This Christmas Eve, Santa Claus and his reindeer are making their way around the globe, delivering gifts to billions in just 24 hours. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is once again providing real-time tracking of Santa’s sleigh as it travels from Nunavut in northern Canada to southern Chile and multiple stops through the Caribbean.
The cherished NORAD tradition began in 1955 when a child accidentally called a Colorado military command center, mistaking it for Santa Claus’s hotline due to a misprinted advertisement. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup answered the call and reassured the child, sparking a tradition that NORAD continued after its establishment in 1958.
For decades, NORAD has not only monitored airspace but also brought joy to millions by answering children’s questions about Santa’s journey. Each year, over 100,000 kids call NORAD to ask about Santa’s location, while millions more follow online in nine languages.
There’s nothing more magical on Christmas Eve than watching Santa Claus’s one-night journey to deliver presents worldwide. Thanks to NORAD, this tradition continues to bring excitement and wonder to children and families everywhere.