christmas films, of course), there are a few good Santa trackers that you can use to find out where the jolly red-suited man is, and when the best times are to go to bed.
What Is a Santa Tracker?
The clue is in the name – it’s either an app or just a website where you can see where he is in the world right now. Depending on the platform, you can watch a live feed of what he’s doing, play games, read updates from his elves, or even listen to dedicated Christmas radio stations.
There are a few Santa tracking apps out there, but having covered this delightful present-giving phenomenon for nearly a decade now, here are my recommendations for the best platforms to catch glimpses of Santa as he makes his epic journey around the globe.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Google Santa Tracker
While this isn’t the longest-standing tracker, it is one of the most popular and the one my kids and I go to first. It launches early in the Christmas season, offering engaging games that keep the whole family entertained. One delightful feature includes a video that shows how Santa prepared for this year, complete with the humorous twist of him being late for his own journey!
From simple mini-games that respond to device tilting to educational coding games introduced by the elves, there’s plenty of fun to be had. The main event is, of course, the map that tracks Santa’s current location, with updates showing how many presents he has delivered – a staggering 12,000 a second! However, a note for iPad users: some games may not function optimally.
Head over to the official Google Santa Tracker website – he’s already on his way!
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NORAD Santa Tracker
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, has been tracking Santa for decades. This charming tradition stemmed from an unfortunate printing error in a 1955 Colorado Springs newspaper, which misdirected children hoping to call Santa to NORAD’s hotline instead. The operators, ever willing to spread holiday cheer, gave updates on Santa’s location, leading to an annual tradition that continues today.
Kids can still call 1-877-HI-NORAD on Christmas Eve for live updates on Santa’s whereabouts. NORAD’s tracker is also accessible via their website and mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices.
You’re Not Alone in the Countdown
As we gather with family and wait for the magic of Christmas, these Santa trackers provide a wonderful blend of fun and anticipation. Whether you’re participating in Google’s festive games or calling NORAD for an update, you’re joining millions of others worldwide, counting down to the moment the gifts arrive.
For more detailed updates and to explore different features, you can check out more information here.
Image Credit: www.digitaltrends.com
