Tis the season for tracking Jolly Old Saint Nicholas! NORAD is firing up the radar to keep a close eye on the sky for Santa Claus come Christmas Eve.
NORAD's got it down to a science now. They've been tracking Santa for more than 65 years.
CLICK HERE to see the Santa Tracker full screen.
When will Santa arrive at my house?
NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house. We do, however, know from history that it appears he arrives only when children are asleep! In most countries, it seems Santa arrives between 9:00 p.m. and midnight on December 24th. If children are still awake when Santa arrives, he moves on to other houses. He returns later, but only when the children are asleep!
What route does Santa travel?
Santa usually starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west. So, historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. After that, he shoots up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. Keep in mind, Santa's route can be affected by weather, so it's really unpredictable. NORAD coordinates with Santa's Elf Launch Staff to confirm his launch time, but from that point on, Santa calls the shots. We just track him!
Does Santa visit everyone?
Indeed! Santa visits all homes where children believe in him.
How can Santa travel the world within 24 hours?
NORAD intelligence reports indicate that Santa does not experience time the way we do. His trip seems to take 24 hours to us, but to Santa it might last days, weeks or even months. Santa would not want to rush the important job of delivering presents to children and spreading joy to everyone, so the only logical conclusion is that Santa somehow functions within his own time-space continuum.
Do your planes ever intercept Santa?
Over the past 65 years, our fighter jets (F-16s, F-15s, F-22s and CF-18s) have intercepted Santa many, many times. 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!
History
According to the NORAD and the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), the first time Santa was tracked was in 1955. A small child had accidently called the wrong number; trying to call Santa. The Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup answered the phone and instructed his team to keep an eye on Santa.
The tradition continues today.
Santa is currently busy working away, but NORAD will keep an eye to the sky Christmas Even night. Right now, you can go to NORAD's Santa Tracking Headquarters and learn more about Santa's flight around the world.
Stay with us Christmas Eve night where our team of forecasters and meteorologists will report on Santa's whereabouts.
Where is Santa right now?
Santa is at the North Pole, where he lives with Mrs. Claus and the elves who make toys and take care of the reindeer year round! Each year on December 24th, Santa and his reindeer launch from the North Pole very early in the morning for their famous trip around the world. The minute they launch, NORAD starts to track him! Come back to this website on December 24th and you can track Santa along with NORAD!
Has Santa ever crashed into anything when he was flying around the world?
Santa has been flying for centuries without hitting anything. He must be a great pilot!
I would rather talk to someone at NORAD to find out where Santa is located. Is there a number I can call?
Yes! The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center is fully operational beginning at 4 AM MST on December 24th. You can call 1 877 HI-NORAD (1 877 446-6723) to talk directly to a NORAD staff member who will be able to tell you Santa's exact location. Operators are available until midnight.