Full Breakdown
NORAD's 70-Year Tradition of Tracking Santa Claus
12/24/2025, 6:25:09 AM
The Origins of a Beloved Tradition
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is set to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its Santa tracking program on December 24, 2025. This unique tradition began in 1955 when a child mistakenly dialed the number for the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) instead of Santa Claus. Colonel Harry Shoup, the officer on duty, decided to play along and instructed his team to check radar for signs of Santa, thus initiating a holiday custom that has delighted millions of children worldwide.
How NORAD Tracks Santa
Every Christmas Eve, NORAD employs a sophisticated tracking system to monitor Santa's journey. The operation begins at 4 a.m. Mountain Standard Time, when the NORAD Tracks Santa website and call center become operational. The tracking process utilizes three primary systems: the North Warning System radar, satellites equipped with infrared sensors, and fighter jets.
1. Radar System: The North Warning System, with 49 installations across Alaska and northern Canada, detects Santa's departure from the North Pole.
2. Satellites: Once Santa is airborne, NORAD switches to satellites that can detect heat signatures, including that of Rudolph's nose, which emits an infrared signature similar to that of a missile.
3. Fighter Jets: NORAD fighter pilots, flying aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, and CF-18, intercept Santa as he enters North American airspace, often greeting him with a wingtip salute.
Engaging the Public
Families can track Santa's journey through various platforms, including the NORAD Santa Tracker website, a mobile app, and social media channels. The website features games, holiday music, and a countdown to Santa's launch, available in nine languages. Additionally, a new web-based calling option allows children without phones to inquire about Santa's location, with virtual translation services supporting over 200 languages.
Official Statements & Responses
NORAD officials emphasize the importance of this tradition, stating, "What we do is provide aerospace warning, maritime warning, and aerospace control. On December 24th, we just add Santa to that basket," according to Sgt. Major Montrell Kea. The command's commitment to tracking Santa has become a cherished part of its mission, blending holiday spirit with its primary focus on national defense.
Criticism & Opposition
While the tradition is widely celebrated, some skepticism exists regarding its origins and the volume of calls received. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine suggested that the initial call may have been more likely to a public line rather than a secret hotline, questioning the embellished narrative surrounding the first Santa call.
What's Next
As NORAD prepares for another year of tracking Santa, the organization continues to enhance its technology and outreach efforts. The Santa Tracker will be fully operational on December 24, 2025, with millions expected to participate in this festive tradition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ho, ho, ho, I am Santa.” — Colonel Harry Shoup, NORAD's First Santa Tracker
- “What we do is provide aerospace warning, maritime warning, and aerospace control. We do that 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. And on December 24th, we just add Santa to that basket,” — Sgt. Major Montrell Kea, NORTHCOM J4 Directorate for Engineering and Logistics
- “The moment our radar tells us that Santa has lifted off, we begin to use the same satellites that we use in providing air warning of possible missile launches aimed at North America.” — NORAD Official
Through this unique blend of defense and holiday cheer, NORAD's Santa Tracker remains a beloved tradition that continues to bring joy to families around the world.
