Santa Claus is On His Way: A Festive Tracker from Coast to Coast!
It’s Christmas Eve in your city, and you can feel the excitement buzzing through the air! As millions of kids around the world settle down for a night of dreams, one jolly figure is revving up for his annual gift delivery marathon. That’s right, folks — Santa Claus is getting ready to make his rounds, and thanks to a long-standing tradition, you can track his every move!
NORAD Comes to the Rescue!
Enter the North American Aerospace Command (NORAD), the agency tasked with monitoring the airspace over the United States and Canada. Since 1958 (with a few years before that as well), NORAD has lifted the spirits of children everywhere by tracking Santa’s flight. This year is no exception as they prepare to launch their official Santa tracker to follow Santa on his magical journey around the globe.
How Does It Work?
Have you ever wondered how NORAD keeps tabs on jolly old Saint Nick? Well, it’s quite the operation! Using real-time radar technology and satellites, NORAD updates its interactive map frequently, showing Santa’s current location as he travels from the North Pole. So far, he’s been traveling south along the Pacific Rim, spreading holiday cheer across Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe while delivering a staggering 6 billion gifts and counting!
Wondering Where Santa Is Right Now?
Curious if Santa is nearing your home? The tracker provides up-to-the-minute updates on Santa’s location, perfect for those anxious little ones awaiting his arrival. While you can track him on NORAD’s website and social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, remember that the map can’t provide a specific time of arrival at your house. As the agency puts it, “Only Santa knows his route!”
Peak Delivery Times
Historically, Santa tends to make his appearances between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve. And yes, he delivers presents only when kids are fast asleep, so you may find yourself peeking out your window in anticipation!
An All-Star Team
The effort to track Santa isn’t just a technological feat — it’s also a community effort! More than 1,250 uniformed personnel from the United States and Canada volunteer their time to answer calls and emails from eager families seeking updates on Santa’s progress. Even some civilians from the U.S. Department of Defense pitch in. Who knows, you might even get a chance to chat with someone special, as sometimes even the president and first lady join in on the fun to take phone calls!
Santa’s Journey Begins
Santa traditionally kicks off his journey at the International Date Line in the Pacific. From there, he zooms through the South Pacific, hitting up places like New Zealand, Australia, and then over to Asia. After that, he heads to Africa, Europe, and finally North America. Christmas is certainly a worldwide adventure!
Weather Woes and Christmas Magic
Of course, the weather can be unpredictable, and NORAD keeps that in mind. They coordinate closely with Santa’s Elf Launch Staff to confirm his departure from the North Pole, but once he’s airborne, it’s all Santa’s call on where he wants to go! “Santa’s route can be affected by the weather, so it’s really unpredictable,” NORAD reminds us.
Get In Touch!
If waiting for Santa feels too much, families can get real-time updates through a friendly phone call to NORAD’s Santa Tracking Operations Center. By calling 1-877-HI-NORAD (that’s 1-877-446-6723), families can connect with a NORAD operator who will provide Santa’s exact location! These lines are open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Eastern on December 24 — dive in!
An Ultimate Christmas Eve Tradition
So, as you prepare to cozy up for a night filled with holiday cheer, don’t forget to join in on the excitement of tracking Santa. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, watching the jolly old man travel the world is sure to bring a smile! Merry Christmas, and safe travels, Santa!
