One of the most anticipated global events is taking place this Christmas: Santa’s sleigh is soaring across the skies, delivering gifts to children worldwide. Thanks to advanced technology, millions are tracking his flight in real-time, making Santa’s journey the most watched flight on the planet!
Track Santa‘s sleigh on Flightradar24
Flight Radar 24, known for tracking planes worldwide, has been the go-to platform for Santa’s annual adventure. Each year, over 50,000 users log in to follow his festive flight. Santa’s sleigh, coded as R3DN053 or SLEI, takes off from the North Pole, traveling westward as he circles the Earth to ensure every child gets their Christmas presents. To track Santa, all users need to do is input “SANTA1,” “HOHOHO,” or R3DN053 into Flightradar24’s search bar, and the sleigh’s location will be updated in real-time.
Other platforms to follow Santa
Flightradar24 isn’t the only platform keeping tabs on Santa. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also offers a Santa tracker. It all started in 1955, when a department store misprint led a child to call NORAD’s military command center, seeking Santa. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup responded by pretending to be Santa, and the tradition of tracking Santa began. Today, NORAD tracks Santa’s every move via its website and mobile app, with a hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) offering live updates. Google also joins the fun, offering a live tracker through its Santa Tracker, where families can follow Santa’s journey and enjoy holiday games.
A storied sleigh
Santa’s sleigh, a legendary 9-engine Rangifer tarandus (caribou), is no ordinary aircraft. Registered as HOHOHO (MSN 0001), it is the oldest active airframe in existence, at 1,753 years old. Despite its age, the sleigh was upgraded with a ninth engine to ensure smooth flying, especially during foggy Christmas Eves.
The tradition grows
The tradition of tracking Santa has become a beloved part of Christmas for over 100,000 children who call NORAD each year to inquire about his whereabouts. Meanwhile, millions more follow Santa’s journey online in nine languages, making it a worldwide holiday spectacle.
Santa’s Route: A Christmas eve adventure
Santa’s journey begins at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, traveling westward as he visits the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. He then moves through Asia, Japan, and Africa before heading to Western Europe. From there, Santa continues to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. His route, however, is subject to change depending on weather conditions, as reported by NORAD.
