The magical (and surprisingly accurate!) ways to follow Santa’s journey around the world.

There is nothing more exciting for kids than watching Santa make his way across the globe on Christmas Eve.
And thanks to modern technology, plus a little North Pole magic, families can now track Santa in real time, watch where he’s flying, and count down the moments until he reaches their home.

This guide breaks down the best ways to track Santa in 2025, including official trackers, apps, tips for parents, and a few fun traditions to add even more magic to Christmas Eve.

The Official (and Most Popular!) Santa Tracker: NORAD

If there’s one Santa tracker parents trust year after year, it’s NORAD Tracks Santa.

⭐ What is NORAD?

NORAD is the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Yes, the real military organization that monitors the skies.

Since 1955, they’ve tracked Santa’s Christmas Eve journey using satellites, radar, and special “SantaCams.”

⭐ How to watch Santa on NORAD:

• Visit: noradsanta.org
• Available starting December 1st
• Live tracking begins December 24th at 12:01 AM EST
• Includes games, music, and videos

⭐ Why kids love it:

• Animated 3D Santa flying across the globe
• Updates on where he last delivered gifts
• A running tally of how many presents have been delivered 🎁

2. Google Santa Tracker (Interactive + Fun)

Google offers another widely loved option: Google Santa Tracker.

⭐ How to watch Santa on Google:

• Visit: santatracker.google.com
• Opens December 1st
• Tracking begins early morning on December 24th

⭐ Why families love it:

• Dozens of games, coding challenges, and elf activities
• A super cute animation style
• Perfect for keeping kids entertained while waiting for Santa

This one feels a little more playful and whimsical, perfect for younger kids.

3. Santa Tracking Apps for 2025 (iPhone + Android)

If you want Santa tracking on your phone or tablet, there are several reliable apps:

📱 Top Apps for 2025

• NORAD Santa Tracker (App Store & Google Play)
• Google Santa Tracker (Android only)
• Santa Tracker – North Pole Command Center
• Christmas Countdown + Santa Tracker

Why apps are great:

• Easy for kids to check themselves
• Send notifications when Santa is getting close
• Add countdowns, sound effects, and Christmas music

4. Track Santa the Certified North Pole Way

Want something a little more magical and personal?

Here are fun, low-tech ways to track Santa that blend tech with imagination perfect for younger kids or for families who want to avoid screens all night:

✨ Track Santa with a Magic Letter

Have your child’s Certified North Pole Letter ready on Christmas Eve many families like to read it before watching Santa begin his journey!

✨ Use the Reindeer Bells Test

Go outside and “listen” for the sleigh bells.
Kids swear they can hear them if they’re really quiet!

✨ Look for Rudolph’s Glow

Step outside and look at the sky many kids spot tiny red blinking lights (which may or may not be airplanes 😉).

✨ Snowy Footprints Tradition

Parents can add snowy “reindeer prints” or sleigh marks near the doorway after bedtime.

These help kids feel like they’re truly part of Santa’s journey.

5. What Time Does Santa Usually Arrive?

Santa only comes after every child is asleep, but in general:

• He begins his global journey early on December 24th
• Visits New Zealand and Australia first
• Moves westward through Asia, Africa, Europe, and then North America

Kids can often see him getting close on the tracker right around bedtime, which makes going to sleep much easier!

6. Tips for Parents to Make Tracking Extra Magical

Here are some parent-favorite add-ons:

✔ Turn off the lights and watch the tracker on the TV

A big screen makes it feel cinematic.

✔ Bake cookies during the countdown

Time the cookie baking so they’re fresh when Santa “gets close.”

✔ Make a Santa Eve cozy corner

Blankets, cocoa, Christmas music, Santa’s version of a home theater night.

✔ Ask your kids: “Where do you think Santa will go next?”

It turns tracking into a fun geography lesson.

7. Safety Reminder: Santa Won’t Come Until Everyone Is Asleep

Every tracker will eventually show Santa “approaching your area,” which is the perfect time for parents to say:

“Quick! He’s getting close, we have to get in bed or he’ll skip our house!”

Works like a charm every time. 😄

Final Thoughts: Tracking Santa Makes Christmas Eve Magical

Tracking Santa isn’t just fun, it creates core memories your children will remember forever.

Whether you’re using NORAD, Google, an app, or your own magical traditions, the excitement of watching Santa inch closer to your house is something truly special.

Childhood goes by fast, these are the moments that become the stories they’ll tell for the rest of their lives.

From the North Pole to your home…
Merry Christmas, and happy tracking! 🎅✨