NORAD’s Santa Tracker Is Back: Follow Santa’s Magical Christmas Eve Journey in Real-Time

In a timeless Christmas tradition, Santa Claus embarked on his annual Christmas Eve journey from the North Pole, delivering joy and gifts to children across the globe. As he soared through the night sky with his reindeer-drawn sleigh, the North American Aerospace Command (NORAD) faithfully tracked his magical voyage, updating the world on his progress with an official, constantly refreshed map.

Since 1958, NORAD has taken on the delightful task of following Santa’s movements, ensuring that eager children and families can stay informed about his whereabouts on Christmas Eve. Before NORAD assumed the role, its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, initiated the tradition, maintaining the festive excitement for three years.

What started as a fortuitous misdialed phone call in 1955—when a child accidentally reached out to the Continental Air Defense Command looking for Santa—has evolved into a cherished holiday ritual. NORAD now uses cutting-edge radar, satellites, and jet interceptors to track Santa’s sleigh as it navigates the globe, covering continents and crossing oceans with unparalleled speed.

The Santa Tracker program has become an iconic part of Christmas celebrations, not just in the United States and Canada but worldwide. Families eagerly tune in to see where Santa is, marveling at his journey and joining in the collective joy of the season.

This enduring tradition underscores the spirit of Christmas—a time of wonder, magic, and togetherness. As Santa completes his rounds for another year, NORAD’s tracking ensures the world can share in the excitement of the holiday season.