Santa’s sleigh (video credit: NORAD)

This Christmas, one of the most anticipated global events will take place: Santa Claus’ sleigh will float across the sky, distributing gifts to children around the world. Thanks to advanced technology, millions are following his flight in real time, making Santa’s journey the most watched flight in the world!
Chase Santa ClausThe sleigh moves on Flight Radar24
Flight Radar 24, known for tracking aircraft worldwide, was the go-to location for Santa’s annual adventure. Every year, over 50,000 users log in to watch his celebratory flight. Santa’s sleigh, code R3DN053 or SLEI, takes off from the North Pole and travels west around the Earth to ensure every child gets their Christmas presents. To track Santa, users simply need to type “SANTA1,” “HOHOHO,” or R3DN053 into Flightradar24’s search bar and the sleigh’s location will be updated in real time.

Other platforms follow Santa Claus
Flightradar24 isn’t the only platform keeping an eye on Santa Claus. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also offers a Santa tracker. It all started in 1955 when a printing error at a department store led to a child calling NORAD’s military command center looking for Santa Claus. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup responded by pretending to be Santa Claus and the tradition of tracking down Santa Claus began. Today, NORAD tracks Santa’s every move through its website and mobile app and provides live updates through a hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD). Google is also getting in on the action, offering its Santa Tracker, a live tracker that families can use to follow Santa’s journey and enjoy holiday games.

A legendary sleigh
Santa’s sleigh, a legendary 9-engine Rangifer tarandus (caribou), is no ordinary aircraft. With registration number 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 flight, especially on foggy Christmas evenings.

The tradition is growing
The tradition of tracking down Santa Claus has become a popular part of Christmas for over 100,000 children who call NORAD each year to inquire about his whereabouts. Millions more people are now following Santa’s journey online in nine languages, making it a global Christmas spectacle.

Santa’s Route: A Christmas Eve Adventure
Santa Claus’ journey begins at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels westward as he visits the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. He then travels through Asia, Japan and Africa before heading to Western Europe. From there, Santa Claus travels to Canada, the USA, Mexico and Central and South America. However, its route may change depending on weather conditions, NORAD reports.