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Tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve has been a beloved tradition for over 70 years, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
This year, NORAD continues to bring holiday cheer by providing real-time updates on Santa’s journey around the globe. Below, we’ll dive into how the NORAD Santa tracker works and what you can expect as Santa makes his way to your home.
How NORAD Tracks Santa Claus
Every Christmas Eve, NORAD uses its state-of-the-art technology to track Santa as he travels from the North Pole to deliver gifts worldwide.
The journey begins with Santa heading south, crossing the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, making his first stops in New Zealand and Australia. From there, he zigzags across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, before eventually heading to the U.S. and Canada.
NORAD utilizes satellites and infrared sensors to follow Santa’s sleigh in real time, ensuring that no one misses a chance to see where he is at any given moment. Santa’s sleigh travels at remarkable speeds, and sometimes, his route can be unpredictable, making his path even more exciting for those keeping track.
When Will Santa Arrive?
NORAD’s expert team suggests that Santa usually makes his rounds between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve.
However, the tracker does not predict an exact time for each stop. According to NORAD, only Santa knows his exact route, and he arrives when children are sound asleep, ensuring that the magic of Christmas stays intact.
NORAD: The Organization Behind The Tracker
NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is a collaboration between the U.S. and Canada, headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs.
Their primary mission is to defend North America against aerospace threats, but on Christmas Eve, the focus shifts to tracking Santa’s sleigh.
NORAD employs advanced radar systems, satellites, and fighter jets to monitor the skies. While the agency spends 365 days a year protecting the airspace, Christmas Eve allows them to use their technology for a more festive purpose—tracking the iconic figure of Santa Claus.
The Santa Tracker: A Festive Tradition
Since 1955, NORAD has been tracking Santa’s journey. What started as an accidental phone call to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) has evolved into an annual tradition.
When a child mistakenly dialed CONAD’s number, a kind staff member decided to play along and answer the call. This heartwarming moment set the stage for what is now a global tradition.
Each year, volunteers and corporate sponsors support the NORAD Tracks Santa program. The effort has grown significantly, with 380,000 calls logged on Christmas Eve last year alone.
The Santa tracker operates from 4 a.m. Mountain Time (6 a.m. Eastern) until midnight MT (2 a.m. ET), and updates are available in nine languages on NORAD’s official website.
How Can You Track Santa?
To track Santa in real time, visit NORAD’s website or follow the updates on their social media pages (Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube).
You can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD to get live updates from the call center staff. NORAD Tracks Santa provides hourly updates and keeps the holiday spirit alive with exciting visuals and news about Santa’s whereabouts.
Conclusion: A Magical Holiday Tradition
The NORAD Santa tracker has become a staple of Christmas Eve for families worldwide. For 70 years, it has brought joy to children and adults alike, offering a glimpse into the journey of Santa Claus as he delivers gifts around the globe.
The tradition continues to thrive thanks to modern technology, dedicated volunteers, and corporate support, all ensuring that Christmas Eve remains magical.
FAQs
What time will Santa arrive at my house?
NORAD cannot predict the exact time, but Santa typically arrives between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve.
How can I track Santa in real time?
You can visit NORAD’s website or follow their social media accounts for live updates. You can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD.
How did NORAD’s Santa tracking tradition begin?
It all started in 1955 when a child accidentally called CONAD instead of Santa. The staff member decided to play along, starting the now-famous tradition.