Google's Santa Tracker Launches

If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, Google has just the thing. The company today announced its Santa’s Village page, where users can partake in mini-games like reindeer races, as well as watch video cartoons starring Santa Claus himself. At the top of the site is a “Santa Tracker,” counting down the days until Christmas Eve when users will be able to observe Santa’s progress in real time through Google’s new “service.”

On December 24, the Santa Tracker will go live with an eye toward metrics. You’ll be able to not only track Santa’s location anywhere in the world, but also keep a running tally of how many gifts have been delivered. Santa’s thoughts will also periodically be posted during this period.

“After 11 months soaking up the sun in the tropics, Santa and his elves are back at the North Pole getting ready for Christmas Eve. In addition to making toys, they need to clear the snow off 23 elf homes, candy factories and command centers in Santa’s Village,” Google wrote in a blog post.

“Meanwhile, a team of Google engineers are working hard to track Santa’s sleigh with the most advanced maps and holiday technology available. On December 24, grab some cookies and apple cider and settle down in front of your computer, phone or TV to follow the big guy across the globe with our Santa Tracker. See where Santa’s going, the number of presents he’s delivered, and what he’s thinking throughout the evening.” 

Currently, there are about four areas available for users to explore, including a laboratory ostensibly set up to measure the aerodynamics of Santa’s reindeer in a wind tunnel. According to Google, additional areas in Santa’s Village will open up as the elves make new progress each day and Christmas approaches.

Worried you might not be around your computer come December 24? Don’t worry—Santa is going cross-platform this year.

“Once the elves approve, we’ll launch the Google Santa Tracker app for Android in mid-December. Use your phone for on-the-go flight practice with the elves or cozy up near the fireplace with your tablet to follow Santa around the world as he delivers presents Christmas Eve. If you have Chromecast, cast from the Santa Tracker Android app to explore the Village or track his route right from your TV. Or, worried you’ll forget the big day? Download the Chrome extension to count down to Santa’s takeoff while browsing the web for holiday gifts.”