Google now lets you invite a giant AR Santa into your home for the holidays

Look at his huge, bearded face.
By Sam Haysom  on 
Google now lets you invite a giant AR Santa into your home for the holidays
Here's giant Santa, in your living room and ready to party. Credit: sam haysom / google

You don't have to wait until the early hours of Christmas morning to see Santa bumbling about your room — now you can just invite the jolly old chap straight in via your smartphone.

As part of Google's usual festive update, which includes games, videos and the annual Santa Tracker, the search engine has also added a feature that allows you to view a giant augmented reality (AR) Santa through your phone's camera lens.

To summon Santa, all you need to do is:

1. Google "Santa Search" on your phone

2. Tap "View in 3D" under the top result

3. Hit the AR button and tap Santa into existence

When I tested the feature out Santa's head was scraping the ceiling (see above), but he did appear suitably jolly.

Google's festive features can all be played and viewed here, including the latest version of the Santa Tracker, which is essentially a live view of the big man's annual journey around the globe.

Mashable Image
Santa has a busy day ahead of him. Credit: google

The map comes complete with an estimated number of gifts delivered, information about Santa's current destination, and — best of all — a countdown to when he'll be clambering down your very own chimney.

Godspeed, Santa. We're all counting on you.

Topics Google

Mashable Image
Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.


Recommended For You

iOS 18: Everything single thing we know so far
Visual interpretation of iOS 18

How to mirror your iPhone to your TV
A mockup of an iPhone screen's Control Centre on an iPhone held by a person.

How to turn on 3D buildings in Google Maps navigation
Google Maps

How to change or remove the band on your Apple Watch
How to remove an Apple Watch and change the band

More in Tech

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 18
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 18
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 18
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

Taylor Swift's brand is mightier than her pen
Taylor Swift in an orange dress looking up on stage.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!