NORAD Santa Tracker 2025: How to Follow Santa's Magical Christmas Eve Journey

Every year, as Christmas Eve approaches, a wave of excitement builds across the globe. Children and adults alike turn their eyes to the skies, and their screens, for one of the holiday's most cherished traditions: the NORAD Santa Tracker. This beloved program, a staple of trending news each December, is gearing up for its 2025 mission, promising more magic and technological wonder than ever before.

A Tradition Born from a Mistake

The story behind the NORAD Santa Tracker is as heartwarming as the tradition itself. It all began in 1955 with a simple misprint in a newspaper ad. A Sears ad invited children to call Santa Claus, but the phone number listed was incorrect. Instead of reaching Santa, the calls went directly to the command center for the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), NORAD's predecessor.

Colonel Harry Shoup, the director of operations on duty that night, could have dismissed the calls. Instead, he instructed his staff to check the radar for signs of Santa's sleigh and provide updates to every child who called. A beautiful tradition was born, and it has continued for over 65 years, evolving with technology but never losing its charm.

What's New for the 2025 Santa Tracking Mission?

While the core mission remains the same—to provide a safe and accurate escort for Santa on his global journey—the team at NORAD always adds new features to enhance the experience. This year is no exception. Building on the excitement from previous years, sources close to the North Pole have hinted at some incredible upgrades.

One of the most talked-about updates is the introduction of a new augmented reality (AR) feature within the official mobile app. This will reportedly allow users to project a 3D model of Santa's sleigh right into their living rooms, creating a truly immersive experience. Furthermore, NORAD has reportedly partnered with a major streaming service to release exclusive animated shorts throughout December, giving families a peek into the bustling preparations at the North Pole.

How to Track Santa in 2025

Getting live updates on Santa's location is easier than ever. Whether you're at home or on the go, there are multiple ways to join in on the fun starting December 24th.

• Official Website: The hub of all activity is the official NORAD Tracks Santa website. It goes live on December 1st with games, music, and a holiday countdown. On Christmas Eve, the site transforms into a live tracking map.
• Mobile Apps: Download the free official app for both iOS and Android devices for on-the-go tracking and exclusive mobile games.
• Social Media: Follow the official NORAD Tracks Santa accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for regular updates on Santa's progress.
• Phone Call: Keep the original tradition alive! You can call the toll-free number (1-877-HI-NORAD) on Christmas Eve to speak directly with a NORAD volunteer who can give you Santa's current location.

The NORAD Santa Tracker is more than just a fun distraction; it's a global phenomenon that connects people through the magic of the holiday season. It consistently becomes trending news because it represents a blend of childhood wonder, technological innovation, and a heartwarming story of kindness.

As you prepare for your holiday celebrations, don't forget to check in on Santa's progress. Will he visit the Eiffel Tower first, or the Great Wall of China? The only way to know is to tune in.

Ready to explore more holiday traditions? Check out our other articles on festive celebrations around the world!