Santa Claus set to begin his journey across Canada’s major cities as families celebrate Christmas traditions and festive cheer, check out the cities on his route

As Santa Claus makes his way across the globe on Christmas Eve, Canada is among the key stops on his legendary overnight journey, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). After delivering gifts across Western Europe, Santa traditionally crosses the Atlantic and enters Canadian airspace before heading south into the United States.

NORAD’s Santa Tracker shows that Santa typically begins his Canadian visit in the easternmost regions, where night falls first. His early stops often include St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, followed by Halifax, Nova Scotia. From there, Santa continues westward to major population centres such as Montreal and Toronto, before completing his Canadian route on the West Coast in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Christmas celebration in Canada

Christmas in Canada is celebrated with a rich mix of traditions shaped by the country’s diverse cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous, French, English and European influences. Families decorate homes with trees, lights and stockings, exchange cards, and enjoy festive meals such as roast turkey, plum pudding and mincemeat tarts, while some open gifts on Christmas Eve and others on Christmas Day.

Winter activities like skating, skiing and tobogganing are popular where there is snow. A highlight of the season is Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade, one of the world’s oldest and largest, delighting millions for more than a century.

NORAD officials note that while this route follows long-standing tradition, Santa’s exact timing can vary due to weather conditions and his own magical discretion. NORAD coordinates Santa’s launch with his Elf Launch Staff, but once airborne, Santa determines his pace, and NORAD simply tracks his progress in real time.

Families can follow Santa’s journey across Canada and around the world each Christmas Eve via the official NORAD Santa Tracker, which has delighted children and adults alike for decades.