The Christmas tradition of tracking Santa Claus has become a global phenomenon, with children worldwide eagerly following his journey on Christmas Eve. At least 100,000 kids annually call the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to inquire about Santa's whereabouts, while millions more track him online in multiple languages.
On Christmas Eve, NORAD volunteers in Colorado Springs field questions from excited children, such as 'When is Santa coming to my house?' and 'Am I on the naughty or nice list?' The tradition of tracking Santa dates back to the Cold War era and has persisted through government shutdowns and other challenges.
The origin of NORAD's Santa tracking can be traced back to a serendipitous event in 1955 when a child accidentally called the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, while trying to reach Santa. This led to the creation of a tradition that endures to this day.
Despite some skepticism about the exact circumstances of the initial call, the tradition of tracking Santa has become a beloved part of the holiday season. NORAD's sophisticated radar systems in Alaska and Canada are used to detect Santa as he embarks on his journey from the North Pole, with satellites tracking his movements based on the heat emitted by Rudolph's glowing nose.
NORAD offers an app and website for tracking Santa on Christmas Eve, along with a phone line where live operators provide updates on Santa's location. This unique blend of technology and holiday spirit has made NORAD's Santa tracking a cherished addition to the centuries-old story of Santa Claus.
