How To Spot Santa: International Space Station Reveals When 'Santa's Sleigh' Will Pass Over The UK

Love this 🎅.

As a child, there is nothing more exciting than the magic of Santa Claus.

And you can make that experience even more special by showing them when Santa’s sleigh “passes through UK skies” this December. 

*Little eyes, look away now*.

The International Space Station (ISS) is set to pass over the UK (which will be one of the brightest things in the sky) on the 21 December.

In 2015, the ISS passed through UK skies on the 24 December, giving parents the opportunity to tell children it was Santa on his sleigh. And it worked a treat. 

The ISS will have a “low pass” through UK skies on 21 December from 5pm to 5.02pm. It orbits Earth at 17,500mph for 200 miles and appears as a bright star moving across the sky.

Open Image Modal
Tricia Shay Photography via Getty Images

If you want to try and catch Santa earlier, there will also be a “low pass” of the ISS on the 18 December from 6pm until 6.02pm.

“All you need to know is when and where the ISS will be passing over your location,” the website states.

“The United Kingdom (British Isles) is small enough for most of us who live there to see the ISS at the same time.”

To find out exactly where the ISS will be throughout December, head to the MeteorWatch website. Or if you’re really excited, use NASA’s location tool to see where it will be from your location. 

Don’t want to miss it? Download the Night Sky 4 app to find out exactly where the ISS and how to see it.

Before You Go

Christmas Jumpers For Kids
Peppa Pig Jumper(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
If your child is a Peppa Pig fan this will light up their world.
£18. Available for ages 12 months to five years.
Buy here.
(credit:Matalan)
Christmas Countdown Jumper(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
Counting down from 12 days to Christmas, kids can change the velcro numbers on their jumper to remind everyone how long until the big day.
£9. Available for ages one to six years.
Buy here.
(credit:Asda)
Pudding Jumper(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
The perfect buy for your little pudding.
£19.95. Available for ages three to 13 years.
Buy here.
(credit:eBay)
Classic Christmas Jumper(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
A classic and vibrant Christmas print that will put your child in the festive spirit (with pom poms on the Santa hat).
£9. Available for ages one to six years.
Buy here.
(credit:Asda)
Penguin Light Up Jumper(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
Yes, this jumper actually lights up. Genius.
£12. Available fror ages four to 13 years.
Buy here.
(credit:Matalan)
Snowman Jumper(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
Is your child one of the most excitable kids around in December? Let them shout about their love of Christmas with this bright, snowman-themed jumper.
£10. Available for ages five to 12 years.
Buy here.
(credit:Boohoo)
Elf Jumper(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
This jumper comes complete with a hood. Why not get your little elf to help you with some wrapping?
From £15. Available for ages three months to 16 years.
Buy here.
(credit:Next)
Rudolph Jumper With Hat(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
This adorable jumper not only has a glittery red nose, but also comes with an antler hat. So much cuteness.
£10. Available for ages 12 months to seven years.
Buy here.
(credit:Tesco)
Reindeer Bauble Jumper(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
This jazzy striped reindeer jumper comes with 3D pom pom baubles.
From £16. Available for 18 months to six years.
Buy here.
(credit:M&S)
Santa Musical Jumper(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
When you press Santa's nose, the festive tune of 'Jingle Bells' plays.
£9. Available for ages three months to five years.
Buy here.
(credit:Matalan)
Festive Cardigan(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
This cable knit cardigan is branded with all kids' favourite festive characters (and also has a removable gingerbread man toy in the pocket).
£12. Available for ages nine months to five years.
Buy here.
(credit:Sainsburys)
Reindeer Jumper(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
If you're looking for something a little more subtle for your toddler, this reindeer design does the trick.
£13. Available for ages one month to three years.
Buy here.
(credit:LaReDoute)