Every Christmas Eve, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) takes on its most festive task: tracking Santa Claus as he whizzes around the globe delivering gifts to children everywhere. This cherished tradition, which began back in 1955, stems from a rather humorous misprint. A Colorado department store advertisement directed children to call Santa directly, leading young ones to reach out to NORAD's predecessor, where Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup answered the phone. He decided to play along, assuring the caller he was, in fact, Santa Claus. This innocent call sparked the enduring custom of tracking Santa, embraced by NORAD when it was officially formed in 1958.
Fast forward to today, and the excitement is palpable as families prepare for their Christmas Eve traditions. On December 1, the NORAD Santa Tracker website launched, offering interactive features and countdowns to the big day. On Christmas Eve, the site provides real-time tracking of Santa from 4 a.m. ET until 2 a.m. on Christmas Day. This means parents and children alike can keep tabs on Santa and his sleigh, estimating his distance from their homes and gauging how long they have left to set out their cookies and milk.
For those who prefer mobile tracking, families can download the NORAD Santa Tracker app available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app mirrors the functionality of the website, allowing users to follow Santa on their devices. But NORAD isn’t the only game in town—Google also offers its version of Santa tracking, which launches its own tracker on Christmas Eve. Featuring fun games and activities, Google's platform includes the countdown timer to Christmas Eve, keeping excitement alive.
“Join in the holiday excitement and follow Santa’s sleigh as he delivers joy and presents to children everywhere,” read one exuberant announcement from NORAD, emphasizing the joy it brings every holiday season. Every year, NORAD receives more than 100,000 phone calls from children eager to find out where Santa is at any moment. They can dial 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) on December 24 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM ET on Christmas Day to receive updates.
The magic of tracking Santa extends beyond simple geography; it lets families bond over traditions, anticipation, and stories around Christmas. Young ones already jittery with excitement can engage with their smart speakers as they ask, “What’s Santa up to?” or “Where is Santa now?” Those who have Amazon Alexa or Google Home devices can simply say the phrase to garner updates from the North Pole.
The well-loved tradition affectionately reminds parents and children alike of the joy the season brings. With NORAD's tracking having transitioned to online platforms, real-time updates of Santa's magical flight make it easier than ever to participate. Kids can even follow along with specially themed games like Elf Maker or Santa Selfie on Google’s tracker, aimed at keeping them entertained as they await Santa’s arrival.
So, as the countdown nears zero and holiday fervor reaches its peak, tune in and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with the unique and delightful joy of tracking Santa. It’s not just about the presents; it’s about sharing those moments of wonder and excitement as families watch the starry skies and indulge their imaginations, wondering when Santa will stop at their homes, leaving behind joy and gifts.
With both NORAD and Google paving the way for real-time tracking, this Christmas Eve promises once again to be filled with fun and joy, reminding everyone what it’s like to believe and to embrace the magic of the season. Let the countdown begin!
