NORAD is now in its 68th year of tracking Santa Claus on his annual worldwide tour, but the technology by which it accomplishes this task continues to change with the times. How to track Santa is an age-old question, and NORAD has the answer.
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The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) received a slew of mistaken phone calls in 1955 when a Colorado Springs newspaper had a typo in an ad aimed at kids anxious to know if Santa was close to their house, and thus, the Santa tracker was born. Known as the Continental Aerospace Defense Command at the time, the agency played along with the tykes, and ever since, it has helped ensure that everyone knew where old Kris Kringle was at all times on Dec. 25.
With the advent of the internet, the tracking went online, although a phone number is still provided for those who prefer to call (1-877-HI-NORAD). If you prefer, you can also use the Android and iOS apps so you can track Santa on the go.
Social media isn’t left out in the cold either. You can also follow NORAD’s Twitter/X account, its Facebook page, and Instagram for real-time Santa tracker info.
And truly getting into the modern age, there is now a NORAD Tracks Santa skill for Amazon’s Alexa. Do note you will need to enter your Amazon registered credit card security code or have Amazon text you a code to enable to make sure your little tykes aren’t installing something they shouldn’t.
For those of you who visit the site itself, you’re going to find a couple dozen simple Christmas-themed games, Christmas music recorded by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, numerous videos about the project and more to keep you entertained until the little ones go to bed. We are rather disappointed there is no word on receiving updates via Western Union telegram or Pony Express, but we think NORAD has done an amazing job of covering just about every other conceivable form of modern-day communication.
Check out the trailer for the Santa tracker below, as well as a short history of how NORAD got involved with letting children know when to expect a visit from the big man.
Were you a good little boy or girl this year and expecting a visit?
