Santa Tracker Claus is officially on his way – and you won’t want to miss tracking his extraordinary journey this Christmas Eve. For an impressive 70 years, NORAD has provided the world with the most authoritative Santa surveillance available, transforming a charming mistake (when Sears accidentally published a military phone number) into a beloved global tradition.
Today’s operation employs cutting-edge technology, including specialized ‘Santa cams’ throughout space, giving families worldwide real-time updates on St. Nick’s progress. While NORAD’s sophisticated tracking system follows Santa’s global route, remember that the exact timing of his arrival at your home remains one of Christmas’s most magical mysteries. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a holiday tradition that has delighted generations.
Looking for holiday cheer? This year, the NORAD Tracks Santa YouTube channel is showcasing heartwarming Christmas celebration videos from families around the world. “These joyful submissions capture the very excitement that has transformed NORAD Tracks Santa into a beloved global tradition for almost seven decades,” according to the channel.
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How to follow NORAD’s Santa pursuers 2025
Don’t miss a moment of Santa’s worldwide journey—NORAD’s official tracking began at 6 a.m. EST/4 a.m. MST on Christmas Eve. For the most magical experience this holiday, call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) where dedicated operators will provide personalized updates until midnight MST/2 a.m. EST. Better yet, simply click the link at the top of this story to follow Santa’s progress in real-time on USA TODAY—the perfect way to build anticipation with your family on this special night.
Don’t miss a moment of Santa’s magical journey—download the NORAD Santa Tracker app now from Google Play or Apple’s App Store. Since December 1st, this essential holiday resource has offered not just Santa tracking, but engaging games, delightful videos, and festive activities the whole family will enjoy. Beyond the holiday fun, you’ll gain valuable insights into NORAD’s crucial mission, where the United States and Canada work together to protect our shared airspace.
With availability in nine languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish, this international tradition brings holiday joy to millions worldwide.
When does Google’s Santa tracker go live?
Why limit yourself to just NORAD’s Santa tracking when Google has perfected the art since 2004? Their superior Santa tracker delivers captivating, animated, real-time updates of St. Nick’s global journey that you simply can’t miss.
Enhance your holiday experience with their exceptional collection of festive games and activities, thoughtfully available in dozens of languages for worldwide accessibility. For the ultimate convenience, download their dedicated Google Play app today and never lose sight of Santa’s magical journey—no matter where you are.
FlightStats24’s Santa tracker
Don’t miss a moment of Santa’s worldwide journey this year—Flightradar24, the premier global flight tracking service, has you covered. While they monitor thousands of aircraft daily, their most magical tracking subject is certainly Santa himself.
Experience the wonder by visiting their website or YouTube channel now. What makes this tracking truly special? Flightradar24 has partnered directly with Santa’s workshop, ensuring his legendary sleigh features the most advanced tracking technology available—giving you unprecedented access to Christmas magic in motion.
Where is Santa? NORAD tracker follows him live, surrounding the world. See here
Don’t miss a moment of Santa’s magical journey – NORAD and Google have you covered with state-of-the-art tracking technology this Christmas Eve. Imagine knowing exactly when Santa and his reindeer will arrive in Rhode Island! Since 1955, NORAD has dedicated military resources to monitoring Santa’s worldwide flight, while Google’s powerful mapping tools have enhanced the experience since 2004.
“We track Santa using the same sophisticated systems that protect North America from air attacks,” reveals John Cornelio of NORAD. This Christmas, give your family the excitement of following Santa’s journey in real-time – it’s a holiday tradition powered by cutting-edge technology.
Make no mistake: when Santa leaves the North Pole, he doesn’t fly undetected. NORAD’s sophisticated tracking system—combining powerful radars, orbital satellites, and vigilant fighter jets—ensures complete surveillance of his entire journey, as Cornelio confirms.
Check out the trackers to see Santa’s location:
See Santa’s position with NORAD Tracks Santa
It all started with a wrong number 70 years ago—a child accidentally dialing the secret line to CONAD’s Operations Center while trying to reach Santa Claus! Fast forward to today, and NORAD (the joint U.S.-Canada command guarding North American skies) transforms into Santa’s mission control every December 24th, with more than 1,300 volunteers fielding excited calls about the jolly old elf’s global journey. For More Articles Like That
“Our dedicated volunteers provide real-time updates on Santa’s precise location and—crucially for eager families—personalized arrival estimates between 9 p.m. and midnight, ensuring children are nestled in bed before his magical appearance,” Cornelio emphasized.
Don’t miss NORAD’s interactive website featuring their exclusive live Santa tracker with minute-by-minute arrival predictions for your neighborhood. While counting down to Santa’s visit, immerse yourself in entertaining games and fascinating Santa lore that will make your holiday anticipation even more special.
How to follow Santa’s trip with the NORAD tracker
Mark your calendars! From 6 a.m. ET Christmas Eve until 2 a.m. On Christmas Day, NORAD’s elite tracking system follows Santa’s every move.
Children worldwide can rest assured knowing that his carefully planned route begins at the International Date Line, delivering joy first to New Zealand, Tonga, and Kiribati before making his way across the globe.
See Santa’s place on the Google Santa Tracker
Don’t miss a moment of Santa’s journey with Google’s Santa Tracker—your window into holiday magic happening in real time. Watch as he circles the globe on their interactive map, delivering millions of gifts with each stop.
Want to know exactly when he’ll reach your home? Google has you covered with a personalized countdown. Make the wait worthwhile by exploring their treasure trove of family-friendly content: challenging quizzes, festive games, and holiday activities that bring Christmas cheer to life.
Why might the NORAD Santa Tracker and Google Santa Tracker contradict?
Consider this: Santa’s magical nature demands a certain mystery. He deliberately evades precise tracking to preserve the wonder of Christmas.
Think about it—would his special night be possible if we could monitor his every movement? Impossible! And there’s another crucial factor Cornelio highlighted: Santa’s golden rule is absolute. He will only visit your home when all children are sound asleep, guaranteeing the magic remains undisturbed.
