NORAD Santa Tracker Ready to Delight Families This Christmas Eve

As the holiday season reaches its peak, families across Laurens County and beyond are gearing up for the magic of Christmas. One of the most anticipated traditions, the NORAD Santa Tracker, is ready to bring joy and excitement as children eagerly await Santa’s arrival.

For nearly 70 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has provided a real-time system for tracking Santa’s sleigh as it makes its journey across the globe on Christmas Eve. The Santa Tracker allows children—and parents—to follow Santa Claus as he delivers presents to homes worldwide.

How to Track Santa

The NORAD Santa Tracker officially goes live on Sunday, December 24th, and families can start tracking Santa as early as 4:00 a.m. EST when he begins his magical trip from the North Pole. The system offers a variety of ways to follow Santa’s progress, ensuring that everyone can take part in the fun:

1. NORAD’s Official Website: Visit www.noradsanta.org for an interactive map that updates Santa’s location in real time. The site also features games, music, and other holiday activities leading up to Christmas Eve.
2. NORAD Tracks Santa App: Download the official app for iOS and Android devices to track Santa on the go.
3. Social Media: NORAD provides updates on Santa’s whereabouts via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
4. Call the NORAD Santa Hotline: Beginning Christmas Eve, children can call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to speak with NORAD volunteers for updates on Santa’s exact location.

A Longstanding Tradition

The NORAD Santa Tracker began unexpectedly in 1955 when a misprinted phone number in a department store ad led children to call the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) instead of Santa Claus. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup answered the calls and, rather than disappoint the children, he played along. Since then, NORAD has carried on the tradition of tracking Santa, growing it into a global phenomenon that delights millions each year.

Fun for the Whole Family

In addition to tracking Santa’s progress, the NORAD website includes games, stories, and music to keep families entertained while they wait. The festive platform ensures that the excitement of Christmas Eve starts early and continues until Santa arrives at homes across Laurens County and the world.

Parents can encourage kids to track Santa’s journey throughout the day, adding an extra touch of holiday magic to their celebrations. Remember to set out cookies and milk for Santa—and maybe carrots for his reindeer—before bedtime to ensure a smooth visit!

For families looking to add even more Christmas cheer to their traditions, the NORAD Santa Tracker is a fun and reliable way to make the holiday season memorable.

Stay tuned, stay festive, and let the countdown to Santa’s arrival begin!

Visit www.noradsanta.org starting December 24th to follow Santa’s journey around the world.