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How to Follow NORAD’s Santa Tracker: The Ultimate Christmas Eve Guide
Follow his Christmas Eve trip using NORAD, Google

In 2025, NORAD’s Santa Tracker continues to be the most trusted, interactive, and family-friendly way to follow Santa’s journey in real time. This complete guide explains what NORAD’s Santa Tracker is, when it goes live, how to use it step by step, and why it remains a holiday classic for kids and adults alike.

What Is NORAD’s Santa Tracker?

NORAD’s Santa Tracker is a long-standing Christmas Eve tradition run by North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The program allows the public to follow Santa Claus’s fictional journey from the North Pole as he travels across continents delivering presents.

The tradition began in 1955, when a child accidentally called a military operations number asking for Santa. Instead of hanging up, the officer on duty shared Santa’s “location,” unknowingly launching a tradition that would span generations. Today, NORAD uses animated maps, simulated radar, satellites, and aircraft visuals to create a real-time Santa tracking experience that feels exciting and believable for children.

When Does NORAD Start Tracking Santa?

NORAD’s Santa Tracker goes live every year on December 24, starting early in the morning (U.S. time), just as Santa prepares to depart the North Pole.

Before launch, visitors can enjoy:

  • A countdown clock to Santa’s departure

  • Holiday games and videos

  • Educational content about geography, cultures, and Christmas traditions

Once tracking begins, Santa’s route is updated continuously until he completes his journey in the early hours of Christmas Day.

How to Follow NORAD’s Santa Tracker in 2025

Tracking Santa is easy and accessible across multiple platforms. Here are the main ways families can follow Santa’s journey.

1. Track Santa on the Official NORAD Website

The NORAD Santa Tracker website is the central hub for live tracking. It features:

  • An interactive world map showing Santa’s current location

  • Time-based updates as Santa moves from country to country

  • Fun facts about each stop along the route

The site works smoothly on desktops, tablets, and mobile browsers, making it ideal for family viewing.

2. Use the NORAD Santa Tracker Mobile App

NORAD also offers a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The app mirrors the website’s live tracking features while adding a mobile-friendly experience.

Key features include:

  • Real-time Santa location updates

  • Push notifications when Santa gets closer to your region

  • Holiday games and animations designed for kids

This option is perfect for families traveling or checking Santa’s progress on the go.

3. Call the NORAD Santa Hotline

One of the most charming features of NORAD’s Santa Tracker is its live phone hotline. On Christmas Eve, families can call a toll-free number and speak directly with trained volunteers who share Santa’s current location.

This experience is especially memorable for younger children, as it feels personal and interactive. Volunteers answer calls for many hours throughout Christmas Eve, often in multiple languages.

4. Follow Santa on Social Media and Video Platforms

NORAD also shares Santa updates through social media and video platforms. These channels provide:

  • Short video updates

  • Animated clips of Santa flying over major landmarks

  • Festive commentary suitable for all ages

Some families enjoy watching these updates on a TV screen while tracking Santa on a phone or tablet at the same time.

What You’ll See While Tracking Santa

NORAD’s Santa Tracker is designed to be both entertaining and educational. During the live event, users can expect:

  • Real-time animated maps showing Santa’s global route

  • Estimated arrival times for different regions

  • Cultural highlights as Santa visits countries around the world

  • Festive music and visuals that build excitement throughout the night

The experience is intentionally family-friendly, avoiding ads and unnecessary distractions.

Why NORAD’s Santa Tracker Is Still the Most Trusted

While several platforms now offer Santa-tracking experiences, NORAD’s version remains the most respected and widely used.

Here’s why:

  • It’s the original Santa Tracker, running for nearly 70 years

  • It’s run by a real organization with a meaningful history

  • It focuses on education, imagination, and family connection

  • It’s completely free and accessible worldwide

For many parents, following Santa with NORAD is something they did as children and now enjoy sharing with the next generation.

NORAD Santa Tracker vs. Other Santa Trackers

One popular alternative is Google Santa Tracker, which offers games, mini-activities, and playful animations throughout December.

The difference:

  • NORAD focuses on realism, tradition, and live tracking

  • Google emphasizes games, puzzles, and daily holiday activities

Many families enjoy using both, but turn to NORAD on Christmas Eve for the main event.

Tips for Parents: Making the Experience Magical

To get the most out of NORAD’s Santa Tracker:

  • Start tracking early in the evening to build excitement

  • Let children predict where Santa will go next

  • Use the map to talk about countries, time zones, and geography

  • Pair tracking with bedtime routines to ease the transition to sleep

Some parents even use Santa’s approach as a gentle reminder that bedtime helps Santa do his job faster.

FAQs: NORAD Santa Tracker 2025

Is NORAD’s Santa Tracker free?
Yes. All features, including the website, app, and hotline, are completely free.

Does the tracker work outside the United States?
Yes. NORAD’s Santa Tracker is global and accessible worldwide.

Is the tracking real?
The experience uses simulated tracking inspired by NORAD technology. It’s designed for fun and imagination, especially for children.

What age is the tracker best for?
It’s ideal for kids aged 3–10, but many teens and adults enjoy the tradition as well.

Can I track Santa after Christmas Eve?
Tracking ends once Santa completes his journey, but holiday content often remains available for a short time.

Final Thought

NORAD’s Santa Tracker is more than a website. It’s a shared moment of wonder that brings families together on Christmas Eve. In a world that moves fast, this simple tradition continues to remind us that imagination, kindness, and a little holiday magic still matter.

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