This Christmas season, families can partake in a beloved holiday tradition by tracking Santa Claus on his worldwide journey, courtesy of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Starting at 6 a.m. ET on Christmas Eve, NORAD has activated its Santa tracking system, allowing festive followers to monitor Santa’s travels online or via phone at 1-877-HI-NORAD.
The tracking experience is accessible through the NORAD Tracks Santa website, an app, as well as various platforms including social media, Amazon Alexa, OnStar, and SiriusXM. This year marks the 69th anniversary of this cherished event, which began in an unexpected way back in 1955. A misprinted telephone number in a newspaper ad led a child to contact the Continental Air Defense Command instead of Santa. Colonel Harry Shoup, who took the call, humorously played along, claiming he was indeed Santa, thus sparking the tradition of tracking Santa that continues under NORAD today.
NORAD’s Santa tracker attracts millions of visitors globally each holiday season, with dedicated volunteers expected to respond to over 130,000 inquiries, reinforcing the magical connection of Christmas.
This activity not only spreads joy but also engages families in a unique and technological way to share the excitement of the holidays. Whether it’s tracking Santa from home or calling to share in the enchantment, NORAD’s effort bridges generations, bringing smiles and festive spirit to many.
As the holiday draws near, families can look forward to this magical experience, adding to the joy of Christmas as they await Santa’s arrival.