On Christmas Eve, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) takes on a festive twist as it continues its long-standing tradition of tracking Santa Claus on his global gift-giving mission. This year marks the 69th consecutive year for NORAD and the excitement has already begun with Santa leaving the North Pole as planned at 1 a.m. PST. This annual event has captivated millions around the world, allowing families to follow Santa's travels via www.noradsanta.org.
According to NORAD officials, Santa was spotted crossing the border from Tijuana, Mexico, over San Diego County before making stops at various regions, including the picturesque cities of Oceanside and Carlsbad. The NORAD Santa tracker website showcases not just Santa's whimsical route but also features games, holiday music, and other festive content for visitors, available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Each year, millions participate by checking Santa's progress, and for the 2023 tracker, the countdown has already begun with families eagerly preparing for his arrival. "It's important for children to know when Santa is getting close so they can be asleep and not impede his mission," said Lt. Tyler Turnmire, public affairs officer at the 601 Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, where Santa's location is monitored live.
NORAD began this unique tradition informally back in 1955 when the Continental Air Defense Command mistakenly received a call from a child who thought she was calling Santa's office. An officer reassured her, creating what has blossomed over the decades to be one of the most cherished holiday activities. By the time NORAD was officially formed, tracking Santa became part of the aerospace agency's annual festivities, allowing military personnel to delightfully swap their usual national defense duties for one night of merriment and imagination.
Each Christmas Eve, military officials use various tracking technologies to keep tabs on Santa's fast-moving sleigh. Master Sergeant Kenneth Myher humorously notes, "Santa's sleigh, which is very fast, weighs about 75,000 gumdrops, and Rudolph's red nose? That is how we track him!" He explains, "We use infrared from our satellites because his nose emits warmth. This data helps us pinpoint his location globally and ensures he's safe on his route." Stress is added, humorously, about how Santa's health is managed during his long night; by the end of his gift-delivery marathon, he reportedly gains over 1,000 pounds from all the cookies and milk left out by children.
Santa's movements around the globe have also intersected with scientific discussion. Researchers have drawn parallels from Santa's route to concepts of quantum teleportation and theories related to Einstein’s special relativity, which talks about time dilation. “Santa’s system of knowing what every child wants plays right along the ideas we study at the quantum level,” explained Nicole Gugliucci, assistant professor of physics, highlighting how the magic of Santa could be explained through modern science.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey region has somewhat unusual visitors this holiday season as well. Mystery drones have made headlines, yet General Gregory Guillot of the U.S. Air Force has reassured everyone, stating, “I don’t foresee any difficulty at all with drones for Santa this year.” This adds to the year's strange but festive climate around the discussions of Santa's travels.
Santa's delivery night is not just about timing but also about tradition—more than 100,000 children have called NORAD throughout the years seeking updates on Santa’s position, and the call center is staffed predominantly by civilian volunteers sharing the joy and excitement with kids. Major Jennie Derenzis, spokesperson for NORAD, emphasized their dedication, saying, "Santa runs on Christmas spirit, so possible government actions would not affect his mission," during this holiday season amid last-minute legislative pressures to avoid government shutdowns.
"We know Santa has been doing this for over 2,000 years. He is one of the best aviators we have ever seen!" noted 2nd Lt. Tyler Turnmire about the affection held for Santa by the NORAD team, encapsulating the spirit of fun and tradition the organization fosters each December 24. Each year offers families around the world the chance to engage, share stories, and make holiday memories, all tied together by the wonder provided by Santa’s annual global mission.
With tracking available via social media, Alexa devices, and even collaboration with tech giant Google, the NORAD Santa Tracker is accessible to millions who want to follow his path globally. So tonight, as children settle down eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival, NORAD will be right there, tracking the jolly man’s progress, ensuring smiles and laughter are delivered alongside gifts to children everywhere.
