Overview
- Tracking is active across NORAD’s website, apps and social feeds, with real-time updates as Santa departs the North Pole and follows the customary westbound route from the International Date Line through the South Pacific toward Asia, Africa and Europe.
- The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at Peterson Space Force Base is staffed by more than 1,000 volunteers answering 1-877-HI-NORAD from 4 a.m. to midnight MST, with new web-based calling available for participants outside North America.
- The platform supports nine languages and features a 3D map, a running gifts-delivered counter and frequent “SantaCam” videos posted throughout Christmas Eve.
- NORAD leverages its North Warning System radars, infrared-equipped satellites and occasional fighter-jet escorts for the festive mission, and officials note Rudolph’s nose provides a detectable heat signature.
- Public engagement remains high, with about 380,000 calls recorded last Christmas Eve, as the 70th anniversary highlights broader access across web and mobile platforms.