Christmas 2024: How and when Google started tracking Santa Claus' journey from North Pole

Google Santa Tracker, is a popular Christmas feature that allows users to track Santa Claus in real time as he delivers presents worldwide. This feature offers a digital way to follow Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve. Each December 24, Google transforms Santa's Village into an interactive tracking experience, delighting children and adults alike. The platform provides updates on Santa's route, showing his progress as he and his reindeer travel across the globe spreading Christmas cheer.Here’s how the tradition started:

This festive tradition that began in 2004 builds on NORAD's long-standing Santa tracking program but has evolved with Google’s modern technology, incorporating playful features and educational games to engage users throughout the holiday season.
Meanwhile, NORAD’s tradition of tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve began in 1955 when a misprint in a department store advertisement prompted a child to call a Colorado military command centre, hoping to speak with Santa Claus.
Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, who answered the call, pretended to be Santa and reassured the child. As more calls came in, Shoup assigned an officer to manage the enquiries, which started the festive custom that NORAD carried on after its establishment in 1958.
For decades, NORAD has paused its regular airspace monitoring duties each holiday season to answer children’s questions about Santa’s journey and his remarkable gift-delivery mission. Each year, over 100,000 kids call in to track Santa’s location, while millions more follow his progress online in nine languages as he travels across the globe spreading holiday cheer.

Santa's journey can be tracked using Google’s tool on iPhone, iPad or Mac by accessing the official Santa Tracking website through a web browser. The site includes a live map displaying Santa's current location, his next stop, a live video feed of his travels, and estimated arrival times for specific locations.
The website also showcases photos of places Santa has already visited, a live tally 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.