Our What’s On In The North Pole has once again been working hard to find out when you will be able to see Father Christmas, Santa to his friends, test flying his sledge over the UK getting ready for Christmas Eve. We are pleased to announce that we now have all the timings.

So, why does Father Christmas need to do test flights? Well, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blixem and of course not let’s forget Rudolph have been resting up at the North Pole since last year. To make sure they are fit and ready to fly Father Christmas makes several test flights. as with all test flights these are not at full speed. Because of this, we are able to see him shooting across the sky.

So, what do you need to be able to see Father Christmas. Well, you will need to know where in the night sky to look Westward. Father Christmas travels from the West heading high overhead towards the East. So to help look towards where the Sun, if we see one, sets at night.

You will also need a clear sky. Any clouds will make him hard to see. Father Christmas flies at an altitude of over 200 miles and at full speed travels at 17,100mph. So, what are you looking for?  a very bright white light, caused by the stardust propulsion system, moving swiftly across the sky in a straight line. Try and take a photo you will need a long exposure on a camera or download the NightCap app for your smartphone and pick Long Exposure in settings

Remember when you go outside to wrap up warm and if you see him leave a comment below.