NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) has officially launched its annual Santa Tracker.
The interactive tool, available on NORAD’s website and mobile app, lets users follow Santa Claus’s magical journey across the globe on Christmas Eve.
The NORAD Santa Tracker originated in 1955, sparked by a simple mistake. A local department store had misprinted a phone number in an advertisement for children to "call Santa." The number connected callers to the operations center for NORAD’s predecessor, CONAD. Instead of turning them away, Colonel Harry Shoup instructed his team to provide updates on Santa’s location. This launched a tradition that continues to this day.
Each year, NORAD leverages its sophisticated radar systems, satellites, jet fighters, and Santa Cams to track Santa’s sleigh as he delivers presents around the world. The technology, typically used to monitor North American airspace, is repurposed to keep tabs on Santa’s movements, from his launch at the North Pole to his visits to millions of homes.
NORAD relies on hundreds of volunteers who answer calls and emails from children curious about Santa’s whereabouts. In recent years, the program has embraced social media and artificial intelligence to reach an even broader audience. Last year alone, the Santa Tracker received millions of interactions from over 200 countries and territories.
Families can access the NORAD Santa Tracker starting December 1, with full tracking capabilities kicking off at 4 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve. To join, visit www.noradsanta.org or download the official app on your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, NORAD provides updates through social media channels and a toll-free number for Santa updates.
The NORAD Santa Tracker originated in 1955, sparked by a simple mistake. A local department store had misprinted a phone number in an advertisement for children to "call Santa." The number connected callers to the operations center for NORAD’s predecessor, CONAD. Instead of turning them away, Colonel Harry Shoup instructed his team to provide updates on Santa’s location. This launched a tradition that continues to this day.
Each year, NORAD leverages its sophisticated radar systems, satellites, jet fighters, and Santa Cams to track Santa’s sleigh as he delivers presents around the world. The technology, typically used to monitor North American airspace, is repurposed to keep tabs on Santa’s movements, from his launch at the North Pole to his visits to millions of homes.
NORAD relies on hundreds of volunteers who answer calls and emails from children curious about Santa’s whereabouts. In recent years, the program has embraced social media and artificial intelligence to reach an even broader audience. Last year alone, the Santa Tracker received millions of interactions from over 200 countries and territories.
Families can access the NORAD Santa Tracker starting December 1, with full tracking capabilities kicking off at 4 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve. To join, visit www.noradsanta.org or download the official app on your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, NORAD provides updates through social media channels and a toll-free number for Santa updates.