Google Santa Trackeris a popular Christmas feature that allows users to follow Santa in real time as he delivers gifts around the world. This feature provides a digital way to follow Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve. Every December 24, Google transforms Santa’s Village into an interactive tracking experience, delighting children and adults alike. The platform provides updates on Santa’s journey, showing his progress as he and his reindeer travel around the world to spread Christmas cheer. Here’s how the tradition began:

How this Google tradition began

This festive tradition that began in 2004 builds on NORAD’s long-running Santa tracking program, but has evolved with modern Google technology, incorporating fun features and educational games to engage users throughout of the holiday season.
Meanwhile, NORAD’s tradition of tracking down Santa on Christmas Eve began in 1955 when a typographical error in a department store advertisement prompted a child to call a military command center in Colorado, Wash. hope to speak with Santa Claus.
Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, who responded to the call, posed as Santa Claus and reassured the child. As more calls came in, Shoup assigned an officer to handle the investigations, kicking off the festive custom that NORAD continued after its founding in 1958.
For decades, NORAD has suspended its regular airspace surveillance duties each holiday season to answer children’s questions about Santa’s journey and his remarkable gift-delivery mission. Each year, more than 100,000 children call to locate Santa, while millions more follow his progress online in nine languages ​​as he travels around the world spreading holiday cheer.

Google Santa Tracker: how to use and main features

Santa’s journey can be tracked using Google’s tool on iPhone, iPad or Mac by accessing the official Santa tracking website via a web browser. The site includes a live map showing Santa’s current location, his next stop, a live video feed of his travels, and estimated arrival times for specific locations.
The website also features photos of places Santa has already visited, a live count of gifts delivered, and his current distance from the user’s location. Additionally, it offers a variety of interactive activities, including games, creative projects and videos, making the experience engaging and entertaining.