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Christmas 2025: Santa Claus wears oxygen mask in Delhi, hands out free metro tickets to promote public transport

Instead of chocolates or toys, Santa distributed free metro tickets via the Magicpin app, nudging people to choose public transport over private vehicles.

2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Dec 25, 2025 10:52 PM IST

Commuters paused to take photos and videos as the masked Santa

Christmas usually brings with it Santa hats, gifts, and cheerful surprises on the streets. But this year in Delhi, the festive spirit came with a stark reminder of reality. Amid worsening air pollution, a Santa Claus was spotted wearing an oxygen mask—making a powerful statement without saying much at all.

The unusual sight unfolded at a Delhi Metro station, where Santa didn’t carry just gifts but also an oxygen cylinder. Instead of chocolates or toys, he distributed free metro tickets via the Magicpin app, nudging people to choose public transport over private vehicles.

The creative gesture quickly caught everyone’s attention. Commuters paused to take photos and videos as the masked Santa blended festive cheer with a serious message about clean air and sustainable travel.

Watch the video:

🚨 Santa Claus was spotted wearing an oxygen mask and distributing free metro tickets as AQI levels rose above normal.

The message urged people to reduce private vehicle use.

Free metro tickets on magicpin app highlights the call for cleaner air 💚 pic.twitter.com/JaiXc9GJog

— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) December 25, 2025

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Videos of the moment soon flooded social media, racking up thousands of views across platforms. Netizens were quick to react, praising the idea and sharing witty takes in the comments.

An X user wrote, “Santa said gifts are temporary, lungs are permanent. Free metro tickets over plastic toys.” Another commented, “Even Santa needs an oxygen tank in Delhi this Christmas! Creative campaign by magicpin, free metro tickets to ditch cars and clear the air a bit. Ho ho ho… or should I say, cough cough cough?”

A third user wrote, “Santa spreads cheer and clean air awareness with free metro tickets.” Yet another summed it up by saying, “Santa delivering awareness instead of gifts this year.”