The stockings have been hung with care, the children will soon be dreaming of sugar plums, and St. Nicholas is embarking on the biggest night of his year. In a modern twist on a classic holiday, you no longer need to listen for a clatter on your lawn to know Santa Claus has arrived-there’s a tracker for that.
The Tracking Mission
The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, is again tracking Santa and his eight tiny reindeer as they make their trek around the world this Christmas. This mission is a unique part of NORAD’s responsibilities, which include monitoring everything that flies in and around both the United States and Canada.
A Joint Effort
NORAD is a joint effort between the U.S. and Canada, and its tracking of Santa is one of the few public-facing missions that involves both countries. The collaboration allows the organization to use its resources to keep a continuous eye on the skies as Santa crosses national borders.
The History
Tracking Santa began accidentally in 1955, when a telephone operator at NORAD received a request to locate a Santa. That small incident grew into an annual tradition that has become the organization’s most beloved mission. Each year, the world watches as NORAD’s radar and satellite systems follow the legendary journey.
Santa’s Departure
Santa departs the North Pole around 4 a.m. ET on Wednesday, December 24. At that moment, NORAD begins tracking his movements around the world. The exact departure time is a key part of the tradition, and it signals the start of the global flight that brings gifts to children everywhere.
Live Stream
You can watch a stream of NORAD’s tracker at the top of this story as soon as Santa takes off. The live stream provides a visual representation of his path, showing the route he follows as he travels from the North Pole to every corner of the globe.
Call Center
NORAD also staffs a call center of members who can tell you exactly where he is until early Christmas morning. You can reach NORAD at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) during those hours. The call center offers real-time updates, answering questions from families and fans who want to know Santa’s current location.
Google Tracking
If you want to be extra certain of Santa’s arrival, Google also tracks the man in red’s progress. The search engine’s tracking feature mirrors NORAD’s efforts, providing an additional layer of visibility for those who prefer a different platform.
How to Follow
To follow Santa’s journey, you can use the live stream on the story’s page, call the NORAD hotline, or check Google’s tracking feature. Each method offers a unique perspective on the same event, allowing fans to stay connected to the holiday magic.
The Journey Around the World
The journey around the world is a continuous flight that covers every continent and island. NORAD’s systems monitor Santa’s progress as he moves from one location to the next, ensuring that no child misses out on the gift-giving tradition.
The Eight Tiny Reindeer
Santa’s eight tiny reindeer are part of the classic image that accompanies the tracking mission. The reindeer’s names are not listed in the article, but their presence is implied by the phrase “his eight tiny reindeer.” They are an integral part of the narrative that makes the tracking mission beloved.
Key Takeaways
- NORAD tracks Santa’s flight from the North Pole at 4 a.m. ET on December 24.
- A live stream, call center, and Google tracking provide multiple ways to follow the journey.
- The tradition began accidentally in 1955 and remains NORAD’s most beloved mission.
The holiday season is in full swing, and with NORAD’s tracking mission, families can watch Santa’s journey in real time, ensuring that the spirit of giving remains alive for this year’s Christmas.
