22 December 2025
As millions of children prepare for Santa’s big night, The AA has revealed it’s stepping in to help ensure Christmas deliveries go off without a hitch – after new research shows many Brits fear Father Christmas could be heading for a festive breakdown.
A survey of more than 12,000 AA members found that more than a quarter (27%*) believe Santa’s sleigh is most likely to be overloaded, while 12% worry the reindeer could run out of fuel, and 11% fear Rudolph’s nose might fail to shine when it’s needed most.
With concerns also ranging from collapsed suspension to faulty steering and even blocked hot chocolate dispensers, it’s clear Santa’s Christmas Eve journey is not without risk.
“Just 10 minutes checking over your car's key components will help keep you jingling all the way.”
That’s why The AA is once again getting into the Christmas spirit – keeping a watchful eye on the world’s most famous delivery driver and offering expert breakdown support should disaster strike at the North Pole or beyond.
Top festive fears for Santa’s sleigh include:- Sleigh overloaded – 27%
- Reindeers out of fuel – 12%
- Rudolph’s nose not shining – 11%
- Christmas spirit levels running low – 13% Snapped reins or faulty steering – 4%
An estimated 22.7 million car journeys are expected to take place on Christmas Eve**, with the majority of people seeing family and friends, delivering their own presents to loved ones. While Santa has a crew of elves to check his sleigh before take-off, 10 minutes spent preparing your car before setting off can prevent avoidable breakdowns.
Top festive breakdown prevention strategies:
- Ensure your car is packed safely, remembering to allow easy access to spare wheels or inflation kits should the worst happen
- Make sure you set off with enough fuel to get where you're going, or charge if driving an EV
- Like Rudolph's nose, your bulbs will light the way. Check they are all working and replace blown bulbs
- Avoid levels running low by checking oil, screen wash and coolant
- Check your tyre tread and pressure as well as steering alignment before heading out the door
With 120 years of experience rescuing stranded motorists in all conditions, The AA says Santa’s sleigh would be no different – whether that’s redistributing weight from an overloaded sleigh, topping up reindeer ‘fuel’, or getting Rudolph glowing brightly again in time for take-off.
The research shows festive worries span every corner of the UK, proving concern for Santa is truly nationwide. Thankfully, The AA’s patrols are just as widespread – ready to rescue Christmas wherever it might wobble. The AA's patrols will be working 24/7 across Christmas to help stranded drivers get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “Christmas Eve is the busiest delivery run of the year, and even Santa isn’t immune to breakdowns. With so many people worried about an overloaded sleigh or tired reindeer, we’re on hand to make sure presents arrive on time and Christmas magic stays alive.
"While people may be concerned about Santa, we want drivers to make sure their own sleigh is fit to run this Christmas Eve. Just 10 minutes checking over your car's key components will help keep you jingling all the way. Should the worst happen, our patrols will be on hand to rescue those in need so they can drive home for Christmas."
So while Santa focuses on delivering joy, The AA will be standing by, ensuring nothing stops him, or you, from making it down the chimney on time this Christmas.
* Yonder received 12,193 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to 18th December 2025 Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.