The tradition of tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve has captivated families across the U.S. for 70 years. Each year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) takes the lead in monitoring Santa’s journey from the North Pole as he delivers gifts worldwide. NORAD’s live map updates allow everyone to see Santa’s location in real time.
Follow Santa’s Journey
Starting at the North Pole, NORAD uses advanced satellite technology to chart Santa’s flight. The route typically begins at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, moving westward. His initial destinations include:
- South Pacific
- New Zealand
- Australia
From there, Santa zigzags through various continents, such as Asia, Africa, and Europe, before heading across the Atlantic Ocean to visit Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America. However, Santa’s path can be unpredictable, making it hard to determine exact timings for his stops.
When Will Santa Arrive?
NORAD experts indicate that Santa typically arrives at homes between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve. However, precise timing at individual homes remains a mystery, as “Only Santa knows his route.” Historical patterns suggest that he only visits children when they are asleep.
About NORAD
NORAD stands for the North American Aerospace Defense Command. This bi-national organization operates from its headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Its primary mission is providing aerospace warning and control throughout North America. The ongoing duties involve:
- Monitoring the skies for airborne threats
- Utilizing a powerful radar system across Alaska and Northern Canada
- Employing satellites with infrared sensors positioned 22,300 miles above Earth
On Christmas Eve, this expertise shifts to tracking Santa, ensuring a fun experience for families around the globe.
Tracking Santa with NORAD
Starting early on December 24, NORAD tracks Santa from the North Pole. The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center includes both military personnel and civilian volunteers who answer phones and provide updates about Santa’s whereabouts. For live updates, one can call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Call center operators are available from:
- 4 a.m. Mountain Time (6 a.m. Eastern) to midnight MT (2 a.m. ET)
Last Christmas Eve, the center logged an impressive 380,000 calls, helping families track Santa’s journey. Updates are also available on NORAD’s website in nine languages, allowing global access to this holiday tradition.
The Origin of the Santa Tracker
NORAD has been tracking Santa’s flights every Christmas Eve since the agency’s inception in 1958. Prior to that, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) managed similar operations starting in 1955. An accidental call from a child seeking Santa led to this delightful annual tradition. An operator, wishing to not disappoint, decided to play along, and thus began the journey that continues today.
This beloved program relies on the support of volunteers and corporate funding, making it a treasured part of the holiday season.
