Just like most of us, Santa Claus likes to keep up with the latest technology, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to discover that he has an online presence. If you’re looking for information on Santa, want to email him your holiday gift list, or want to map his Christmas journey, check out these Santa-themed websites.
Best Personalized Video From Santa Claus: Portable North Pole
Are your kids concerned about whether or not they’ve been good this year? Do they wonder how Santa Claus delivers all of those presents in one night? Do they want to make sure Santa received their wish list? If so, request a personalized video message from the Portable North Pole.
High-quality free videos.
Stories and games for children.
Create a unique and personalized Christmas tradition.
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Some names are unavailable.
This site asks you a few questions about your child and then produces an adorable video where Santa personally welcomes your child, congratulates them for being well behaved, and hints at what special treat might be under the tree Christmas morning. It’s a personalized Santa Claus letter for the digital generation.
There are several free video-creation options and more extensive Premium choices that start at $5.99. A $14.99 Magic Pass gives you access to unlimited premium videos and calls for multiple children.
Portable North Pole has iOS and Android apps so you can take the Christmas fun on the go.
Download For:
Best Site for Kids Who Wonder Where Santa Is: Official NORAD Santa Tracker
If you remember lying awake on Christmas Eve listening for the arrival of Santa Claus and his reindeer, the Official NORAD Santa Tracker website will bring back fond memories. Using Google Earth in 3D, follow Santa’s journey across the globe in anticipation of his arrival in your neighborhood.
Learn about different parts of the world.
Follow Santa in real time.
Graphics are a little outdated, but the kids won’t mind.
Starting December 1, activities will be posted daily in anticipation of the big day. The main event starts at 2 a.m. MTN (4 a.m. EST) on Christmas Eve morning. There is also an iOS app to follow the fun on your mobile device.
Don’t forget to download Google Earth before it all begins!
Best Site for Learning About the Real St. Nick: St. Nicholas Center
Do your children wonder about the true story of Santa Claus? Are you looking for traditional Christmas activities? The St. Nicholas Center site is a gem, offering stories, crafts, games, and views about St. Nicholas from all over the world. Learn about St. Nicholas traditions from more than 30 countries and find out how and why he’s celebrated.
Teaches children how Santa is seen in different parts of the world.
Celebrates the positive values of Santa Claus.
Features activities, crafts, recipes, stories, and more.
Not an interactive site.
Best Site for Interactive Santa Activities: Northpole.com
Northpole.com is a simple, fun Christmas site with a wealth of safe, enjoyable activities that will entertain your children for hours. Take a quiz to find out if you were naughty or nice, find recipes for cookies and other treats, and teach Santa how to dance and play holiday games. Send Santa letters, send animated postcards to your friends, and find out what cool toys will be holiday favorites.
Personalized story maker.
An abundance of Christmas printables.
Tons of crafts, recipes, and fun videos.
Some product links and ads.
Best Site for Getting to Know Santa: Santa Claus Office
The focus of this site is a vacation destination where you can meet Santa Claus in person. The nearest town and transport hub to Santa Claus Office, should you care to make the actual trip, is Rovaniemi, situated in Finnish Lapland. The site is fun because of its livestreams and unique Christmas items for sale.
The Facebook page is managed all year long.
Seasonal video of Santa’s office as the North Pole prepares for Christmas.
The site is a bit product-heavy.
Not many activities.
Best Family-Friendly Santa Site: Claus.com
This sweet site is a fun destination for parents and kids looking for simple Santa activities to get them into the Christmas spirit. In this animated site, play with reindeer and visit Elf School with your Elf Buddy, email Santa, and learn the inner workings of the toy-making machine.
Find out if you’re naughty or nice.
Select an Elf Buddy and play games in Elf School.
Visit the Toy Workshop.
Enjoy recipes and crafts.
The site’s layout and graphics are a bit outdated.
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