It’s not just Bruce Springsteen who knows Santa Claus is coming to town.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, has tracked Santa since 1955. On Dec. 1, the organization launched its website for 2024 with a countdown clock, games, music and more.
“So, how do we do it? The [NORAD Tracks Santa] program is funded through generous contributions from our corporate team. Everything from computer servers, website design, video imaging, Santa’s tracking map, and telephone services are donated,” according to NORAD.
The program is managed by the NORAD and the United States Northern Command Public Affairs Office at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado.
The tradition of tracking Santa started after a child accidentally dialed the unlisted phone number of NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command or CONAD, after seeing a newspaper advertisement telling children to call Santa.
NORAD’s Santa tracker website also showcases a collection of Santa facts, including his age and facts about his sleigh. Another factoid addresses military aircraft encountering St. Nick.
“Over the past 65 years, our fighter jets (F-16s, F-15s, F-22s and CF-18s) have intercepted Santa many, many times,” the website read. “When the jets intercept Santa, they tip their wings to say, ‘Hello Santa! NORAD is tracking you again this year!’ Santa always waves. He loves to see the pilots!”
Resembling an advent calendar, the website also features games for children to play. Children can also receive a personalized video message from Santa and watch videos about him and NORAD.
Volunteers will be taking calls “from around the world on Dec. 24 asking for Santa’s location,” the website read.
Santa can also be tracked through apps, social media and Alexa.
Here are the ways in which you can track Santa’s location on Christmas Eve.
- NORAD Tracks Santa app for Apple
- NORAD Tracks Santa app for Google Play
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- Call the the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723)
- Amazon Alexa users can ask for Santa’s location
- OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa
