UPDATE: As of December 24, 2023, NORAD is actively tracking Santa Claus as he delivers gifts worldwide in his iconic reindeer-powered sleigh. This beloved Christmas Eve tradition, which began in 1955, continues to capture the hearts of millions of children and families across the globe.
Every year, NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, provides real-time updates and images of Santa’s journey. Officials confirm that while they can monitor his flight using advanced technology, the exact route remains a mystery known only to Santa. “NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route,” stated a senior NORAD official.
The tradition of tracking Santa originated from a misdialed phone number in a local newspaper, leading children to call what was then the Continental Air Defense Command. An understanding officer reassured young callers that Santa was indeed in the air, sparking a holiday custom that continues for 70 years.
According to NORAD, Santa’s journey begins at the North Pole, where he takes off each Christmas Eve. The organization utilizes its polar radar network and satellites, which are also employed for national defense, to follow Santa’s flight. As soon as his lead reindeer, Rudolph, lights up his famous red nose, military personnel can pinpoint Santa’s location through infrared sensors.
In a festive twist, U.S. President Donald Trump was seen engaging with children over the phone, sharing updates on Santa’s location as he sat beside a Christmas tree at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. During a call, he informed a child that “Santa right now is in Copenhagen, Denmark, but he’s heading toward our country.”
Trump humorously remarked on the importance of tracking Santa for national security, stating, “We want to make sure he’s not infiltrated, that we’re not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa.”
With millions waiting in anticipation, Santa’s journey is not just about gifts but also about the joy and wonder he brings to children everywhere. NORAD’s Santa Tracker has become a staple of Christmas celebrations, reminding families of the magic of the holiday season.
As families around the world settle in for the night, NORAD continues to provide updates, ensuring that everyone can share in the excitement of Santa’s annual flight. Keep an eye on their website to follow Santa’s path as he makes his way across the globe, spreading cheer this Christmas Eve.
What to watch for: Stay tuned for further updates from NORAD as Santa approaches your area, and remember to leave out those cookies and milk!
