The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most beloved traditions is the annual tracking of Santa Claus as he travels the world to deliver presents to children. Since 1955, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) has been tracking Santa’s sleigh, and in 2024, the tradition continues, offering a unique and exciting way to follow Santa’s journey in real-time.
Here’s how you can follow Santa’s journey around the world this holiday season:
What is NORAD’s Santa Tracker?
NORAD’s Santa Tracker is a special program that uses military-grade technology to track Santa’s sleigh as he travels across the globe. The program started as a mistake in 1955 when a phone number for children to call Santa was misprinted, leading them to NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD). Since then, NORAD has been running the program every year, tracking Santa and sharing updates with the world on his location.
How to Track Santa in 2024
There are several ways to follow Santa’s progress this year, making it fun for the whole family. Here’s how:
1. Visit the Official NORAD Santa Tracker Website
- Website: www.noradsanta.org The official NORAD Santa Tracker website provides live updates on Santa’s location throughout the day and night on December 24th. The website features a countdown to Santa’s departure, interactive maps, games, and activities for kids to enjoy while waiting for Santa’s arrival. You can also explore Santa’s journey from different perspectives, including a 3D map.
2. Download the NORAD Tracks Santa App
- The NORAD Tracks Santa app is available for download on iOS and Android devices. With this app, you can receive real-time updates on Santa’s location, as well as fun facts and activities to engage with. The app also includes a “Santa Cam” that gives you a glimpse of the sights and sounds from around the world as Santa travels.
3. Follow NORAD on Social Media
- NORAD is active on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. By following @noradSanta on these platforms, you can receive regular updates and fun posts about Santa’s journey. NORAD also shares pictures and videos of Santa’s sleigh on his travels, making it easy to stay up-to-date with his progress.
4. Call NORAD’s Santa Hotline
- If you prefer speaking to a live operator, NORAD also offers a Santa Tracker hotline. On December 24th, you can call the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Volunteers will be available to answer your call and provide updates on Santa’s location, making this a fun and interactive way to check in on the jolly old man in red.
The Technology Behind the Tracker
While the idea of tracking Santa may seem magical, NORAD uses advanced technology to track his sleigh. The organization relies on a variety of tracking tools, including radar, satellites, and jet fighter aircraft, to monitor Santa’s progress. The satellites used to track Santa’s route are part of NORAD’s regular mission of monitoring airspace for potential threats, but on Christmas Eve, they are repurposed for their festive task of following Santa as he flies from continent to continent.
Additionally, NORAD collaborates with volunteers from around the world who provide updates via the phone lines, website, and social media, ensuring that families are kept in the loop about Santa’s journey.
Fun Facts About NORAD Santa Tracker
- Over 1.5 million calls: Each year, NORAD receives millions of calls and messages from children and adults alike, eager to learn about Santa’s location.
- Santa’s sleigh speed: Santa travels at a speed of 650 miles per second, which is why he can deliver gifts to every child on Christmas Eve!
- Global reach: NORAD tracks Santa’s flight across all continents, including remote areas like Antarctica, using state-of-the-art tools.
- Volunteers: Over 1,500 volunteers help NORAD answer calls and provide updates during the tracking event, ensuring that everyone’s questions are answered.
Why You Should Track Santa
Tracking Santa is more than just a fun tradition—it’s a way to bring families together and enhance the holiday spirit. Children can watch as Santa visits different countries, learn about global traditions, and gain excitement as Christmas morning approaches. It’s a way for the whole family to be part of the magical story of Christmas Eve.
Whether you follow Santa through the website, app, or hotline, tracking his journey brings joy and wonder to children of all ages. So, this holiday season, grab your devices, gather around the screen, and get ready to join millions of others in celebrating this cherished tradition.
Happy holidays, and may you have a joyful Christmas filled with fun and wonder as you track Santa’s worldwide adventure!
