NORAD Continues 70-Year Tradition of Tracking Santa Claus

Every Christmas Eve, thousands of families eagerly follow Santa Claus on his journey around the world, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which has been watching over Santa’s travels since 1955. The tradition began by accident when a misprinted phone number in a local newspaper led children to call NORAD instead of Santa’s workshop. This joyous event has become an annual highlight and is available to track live through various platforms including the NORAD Santa Tracker website. NORAD updates Santa’s location throughout the evening, with sightings reported every few minutes to keep up with the excitement. Additionally, viewers can enjoy festive games, videos, and other holiday-related content during the countdown to Christmas. The endeavor sees thousands of volunteers, including active military personnel and their families, who work tirelessly to continue this beloved tradition. As families gather to track Santa, they reflect on years of joy this tracking brings, turning a simple military operation into a global celebration. “It’s a fun and exciting way for families to connect during the holidays,” remarked Major Jennifer B. Eyer of NORAD, who emphasizes the importance of community during this season. Furthermore, public engagement is expected to reach records this year due to an increase in online accessibility with platforms like YouTube live streaming the Santa Tracker as well. This continuous interaction showcases a unique blend of military precision and holiday spirit, truly embodying the joy of the season.