How to Track Santa Claus Around the World with NORAD's Flight Tracker

As Christmas approaches, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is gearing up for its beloved holiday tradition—tracking Santa Claus as he travels around the globe to deliver gifts. This charming activity, which has captured the hearts of children and adults alike for decades, kicks off on Christmas Eve and provides a magical way to celebrate the holiday spirit.

What is the NORAD Santa Tracker?

NORAD, a joint organization of the United States and Canada tasked with monitoring airspace for safety and defense, takes on a much lighter mission every Christmas Eve—tracking Santa’s journey. Starting at 6 a.m. ET on December 24, the NORAD Santa Tracker goes live, allowing people worldwide to follow Santa's sleigh in real-time. Whether you're curious to see when he'll visit your area or just want to enjoy the festive fun, the tracker offers an exciting way to feel connected to the holiday season.

Ways to Track Santa

Tracking Santa with NORAD is easy and accessible to everyone. Here’s how you can join in:

NORAD’s Website: The most popular option is visiting NORAD’s official Santa Tracker website. The interactive site shows Santa’s location on a global map, along with fun updates on his journey.

Call the Command Center: For a more personal touch, you can call NORAD directly at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Volunteers are on hand to answer your questions about Santa’s location.

The NORAD Tracks Santa App: Download the app on your smartphone or tablet to get updates on the go.

Social Media and Digital Platforms: NORAD provides updates on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also use Amazon Alexa, OnStar, and SiriusXM to stay in the loop.

A Tradition Born from a Happy Accident

The tradition of tracking Santa began unexpectedly in 1955. A local newspaper advertisement invited children to call Santa Claus directly. However, the printed phone number was incorrect, and instead of reaching Santa, a child dialed the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The phone call was answered by Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, who quickly realized the mix-up. Rather than disappointing the child, Shoup pretended to be Santa and assured them that everything was on track for Christmas. When more calls started pouring in, he assigned his team to respond to the children, and thus, a heartwarming tradition was born.

In 1958, when NORAD replaced CONAD, the organization decided to continue the tradition, which has now become a global phenomenon. Today, NORAD’s Santa Tracker attracts millions of visitors each year.

The Scale of the Operation

The scope of NORAD’s Santa tracking mission has grown significantly since its humble beginnings. Each year, the Santa Tracker website draws millions of visitors from all corners of the world. Meanwhile, the call center handles over 130,000 inquiries from enthusiastic Santa watchers.

Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated volunteers ensures that everyone gets the information they’re looking for. These volunteers, stationed at NORAD’s command center, answer calls and provide updates on Santa’s journey, creating a magical experience for children and families.

Why Tracking Santa Matters

While the Santa Tracker is lighthearted and fun, it also serves as a reminder of the joy and wonder that the holiday season brings. It fosters a sense of global connection, as people from different cultures and backgrounds come together to follow Santa’s sleigh. For many families, checking the tracker has become a cherished Christmas Eve tradition, adding an extra layer of excitement to the holiday.

Join the Fun This Christmas Eve

Whether you’re a parent looking to add magic to your children’s holiday or simply a curious adult who enjoys the festive cheer, NORAD’s Santa Tracker is a delightful way to celebrate Christmas Eve. You can watch as Santa and his reindeer fly across continents, delivering gifts and spreading joy.

Thanks to NORAD and its volunteers, the tradition of tracking Santa Claus continues to thrive, reminding us all that the holiday season is about kindness, imagination, and togetherness. So mark your calendar, and don’t forget to check in on Santa’s journey this Christmas Eve!