The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is preparing once again to fulfill one of its most endearing responsibilities: tracking Santa Claus as he makes his magical Christmas Eve voyage around the globe. Each year, NORAD engages more than 1,000 volunteers, including military personnel and community members, all eager to assist the countless children who will call to inquire about Santa’s whereabouts. Col. Mike Hayek, participating for the first time as a volunteer, enthusiastically states, “I was excited to have the opportunity to embrace it and enjoy the Christmas spirit.”
This beloved tradition, which began accidentally back in 1955 due to misprinted telephone numbers, has grown tremendously. When the Colorado Springs Gazette published the number for Santa, it mistakenly directed callers to the Continental Air Defense Command. Col. Harry Shoup, at the time, took the call and playfully responded, sparking what would evolve over the years to become NORAD's Santa tracking.
On Christmas Eve, tracking begins at 4 a.m. ET, as Santa prepares to depart from the North Pole. “Only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house,” remarks NORAD on its website, humorously adding, “We do, know from history, he arrives only when children are asleep!” Typically, Santa makes his rounds between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve.
This year, families can directly connect with NORAD to find out where Santa is at any moment by calling 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723), starting at 6 a.m. Christmas Eve until midnight. They can also follow Santa online via the NORAD Tracks Santa website and watch updates on social media, ensuring children around the world can experience this time-honored tradition.
Hayek describes the technology used to track Santa as incredible, pointing out how NORAD can pick up Santa's sleigh through advanced systems. “Our satellites can pick up Santa’s tracks because of the heat signature from Rudolph’s nose. It’s so bright and so intense it is very similar to...a SpaceX missile taking off,” he says, illustrating the capabilities of the organization.
Despite its serious duties of monitoring airspace for national security, NORAD takes great pride and joy in its annual tracking of Santa. More than 100,000 children call each year, brimming with excitement to know when Santa will visit their homes. Bob Sommers, another NORAD volunteer, speaks warmly about the atmosphere, saying, “There are screams and giggles and laughter” as children call to ask if they are on the naughty or nice list and when to expect Santa.
General Gregory Guillot, also part of the NORAD team, highlights the importance of their work, stating, “To make sure we can tell children all across the world when they need to be in bed...because as we all know he will only stop at houses where children are asleep.” The dedication of so many volunteers ensures smooth operations on this magical night, with personnel readying themselves to answer questions and provide updates.
While tracking Santa has become synonymous with NORAD, the technology involved is akin to what the organization uses every day. The agency employs satellites and radar technology, with the North American Warning System consisting of 47 checkpoints across northern Canada and Alaska dedicated to identifying threats, now also used to spot Santa’s sleigh as he lifts off on his annual mission.
Looking back, the tradition has withstood the test of time, proving to be resilient to challenges such as government shutdowns. “We have some of the best and most capable systems...to track all sorts of objects, including Santa's sleigh,” General Guillot says with pride.
On Christmas Eve, families can enjoy tracking Santa whether they follow online, call the hotline, or download the official NORAD Tracks Santa app, ensuring they don’t miss any moment of the excitement. With its interactive map, NORAD continues to brighten the holiday spirit for children and parents alike.
Families are encouraged to gather around and prepare for Santa's arrival with cookies and milk, knowing he won't deliver gifts until every child is tucked away, dreaming of sugarplum fairies and new toys. This exhilarating experience of tracking Santa ignites awe this Christmas Eve, creating cherished memories for generations. Merry Christmas to all!
