For the 69th year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is tracking Santa Claus as he embarks on his annual mission to deliver presents to children around the world. From its headquarters, NORAD uses cutting-edge radar and satellite technology to follow Santa’s sleigh, with updates available through its website and call center.
The beloved tradition began in 1955 when a department store’s misprinted advertisement led a child to call the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), NORAD’s predecessor. Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, the officer on duty, fielded the call and reassured the child that he was tracking Santa, sparking a custom that has lasted generations.
How to Track Santa
Updates on Santa’s journey are available in several ways this year:
- Website: The NORAD Tracks Santa website provides live updates and information about Santa’s progress, beginning at 4 a.m. Eastern on Dec. 24.
- Call Center: Dial 1-877-HI-NORAD to speak with live operators from 6 a.m. to midnight, Mountain Time. Volunteers field thousands of calls, providing details on Santa’s latest stops.
- Amazon Alexa: Ask, “Where is Santa?” using the NORAD Tracks Santa skill to get real-time updates.
- NORAD Social Media: Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for festive updates.
Last year, NORAD reported that Santa delivered an astounding 7.8 billion gifts. This year, the organization is once again using its advanced tools to ensure no child is left wondering about Santa’s progress.
A Military Mission with a Festive Twist
NORAD’s year-round mission is to monitor North American airspace for potential threats. During the holidays, its radar detects Rudolph’s glowing nose, which emits a unique infrared signature. From there, NORAD’s geostationary satellites track Santa’s sleigh as it flies around the globe.
“Santa calls the shots. We just track him,” NORAD emphasizes in its mission statement for the annual event.
A Holiday Tradition
The Santa Tracker’s popularity has grown over the decades. Early calls typically come from Japan and Europe, followed by waves of inquiries from the U.S. and Canada as Santa’s journey progresses.
In addition to tracking Santa, the program continues to include participation from the White House. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have answered calls in recent years, delighting children with holiday cheer.
Join the Fun
To make Santa’s journey even more magical, NORAD’s website features interactive games, videos, and educational content about Santa and his sleigh. The effort brings joy to millions of families during the festive season, cementing its place as a cherished holiday tradition.
With nearly seven decades of history, NORAD Tracks Santa continues to unite communities around the world in celebrating the magic of Christmas. As NORAD reminds us, “We have the watch—Santa’s got the magic.”
