Christmas is just hours away, and Santa Claus's flight plan has finally been revealed, with billions of presents waiting to be delivered to children around the globe. This year, families can track Santa's magical flight across the world thanks to the combined efforts of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Google, both offering real-time updates on the jolly gift-giver's progress.
The NORAD Santa Tracker went live on December 24, 2024, at 4 AM MST, providing families with up-to-date information as Santa travels. This initiative, which began by accident back in 1955, has become a beloved tradition. "Santa's route can be affected by weather, so it’s really unpredictable. We just track him!" stated NORAD officials. Using advanced radar and satellite systems, NORAD ensures Santa stays on schedule, delivering gifts to homes across continents.
For those who prefer the other sleigh-tracking option, Google launched its Santa Tracker at 10 AM on Christmas Eve. Google's platform combines all the fun of tracking with festive games and engaging content. Kids and adults alike can explore the map displaying Santa's route, seeing where he was last spotted and what presents have been delivered. The tracker is accessible via the web and mobile devices, with fun additional features like countdown clocks and holiday-themed games.
Every year, Santa's global delivery route begins somewhere special. This Christmas Eve, he kicks off his rounds with the children of Kiribati, situated in the central Pacific. After making his first stop, he will continue delivering gifts to Japan, Asia, and beyond, quickly zooming through various territories, thanks to his trusty reindeer.
Throughout the night, NORAD will provide regular updates on his movements. "If children are still awake when Santa arrives, he moves on to other houses. He returns later, but only when the children are asleep!" they warn, adding to the anticipation for kids eagerly awaiting his arrival. Santa’s route spans the globe, reaching homes from Japan to Western Europe, and eventually hitting North America, Central, and South America.
Interestingly, NORAD’s tracking mission originated from a misprinted phone number during the holidays, where young children accidentally called the agency, seeking Santa’s location. Now, it has evolved to be one of the most beloved annual holiday traditions, delighting millions around the world.
By utilizing modern technology, NORAD and Google merge tradition and innovation to create engaging experiences for families each Christmas. While NORAD has its long-standing roots as the original Santa tracker, Google provides additional modern aesthetics and engaging games for users who prefer to follow the sleigh on their devices.
Throughout this festive season, both trackers will keep busy with exciting updates. For example, NORAD volunteers will be answering calls from families curious about Santa’s whereabouts, keeping them updated and connected to the holiday spirit. This year, many have already noted Santa delivered over one billion gifts, with his swift sleigh traveling at approximately 1,800 miles per second. NORAD remarked, "Our intelligence reports indicate Santa does not experience time the way we do. His trip seems to take 24 hours to us, but to Santa, it might last days, weeks, or even months!" This detail adds to the mystery of how he manages to deliver all those gifts in one night!
Families can also connect through social media platforms, as NORAD and Google maintain active feeds on various channels to share Santa's progress and fun facts throughout the night. With both trackers available, families are invited to take part, making the Christmas experience interactive.
Finally, for those still wondering when to expect Santa’s visit, NORAD advises it’s impossible to pinpoint exact timings for each location. Still, history suggests he often arrives between 9 PM and midnight local time. So, it's best to get tucked up early on Christmas Eve!
Every year, the excitement builds, allowing families to laugh, share stories, and relish the holiday atmosphere. The annual tracking of Santa Claus is not just about finding out when he arrives; it's about the joy and magic of Christmas itself. Be sure to check both trackers this year and enjoy watching Santa make his way around the world, delivering gifts and good cheer to children everywhere.
