The mission of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is to safeguard North American airspace every hour of every day, all year round. However, on the magical night of Christmas Eve, NORAD takes on a special and heartwarming task – tracking Santa Claus as he embarks on his global journey to deliver joy and gifts to children worldwide. The tradition of tracking Santa has been a cherished one for NORAD, spanning many decades and capturing the spirit of the holiday season.
The enchanting tale of NORAD’s involvement in tracking Santa dates back to 1955 when a simple advertisement in a Colorado Springs newspaper inadvertently listed the phone number for the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD’s predecessor. Children who called the number expecting to reach Santa were met with kind-hearted officers who decided to play along, sparking the beginning of a beloved tradition. Since then, NORAD Tracks Santa has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences from all corners of the globe and engaging millions of eager fans through social media updates and real-time tracking.
For those eager to stay connected with Santa’s whereabouts or simply looking to prepare for the excitement of Christmas Eve, NORAD and Google offer unique Santa trackers to keep the magic alive. The NORAD Tracks Santa website went live on December 1, offering a virtual North Pole Village complete with a holiday countdown, interactive games, festive music, and more. Available in nine languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean, the website aims to cater to a diverse audience eager to join in the holiday spirit.
In addition to the website, the NORAD Tracks Santa app is also accessible through the Apple App and Google Play stores, providing a convenient way to follow Santa’s journey on the go. NORAD ensures that Santa enthusiasts can stay connected through various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more, making it easier than ever to track Santa’s progress and join in the excitement of Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, the map tracking Santa’s global voyage will be activated, allowing visitors to follow his flight from 4 a.m. to midnight MST. NORAD, a collaborative effort between the United States and Canada tasked with protecting the skies over both nations, invites individuals worldwide to witness Santa’s journey and share in the joy of the holiday season. For those eager to speak directly with live operators regarding Santa’s whereabouts, a dedicated hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) will be available on December 24 from 6 a.m. to midnight MST.
Meanwhile, Google also offers its own Santa tracker, set to launch on December 24 alongside NORAD’s initiative. The Google Santa tracker website is already live, offering engaging holiday-themed games and a countdown clock leading up to the official launch of the tracker. As the excitement builds and anticipation grows, both NORAD and Google provide unique ways for individuals of all ages to participate in the festive tradition of tracking Santa’s journey around the world.
