The short answer
Here is the clear answer.
Santa uses North Pole magic to make a safe Christmas way into every home. It appears only for him and closes perfectly when he leaves.
Every home is on Santa's route.
Apartments, boats, farmhouses, tall buildings, and homes without fireplaces all count. Santa never skips a home just because its door is locked or its chimney is too small.
The route notes tell Santa what kind of arrival each home needs before the sleigh even lands.
A Christmas way is quiet, safe, and temporary.
When Santa needs it, North Pole magic opens a way exactly where it should be. It does not break a lock, wake the house, or leave a mess. After Santa finishes, the way closes and everything looks just as it did before.
That is why you do not need to leave a window or door open. Staying cozy and secure is part of the plan.
Santa has solved harder delivery puzzles.
Snowy roofs, hot summer weather, city towers, and homes deep in the countryside all require different plans. Santa's experience and Christmas magic work together wherever the sleigh stops.
Quick North Pole answers
A few more things curious hearts ask
Can Santa enter an apartment?
Yes. Santa's Christmas way works in apartments and tall buildings.
Should I leave a door unlocked?
No. Keep your home safely locked. Santa does not need an unlocked door.
What if my chimney is too small?
Santa's magic handles small chimneys too. Every home has a safe Christmas way.