It's almost Christmas Eve, which means Santa's big night is just around the corner! Once again, millions of children around the world will be eagerly checking the NORAD Santa Tracker, part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command's beloved annual tradition of tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. This year marks another year of fun and excitement, as families join together to follow Santa's progress as he flies around the globe delivering gifts.
The origins of the NORAD Santa Tracker date back to 1955, during the height of the Cold War. A simple misprinted advertisement from Sears, which encouraged children to call Santa, inadvertently listed the emergency hotline for CONAD, the Continental Air Defense Command, instead of Santa’s direct line. Colonel Harry Shoup answered the call, initially dismissing it as a prank until he realized the child was genuinely seeking to speak with Santa. This serendipitous interaction set the stage for what has now become one of the most familiar and cherished Christmas traditions.
Following the first call, children flocked to dial the same number, prompting the CONAD staff to use radar technology to keep track of Santa's movements across North America. Shoup and his team embraced the idea, and soon they began drawing Santa's route on maps, which sparked media curiosity. The following year, they started issuing press releases announcing Santa's safe passage through U.S. airspace to bolster holiday spirit during challenging times.
Fast forward to today, NORAD continues this heartwarming tradition under the same spirit of delight it began with nearly 70 years ago. On Christmas Eve, volunteers at NORAD’s operations center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, field thousands of calls from children and parents eager for updates on Santa's whereabouts. Bob Sommers, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer, expressed the joy he feels during these interactions, saying, "There are screams, giggles, and laughter," as families anxiously await Santa's arrival. It's not just about tracking; it's about creating childhood memories and relishing the joy of the season.
Every year, NORAD utilizes sophisticated technology—radar, satellites, and even infrared sensors—to monitor Santa's sleigh and its path. The tracking begins early on December 24, as NORAD's systems pick up Santa when he leaves the North Pole, marking the start of his magical global tour. Santa's sleigh, often deemed "a versatile, all weather... vertical short-take-off and landing vehicle" by NORAD, is equipped to travel immense distances without refueling.
The route Santa typically takes starts at the International Date Line, allowing him to deliver presents to the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia first before making his way to Asia, Africa, Europe, and continuing across North America, Mexico, Central America, and beyond. While NORAD can predict the general path Santa takes, his exact schedule is closely guarded, with Santa only arriving at homes when children are asleep.
Interestingly, NORAD emphasizes their commitment to making this experience accessible by providing tracking updates on their website (www.noradsanta.org) available in nine languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese. They also have a hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) where live operators assist families wanting to keep tabs on Santa’s global trek between 6:00 AM and midnight Mountain Time on Christmas Eve.
Even though how Santa travels and delivers gifts within the 24-hour time frame has puzzled many over the years, NORAD offers this playful explanation: Santa operates within his own time-space continuum, allowing him to spread joy without rushing. Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained, "Rudolph's nose... emits a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through (that) heat source," allowing NORAD to keep their tracking accurate.
This remarkable program has endured through government shutdowns, technological changes, and time, becoming part of the Christmas tradition for many families across the globe. It highlights the joy of giving, the spirit of traditions, and the magic holiday atmosphere created during this special time of the year.
At the end of the day, the NORAD Tracks Santa program, which traces its roots back to a child's innocent call to the wrong number, has developed over decades to evolve as not just tracking Santa’s sleigh but rather celebrating the magical essence of Christmas through community, joy, and togetherness. Based on multiple calls, volunteers continue to remind children to be fast asleep before Santa arrives, reinforcing the excitement of the evening.
So as Christmas Eve approaches, families everywhere prepare to track Santa's legendary flight, closing the evening with anticipation and cheer. Whether it's through NORAD's tracking app, website, or via their call-in service, the adventure awaits for children to see just how Santa spreads happiness and joy around the world!
