With Christmas Eve fast approaching, the anticipation for Santa Claus’s sleigh ride across the globe is palpable. For 70 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been delighting families by tracking Santa's movements as he delivers gifts to children worldwide. From 4 a.m. MST on December 24 until 2 a.m. on Christmas Day, NORAD provides real-time updates on Santa’s location, turning holiday excitement much more magical for eager youngsters.
The origins of this beloved tradition date back to 1955 and stem from what can only be described as a serendipitous miscommunication. When a local Colorado newspaper misprinted the number for children to call Santa, it inadvertently directed them to the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD's predecessor. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup answered the first call—a young girl hoping to speak with Santa. Sensing the opportunity to bring joy, he responded as St. Nick, kicking off what would become decades of holiday cheer. "It started in 1955," Col. Jason White explained. "Every Christmas Eve, utilizing the myriad of resources available to NORAD for the defense of North America, we track Santa to make sure he gets through the North America area unimpeded."
Today, the hotline is answered by over 1,250 volunteers who field thousands of calls on Christmas Eve. They’re ready to tackle the pressing questions children want answers to: Does Santa visit everyone? ("Indeed!") How old is Santa? ("NORAD intelligence indicates Santa is at least 16 centuries old."), and has NORAD’s aircraft ever intercepted Santa? ("Our aircraft are on routine patrols and do encounter [Santa] from time to time," said Col. White).
The 2024 updates bring enhanced features to the Santa Tracker experience. Families can easily track Santa using NORAD’s dedicated website or mobile app. Visitors can explore interactive maps showcasing Santa's progress around the world and participate in games, stories, and holiday tunes. Google’s Santa Tracker is another popular option, featuring playful activities and educational tools for children, enhanced for this festive 2024 season.
Santa's ability to circumnavigate the globe, dropping off gifts, is more than mere folklore. According to the NORAD Santa Tracker website, "Santa can travel the world within one day because he does not experience time the way we do." When children call, their excitement adds to the overall festive atmosphere.
Every year, voice calls to NORAD increase as families gather around, eagerly anticipating updates about Santa's whereabouts. At least 100,000 children reach out, eager to hear his progress and giggling about being placed on the naughty or nice list. Volunteers like Bob Sommers, who field these calls, share the joyous moments: "There are screams and giggles and laughter," he reported, recalling how parents excitedly steer their children to bed as Santa approaches.
The NORAD tracking operation is supported by various technologies, including satellites and radar detection systems. This year, officials assured the public of the initiative's continuity, regardless of potential government shutdowns. "We fully expect for Santa to take flight on Dec. 24 and NORAD will track him," the agency stated, reflecting their commitment to this holiday custom.
To participate, you can visit the NORAD Tracks Santa website or call the hotline at 1-877-HI-NORAD. With high-tech monitoring combined with festive charm, NORAD's tracking initiative keeps the spirit of Christmas alive by fostering connections between children and the joy of Santa's annual ride.
This year, as families track Santa Claus, they join in on nearly seven decades of whimsical tradition, showcasing how technology and holiday spirit can intertwine to create lasting memories. With the countdown on until Christmas Eve, eager hearts across the globe are brimming with excitement as they prepare to welcome Santa’s arrival once again.
