Santa Claus's legendary Christmas journey: when Santa arrives and how to track him live in 2025

A tradition that started by accident nearly 70 years ago

The story of Santa Claus tracking has a peculiar origin. It all began in 1955, when a Christmas advertisement published in a local newspaper mistakenly included the phone number for the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), the predecessor of North American Aerospace Defense Command. Children who read the ad started calling looking to speak with Santa Claus. Colonel Harry Shoup, who was on duty that night, decided to kindly answer each call, assuring the children that Santa would be protected during his journey around the world. Since then, this initiative has evolved into one of the most recognized community outreach programs of the U.S. Department of Defense. In 1958, NORAD officially took over the operation, transforming it into a global celebration now followed by millions of people in more than 200 countries.

How to participate in the live Santa Claus tracking on December 24

When Santa Claus comes is the question that resonates in homes around the world every December 24. NORAD responds with its Santa Claus Tracker platform, available both on its official website and its mobile app. The tracking begins at 4:00 a.m. (Eastern Time (ET)) and provides continuous updates as Christmas Day progresses.

In addition to the digital platform, the organization offers a toll-free phone line: 1-877-HI-NORAD. The phone service activates from 6:00 a.m. (ET), allowing children to call directly to find out Santa’s exact location on his worldwide journey.

The technology behind the tracking: satellites, radars, and surveillance cameras

The tracking system uses high-tech infrastructure to show the sleigh’s movement in real time. Sophisticated satellites, advanced radars, and surveillance cameras work together to provide accurate data on the route. This technological deployment allows NORAD to constantly monitor Santa Claus from the moment he begins his journey until he returns to the North Pole.

The global itinerary: from the Pacific to Latin America

Santa’s journey follows a well-established geographic pattern. The trip begins at the international date line, specifically in the Pacific Ocean. From there, his first stops are New Zealand and Australia, then continuing toward Asia, crossing Africa and Europe. The route proceeds to North America and ends in Latin America, after which Santa returns home to the North Pole.

However, the route is not entirely rigid. Santa Claus makes sure to visit each home when children are already asleep, so NORAD explains that the itinerary can be adjusted in real time as needed. If a child is still awake, Santa continues on his way and plans to return later. A fascinating detail documented over the years is that Santa Claus has “visited” even the International Space Station (ISS), a detail that is part of the special broadcasts NORAD conducts during the annual tracking.

The most followed Christmas event in the world

For more than seven decades, this tradition has created a special connection among families from different cultures and continents. Each year, millions of people tune into the Santa Claus tracking through multiple platforms, turning this initiative into a global phenomenon that transcends borders and unites communities around the Christmas magic.