The magic of Christmas is underway! Father Christmas has officially embarked on his incredible global journey, and children everywhere can track his progress in real time on Christmas Eve.
The NORAD Santa Tracker offers an exciting interactive experience complete with 2D and 3D tracking maps, SantaCam videos, and fun games. Operated by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) since the 1950s, this unique tradition allows families to watch Santa’s route as he delivers gifts around the world.
Available in nine languages, the tracker also features a countdown calendar and a live tally of the presents Santa has delivered so far. Over the course of one night, it’s estimated that Father Christmas travels approximately 510 million kilometres to bring joy to children everywhere.
The NORAD Santa Tracker’s origins date back to 1955, when a misplaced phone number in a Christmas ad prompted children to call the wrong line – which surprisingly reached Colonel Harry Shoup of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Seeing an opportunity for holiday magic, Shoup directed his team to monitor radar screens for Santa’s location and keep the children updated.
Today, thousands of volunteers answer calls from excited children worldwide, sharing the latest on Santa’s whereabouts. Families can join in the fun by following the tracker via the NORAD website or by downloading the free app available on Apple and Google Play stores.
Santa traditionally begins his journey over the Pacific Ocean, heading west to visit the South Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia. From there, he moves on to Japan, throughout Asia, Africa, Western Europe, then to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.
In addition to online tracking, you can call NORAD’s call centre at 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to get the latest location updates and maybe even hear a reminder for children to get to bed in time for Santa’s arrival!
NORAD’s North Warning System includes 47 radar installations across northern Canada and Alaska. Using the same advanced radar and satellites designed to protect North American airspace, NORAD detects Santa’s sleigh with infrared sensors that pick up the distinctive heat signature of Rudolph’s glowing red nose.
Special high-speed SantaCams, activated only on December 24, are strategically placed around the world. These cameras switch on roughly an hour before Santa enters a region, capturing magical images and videos of Santa and his reindeer, which are quickly made available on the NORAD website for all to enjoy.
Experience the wonder of the season and keep up with Santa’s journey live with the NORAD Santa Tracker – a beloved tradition that continues to bring families together each Christmas Eve.