As Christmas Eve unfolds, the Santa Tracker is lighting up screens around the world, bringing holiday magic into millions of homes. NORAD’s iconic Santa tracking program, now in its 69th year, and Google’s Santa Tracker are offering real-time updates on Santa’s sleigh as it soars across the globe. With a mix of tradition, technology, and festive cheer, these trackers have become a beloved part of holiday celebrations.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) first began tracking Santa in 1955 due to a happy accident. A misprinted phone number in a Sears catalog prompted children to call what they thought was Santa’s direct line. Instead, they reached NORAD, and the tradition was born, according to ABC News. Today, NORAD’s Santa Tracker combines satellite data, radar, and jet fighter escorts to monitor Santa’s progress. Families can follow along on the NORAD website, which features a live map, fun games, and music.
Google’s Santa Tracker offers a tech-savvy alternative, with vibrant animations and an interactive map that shows Santa’s current location, how many presents he’s delivered, and his estimated time of arrival at various destinations. Google also includes a “Santa’s Village” feature, where kids can play games, learn coding basics, and explore holiday traditions from around the world.
As of early evening on Christmas Eve, Santa was spotted soaring over Europe, heading toward North America with an estimated gift delivery count already in the billions. The trackers note his precise location, updating every few seconds, allowing children to see when he’ll arrive in their area.
These tools not only add excitement to Christmas but also offer educational and charitable components. NORAD’s Santa Tracker encourages donations to military families, while Google’s platform includes lessons in geography and coding.
NORAD’s call center is staffed with over 1,500 volunteers who answer calls and emails from children eager to know Santa’s whereabouts. According to NORAD, they field over 140,000 inquiries annually from around the world, CNN reported.
With technology blending seamlessly into tradition, the Santa Tracker remains a cherished part of Christmas Eve. Whether you’re watching his sleigh streak across the night sky on NORAD’s map or exploring Google’s whimsical animations, the trackers remind us of the joy and wonder of the holiday season.
