How to track Santa Claus around the world with NORAD’s flight tracker
3 min read
While concerns over drone sightings have increased in some regions, there’s one sighting that brings joy to millions across the world each Christmas Eve: Santa Claus and his reindeer.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is once again ready to track Santa’s annual journey around the globe. Known for its mission to protect U.S. and Canadian airspace, NORAD has added a festive twist to its duties by offering a Santa tracking service that millions of people worldwide rely on each Christmas Eve.
The NORAD Santa Tracker will be activated at 6 a.m. ET on Christmas Eve, allowing children and adults alike to follow Santa’s progress as he travels across the world. The tracker can be accessed through the NORAD website, as well as via the NORAD Tracks Santa app. Additionally, Santa enthusiasts can follow his journey on social media platforms, through Amazon Alexa, OnStar, and SiriusXM. Those who want to engage more personally in this holiday tradition can call NORAD’s command center at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723).
This marks the 69th year NORAD has tracked Santa’s journey. The tradition began unexpectedly in 1955. According to NORAD’s website, a local newspaper in Colorado Springs mistakenly published a phone number for children to reach Santa. However, the number was misprinted, and instead of connecting the children to Santa, they reached the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs.
When a young child called and asked to speak with Santa, Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, who answered the phone, quickly realized the error. He decided to play along, assuring the child that he was indeed speaking to Santa. After receiving more similar calls, Colonel Shoup assigned an officer to handle the incoming requests, and from that point, a tradition was born.
When NORAD was formed in 1958, the Santa tracker continued under its new organization, and over the years, it has become a beloved holiday tradition. The website and phone lines receive millions of visitors annually, with more than 130,000 calls typically answered by volunteers. The enthusiasm for tracking Santa has grown over time, with families across the globe eagerly following his progress from the North Pole to their homes.
NORAD’s Santa tracker has become a part of Christmas celebrations for many, offering an interactive way for children and families to engage in the magic of the season. Whether it’s checking the website, using an app, or asking Alexa where Santa is, the NORAD tracker brings an extra layer of excitement and wonder to Christmas Eve.
As Christmas approaches, the tradition continues to grow. NORAD’s Santa tracker serves as a reminder of the joy and fun that the holiday season brings, combining technology with festive spirit. Whether you’re in the U.S., Canada, or elsewhere, you can join millions of others in the global countdown to Christmas as Santa makes his way around the world delivering gifts to children everywhere.
For many, this tradition brings a sense of excitement and comfort, knowing that NORAD is helping to track Santa’s journey with the same dedication they use to defend North American skies. So this Christmas Eve, take a moment to follow Santa’s progress, share the magic with loved ones, and enjoy a unique holiday experience that’s been around for nearly seven decades.
In the age of advanced technology, it’s heartwarming to know that NORAD’s Santa tracker still manages to bring joy, blending holiday cheer with modern-day tools. It’s a tradition that’s not only survived but flourished, proving that the magic of Christmas is alive and well – all thanks to a happy accident in 1955.
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