Here comes Santa Claus!Getty Images

Santa tracker 2025 is now live, thanks to experts over at NORAD.

With it finally being Christmas Eve, people all around the globe will be casting their eyes to the night sky in hopes of catching a glimpse of Santa Claus in his sleigh with his trusty reindeer.

How to track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve

2025 marks the 50th year in a row that the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will be tracking Santa's journey through the use of radar, satellites, and even jet fighters.

NORAD offers a live tracking video of Santa's travels on its website, apps, and social media. Trackers can also call +1 (877) HI-NORAD to get an update on Santa's location.

NORAD Santa tracker 2025

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What route does Santa Claus travel?

NORAD says Santa usually starts at the International Date Line (IDL) in the Pacific Ocean and travels west.

So, historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia.

After that, he shoots up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe (including Ireland!), Canada, the US, Mexico, and Central and South America.

NORAD does note that Santa's route can be affected by weather, so it's really unpredictable. NORAD says it coordinates with Santa's Elf Launch Staff to confirm his launch time, but from that point on, Santa calls the shots.

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What time does Santa Claus get to Ireland?

NORAD admits it can't predict exactly when Santa Claus will arrive in each country. 

However, NORAD says that historically, it appears Ol Saint Nick arrives only when children are asleep! In most countries, it seems Santa arrives between 9 pm and midnight on December 24, Christmas Eve.

NORAD notes that if children are still awake when Santa arrives, he moves on to other houses. He returns later, but only when the children are asleep!

Will Santa Claus have good weather in Ireland on Christmas Eve?

Met Éireann has issued a special aviation forecast for Santa on Christmas Eve, 2025.

According to Ireland's national meteorological service, the weather over Ireland on Christmas Eve will be dry and clear - perfect for flying!

The wind direction is very important, and tonight the wind will be coming from the east. It will be light at ground level, but further up, where Santa will fly his sleigh, it will be stronger, helping carry him and his reindeer from east to west.

There’s a chance of fog in the west, but this won’t bother him as he will use Rudolph’s bright red nose as a guide!

It will be a cold night with temperatures around freezing (0 degrees), but Santa won’t mind, he’s used to much colder weather in Lapland.

While you are asleep tonight, Met Éireann's forecasters will continue working, making sure Santa has all the latest information. Thankfully, Irish meteorologists expect a smooth journey around Ireland for Santa tonight!

Does Santa Claus have permission to enter Irish airspace?

Of course!

On December 17, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed in the Dáil that Santa Claus and his reindeer will be accomodated in Irish airspace on Christmas Eve.

The matter was raised by TD Aisling Dempsey, who said: "I have a really important question to ask the Taoiseach on behalf of all the parents, carers and children across Ireland, especially my two children at home in Meath, Liam and Hannah. 

"We have had lots of special and important visitors to Ireland throughout 2025 but our most important one will arrive here on 24 December, Christmas Eve.

"I would like the Taoiseach's personal assurances that our airspace will be clear for Santa, Rudolph, and all of his reindeer to allow them to deliver all the well-deserved presents for the boys and girls in County Meath and across Ireland."

The Taoiseach replied: "I assure the Deputy that I have had consultations with the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Sean Canney, and Santa has complete clearance in Irish airspace on that critical timeline the Deputy has outlined.

"Liam and Hannah can rest assured that he will arrive on time and with an abundance of toys and so forth for the children of the nation."

Merry Christmas - Nollaig Shona Daoibh!