Ho ho ho! Imagine a bunch of serious military folks at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) swapping their radar screens for Santa sightings every Christmas Eve. That’s right – for 70 years now, NORAD has been the ultimate Santa tracker, turning high-tech defense tools into a festive adventure.
In 2025, they’re at it again, helping kids (and kids at heart) follow Santa’s sleigh ride around the world. Whether you’re wondering where Santa is right now or why he’s taking his sweet time over your chimney, NORAD’s got the answers. Let’s dive into this jolly tradition that’s as magical as Rudolph’s nose!
History of NORAD Tracks Santa
It all started back in 1955 with a hilarious mix-up. A Sears department store ad in Colorado Springs accidentally printed the phone number for CONAD (NORAD’s predecessor) as Santa’s hotline. Kids started calling in, excited to chat with the big man in red. Instead of hanging up, Colonel Harry Shoup – the officer on duty – played along and told his team to give Santa updates to every caller. What began as a fun phone prank turned into an annual event!
By 1958, when NORAD was formed, the tradition stuck. Over the decades, it grew from simple phone calls to a global phenomenon. Today, millions tune in from over 200 countries. In 2025, it’s the 70th anniversary, and NORAD is celebrating big time with extra features. Volunteers from the military, corporations, and even celebrities help out, answering calls and updating the tracker. It’s a heartwarming reminder that even in a high-tech world, a little holiday spirit can bring everyone together.
How NORAD Spots Santa’s Sleigh?
Now, here’s the fun part: How does a top-secret defense organization track a flying sleigh pulled by reindeer? NORAD says they use their super-advanced systems – radars, satellites, and even fighter jets – all repurposed for Christmas cheer!
Santa’s sleigh zooms at speeds faster than a shooting star, but NORAD’s North Warning System radars catch it first as he leaves the North Pole. Then, satellites in space pick up the action. But the real magic? Special infrared sensors! These high-tech gadgets detect heat signatures, and guess what glows like a beacon in the night sky? Rudolph’s famous red nose! That shiny schnoz acts like a natural infrared spotlight, lighting up Santa’s path in real-time. No fog or storm can hide him – those sensors cut through it all, giving precise locations as Santa dashes from rooftop to rooftop.
On Christmas Eve, NORAD’s “Santa Cams” in space capture videos of the sleigh whizzing by famous landmarks. These clips pop up online almost every hour, so you can watch Santa zoom over the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China. It’s like having a front-row seat to the world’s biggest delivery service. And if you’re wondering about the chariot (that’s Santa’s sleigh, folks), NORAD tracks it like a pro, updating its position every few minutes. This year, they’ve even added AI helpers to make the tracking smoother and more accurate!
Festive Fun on the NORAD Santa Website
Head over to the NORAD Tracks Santa website (noradsanta.org), and it’s like stepping into Santa’s North Pole Village! Launched on December 1, 2025, it’s packed with goodies to keep you entertained while waiting for the big night.
First up, the holiday countdown timer ticks away the seconds until Santa takes off on December 24. But don’t just stare at it – dive into the arcade for games like elf toss or sleigh races. There’s a library full of Christmas stories, a movie theater showing holiday clips, and a music stage blasting cheerful tunes to get you in the spirit.
Want to chat with the pros? You can message the RADAR desk online or call the hotline at 1-877-HI-NORAD starting at 6 a.m. ET on Christmas Eve. Ask things like, “Where is Santa right now?” or “What’s taking so long – did he stop for cookies?” The volunteers are ready with fun answers. Plus, there are mobile apps for tracking on the go, so you can follow Santa from your phone while baking gingerbread.
Don’t miss the gift shop for merch like Santa hats or trackers, and check out the village icons for more activities. It’s all designed for families to bond over the magic, with multilingual support for global fun.
Join the Santa Tracking Adventure in 2025
This year, NORAD is pulling out all the stops for the 70th bash. Follow along on social media for live updates, or download the apps to get notifications when Santa’s near your town. If you’re feeling extra festive, learn about volunteer opportunities – who knows, you could be the one telling a kid Santa’s over Australia!
The tracker goes live at 6 a.m. ET on December 24, 2025, and runs until Santa’s back at the North Pole. With partnerships from tech giants and the military, it’s a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Wrapping Up the Holiday Cheer
As the snow falls and lights twinkle, NORAD Tracks Santa reminds us that wonder never gets old. From that 1955 phone flub to today’s infrared wizardry spotting Rudolph’s glow, it’s a tradition that sparks joy worldwide. In 2025, grab your hot cocoa, fire up the website, and join the millions tracking Santa’s chariot. After all, in a busy world, a little belief in magic – and some high-tech help – makes the holidays brighter. Merry Christmas, and may your stockings be full! 🎄🎅
Visit NORAD Tracks Santa at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/.