This Christmas Eve, children around the globe will eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, and thanks to modern technology, many will be able to track his progress as he delivers gifts worldwide. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has once again launched its annual NORAD Santa Tracker, allowing millions to follow Santa on his magical night. The tradition, which started back in 1955 due to an unfortunate printing error, has become a beloved holiday ritual.
The origins of the NORAD Santa Tracker are rooted in the misplacement of a phone number. A U.S. department store inadvertently published the NORAD hotline instead of Santa’s real number, leading to children calling the military base to inquire about Santa’s whereabouts. The on-duty officer decided to play along and reported Santa's movements on radar. This improvised response turned humorous incident blossomed over the years, transforming NORAD’s Santa tracking operation from a one-time stunt to a holiday staple.
This year, the Santa Tracker is particularly engaging, with new features brought by Microsoft. Users can now interact with Radar the Elf, an AI-powered response elf available for questions about Santa and Christmas traditions. This advanced addition promises to make the tracking experience even more magical for children and families.
NORAD’s Santa Tracker incorporates sophisticated technology, utilizing radar, satellites, and even fighter jets to monitor Santa’s course as he travels around the world. According to NORAD, "NORAD Santa Tracker is available here to help you track Santa on Christmas Eve." The real-time updates allow children to stay informed about when Santa will arrive at their location.
On December 24, 2024, the tracking will commence at 6 PM Japan time. This aspect of the tracking has continued to attract families every year, emphasizing the joyful anticipation of Santa's arrival. Since this operation is completed through the NORAD website, families can check Santa’s location from their devices, adding to the excitement of Christmas Eve.
Several ways to access the Santa Tracker have been put forth this year. One such platform is Flightradar24, which provides real-time updates on not only commercial flights but also Santa’s sleigh. Santa is assigned the flight identifier SANTA1, which has become iconic among families using these tracking services. "Santa will start his flight over the North Pole, reaching various locations around the globe," states Flightradar24, describing his intended route.
While NORAD leads the charge, Google also plays its part by providing its own Santa tracking website, which launches at 7 PM local time. The site features fun Christmas-themed games and provides information about Christmas traditions from various cultures around the world. This diverse approach adds another layer to the Santa tracking experience, inviting users to explore different holiday customs.
"Radar the Elf is now here to answer all your Santa-related questions," stated NORAD and Microsoft. This feature aims to create interactive fun, as children can engage with the elf through their devices. The elf, available on the NORAD Santa Tracker platform, supports up to 133 languages, making it accessible for kids from diverse backgrounds.
The excitement and anticipation around tracking Santa have grown, bringing families together during the festive season. Children will be able to see Santa’s progress live, learning about different countries and holiday customs along the way. The merging of tradition with technology enables this beloved holiday tale to stay relevant and engaging for younger generations.
With both NORAD and Google providing different experiences, families can choose how they want to join the fun. Families are encouraged to mark their calendars for December 24 to engage with these entertaining features, hoping to spot Santa departs from the North Pole and check his progress through their communities.
Finally, as Christmas approaches, the NORAD Santa Tracker serves as not just entertainment but also as a heartwarming reminder of the joys of giving and the magic of the holiday season. The staggering legacy of the NORAD Santa Tracker highlights how even misdialed phone numbers can lead to establishing heartwarming traditions, ensuring generations of children will look to the night sky and await Santa's arrival with thrilling anticipation.