By Allison Peck
For nearly seven decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command — better known as NORAD — has taken on one of its most beloved missions: tracking Santa Claus as he delivers presents around the world on Christmas Eve.
The tradition dates back to 1955, when NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), first began tracking Santa by accident. When a phone number was misprinted in a local newspaper, and Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, the commander on duty that night who answered the child's call, was quick to realize the mistake and, not wanting to let down the child, played along. Since NORAD replaced CONAD in 1958, the organization has continued the mission every year, making it one of the longest-running holiday traditions tied to national defense.
NORAD is a bi-national United States and Canada organization responsible for aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for North America. While its year-round mission focuses on monitoring airspace, missiles, and maritime approaches, NORAD officials say tracking Santa is a unique way to connect with families around the world.
“We’re the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications, and the people to do it,” NORAD states. “And, we love it. NORAD is honored to be Santa’s official tracker.”
The website has changed with the times as much as one can expect. On noradsanta.org you can now find the history of Santa, daily games, Christmas music, movies, a gift shop and a place to learn about NORAD.
How NORAD Tracks Santa
NORAD uses the same advanced systems it relies on for real-world defense missions to follow Santa’s flight.
It begins with the North Warning System, a powerful radar network made up of 49 installations across Canada’s north and Alaska. Once radar indicates Santa has lifted off from the North Pole, NORAD turns to satellites positioned in geosynchronous orbit more than 22,000 miles above Earth. These satellites use infrared sensors capable of detecting heat — and according to NORAD, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch.
As Santa approaches North America, Canadian CF-18 fighter jets escort him through Canadian airspace. In the United States, American NORAD pilots flying F-15s, F-16s, or F-22s take over the escort. While Santa flies faster than any jet, NORAD says he slows down so pilots can safely fly alongside him.
Over the years, fighter pilots have intercepted Santa many times, tipping their wings in greeting. Santa, NORAD says, always waves back.
Santa’s Route and Timing
Historically, Santa begins his journey at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, traveling west. He typically visits the South Pacific first, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and then North, Central, and South America. Weather conditions can affect his route, making the journey unpredictable.
NORAD tracks Santa’s location but cannot predict exactly when he will arrive at individual homes. Based on history, officials say Santa usually arrives between 9 p.m. and midnight on December 24 — but only when children are asleep.
How the Public Can Follow Along
On December 24, families can track Santa in real time through NORAD’s Santa Cams and live updates at noradsanta.org. Videos and photos captured from space and escort aircraft are posted throughout the day.
The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center also opens at 4 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on Christmas Eve. Volunteers answer hundreds of thousands of calls from around the world at 1-877-HI-NORAD, providing updates on Santa’s current location until midnight MST.
More than 1,000 Canadian and American military members, civilians, and volunteers support the effort each year. NORAD notes the program is made possible through volunteers and corporate supporters, with virtually all costs covered outside of government funding.
While NORAD’s primary mission remains defending North America 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, officials say tracking Santa is a reminder of the joy behind the technology — and a tradition they’re proud to continue.
As NORAD puts it simply: “We have the watch.”