NORAD Santa Tracker: A Christmas Eve Tradition
December 24, 2025 / 7:32 AM EST / CBS News
The annual tradition of tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve has delighted families across the United States for 70 years. Utilizing the expertise of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), this festive activity allows children and parents alike to follow Saint Nicholas as he delivers gifts worldwide.
Live Santa Tracking
NORAD updates its live map in real-time to display Santa’s locations during his global journey, which begins at the North Pole. With advanced satellite technology, NORAD monitors Santa’s sleigh as it glides through the sky. Updates are available not only on the NORAD website but also on the agency’s social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Santa’s Journey Around the World
Typically, Santa’s path follows a route that takes him down the International Date Line in the Pacific, with his first stops in the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. He then zigzags through Asia, Africa, and Europe before heading across the Atlantic to Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America. Although NORAD provides a general trajectory, it notes that Santa’s route can be unpredictable.
When Will Santa Arrive?
Experts at NORAD indicate that Santa usually makes his rounds between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve. However, specific arrival times at individual households are not predictable. “Only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house,” remarks NORAD on its website. “What we do know from past experience is that he seems to arrive only when children are asleep.”
Understanding NORAD
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a bi-national organization comprising the United States and Canada, headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. NORAD’s primary mission is to defend North America through aerospace warning, control, and maritime warning.
With a variety of technologies, including the North Warning System-a radar network with 49 installations across Alaska and northern Canada-NORAD employs satellites equipped with infrared sensors for heat detection. It also has fighter jets on standby to patrol North American airspace.
“Twenty-four-seven, 365 days a year, we’re monitoring the skies of North America for any airborne threats,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jason White.
How the Santa Tracker Works
NORAD begins its Santa tracking efforts early on December 24, mapping Santa’s journey from the North Pole. The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center is staffed by uniformed personnel and civilian volunteers who handle phstart calls and provide updates regarding Santa’s location.
For live updates, families can call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723), available from 4 a.m. Mountain Time (6 a.m. Eastern) until midnight MT (2 a.m. ET). Last year, operators logged an impressive 380,000 calls.
The NORAD website offers updates in nine languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean.
Origins of the Santa Tracker
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 when a child accidentally called the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), after seeing a newspaper advertisement inviting children to call Santa. The operator who answered chose to play along, igniting a holiday tradition that has continued through NORAD since its establishment in 1958. NORAD relies on volunteers and corporate sponsors to support this annual operation.
As families settle in for the holiday, the NORAD Santa Tracker provides a fun and engaging way to celebrate the spirit of giving and joy of Christmas.
For the latest Santa updates and more details, visit NORAD’s official website.