Every Christmas, Santa Claus surprises children around the world with his magical ability to deliver exactly what they want without ever being caught in the act.
One of the fun things you can do with your children on Christmas Eve is find out where in the world the sleigh is and how it achieves this incredible feat while they wait for their own presents to be silently placed under the tree Christmas. .
Here are all the best websites for tracking Santa's progress this year. Some are also available as apps for Android and iPhone.
1. Google Santa Tracker
Google is using some of its vast knowledge to spread a little happiness this Christmas. Go to the Google Santa Tracker website. There you will find a selection of different activities suitable for all ages, available to play before Christmas Eve.
When it's the big day, you'll see Santa's location, a live blog of his journey, how far he is from you, and how many presents he's delivered.
According to the tracker, Santa's journey lasts 25 hours. It made its first volley just after 10 p.m. local time in far eastern Russia, while it was 5 a.m. in New York and 11 a.m. in Paris.
The website works on PCs, phones and tablets, and there is no need to install an app.
2. Follow Santa with NORAD
For those of a certain age, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) will conjure up images of a new face, Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy, bringing the world to the brink of World War III just to so they can play the latest video game.
In the classic 1983 War Games, the final scenes of a potential global disaster take place in the mountainous stronghold of NORAD, where generals monitor any nuclear missile attacks from aggressive countries (well, back then it was Soviet Union).
NORAD has devoted its considerable surveillance capabilities to geolocating St. Nick, which is expected to reach incredible, missile-like speeds while streaking across the sky. Either he considers it a threat to national security.
Nowadays, you can also install Norad's tracker on Android and iPhone.
Go to the NORAD website.
In fact, the NORAD Tracks Santa site is a glorious celebration of Santa Claus and just a fun place for kids (and adults) to waste a little time. While the main function – on Christmas Eve – is to show the Santa Express its way through the sky, you can click on the different buildings in the village on the home page to hear songs, learn more about Father Christmas – and on NORAD.
NORAD's tradition of tracking Santa's flight began in 1955 when a printing error in an advertisement resulted in children accidentally calling NORAD (or rather its predecessor CONAD) to ask where the Santa Claus. Colonel Harry Shoup, showing great good grace, had his staff verify the sleigh's current location, and another Christmas legend was born.
3. Santa Claus Update
If you prefer a more journalistic approach to the sleigh preparations and social conditions in Santa's toy workshop, then Santa Update is for you. This site covers information that somehow goes unnoticed in the mainstream media, including radio interviews with knowledgeable elves speculating about a strange, large, unnamed building in which Mr. Christzmas stores something mysterious thing.
Santa Claus Update
Santa Update also published several stories regarding sled flight tests in Malaysia, speed tests in Russian airspace, and random sightings over Japan, where St. Nick is believed to be conducting reconnaissance missions. Any disgruntled elves who wish to blow the whistle on any Santa scandals can also submit their reports directly to the site for publication.
Elf HQ, which manages messages to Santa and elves online, is part of Santa Update.
There are email addresses on the site for you to contact the main man himself, so hopefully you'll get an idea of what he plans to come down your chimney with!
