50 Facts About Santa Tracker

Origins of the Santa Tracker

The NORAD Santa Tracker has a fascinating history that began with a simple mistake. This beloved tradition has grown into a global phenomenon, captivating millions each year.

1. The NORAD Santa Tracker started in 1955 due to a misprinted phone number in a Sears advertisement. Instead of reaching Santa, children called the Continental Air Defense Command (CADC) Operations Center in Colorado Springs.
2. Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, on duty that night, answered the first call. Known as the "Santa Colonel," he decided to play along and provided Santa's location to the child who called.
3. In 1958, the CADC was renamed the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The Santa Tracker program was officially adopted by NORAD, continuing the tradition.

Evolution of the Santa Tracker

From its humble beginnings, the Santa Tracker has evolved significantly, incorporating new technologies and expanding its reach.

4. The operation relies heavily on volunteers and staff from NORAD and the Department of Defense. Over 1,500 uniformed personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and their families volunteer their time on Christmas Eve.
5. The NORAD Santa Tracker website is visited by more than 200 countries and territories each year. In 2017, it received 18 million pageviews, and the Facebook page had 1.75 million followers.
6. Children can call 1-877-Hi-NORAD (446-6723) or email noradtrackssanta@outlook.com to find out where Santa is. In 2017, NORAD received 126,103 calls and answered 2,030 emails.
7. The NORAD Santa Tracker relies entirely on corporate sponsors and uses no taxpayer dollars. Microsoft has been a significant partner, helping to upgrade the website and providing maps for the project.
8. From a simple phone line to a full-fledged web and mobile presence, the NORAD Santa Tracker has kept up with technology. The website is built with HTML5 and works in seven languages, and it launched with a Windows phone app.
9. The NORAD team uses Google Analytics data from previous years to prepare for the surge of traffic they see each Christmas Eve. This helps them manage the high volume of visitors to the website.
10. Volunteers are guided by an 11-page playbook that provides answers to the most commonly asked questions. This ensures that every child receives accurate and festive information about Santa's journey.

Global Impact and Community Engagement

The Santa Tracker has a significant global impact, bringing families together and creating a sense of community during the holiday season.

11. The NORAD Santa Tracker has a strong social media presence, with over 1 million Facebook fans and more than 8 million views on its YouTube channel.
12. In 2012, the website was visited by 22.3 million unique visitors. This number has continued to grow each year, reflecting the program's increasing popularity.
13. Despite its popularity, the NORAD Santa Tracker has faced some controversy. In 2023, an animation on the site depicted Santa’s sleigh being escorted by fighter jets, sparking complaints from a children’s advocacy group.
14. NORAD has competition in the form of Google’s own Santa tracking operation. However, NORAD remains the most popular and enduring tradition.
15. The team at NORAD begins preparing for the big day in the first months of fall. They start scheduling volunteers, decorating the space, and plugging in phone calls to ensure they are ready for the surge in activity on December 24.
16. The tracker launches at 6 a.m. ET on December 24, when Santa begins his approach to far eastern Asia. With the help of radars, satellites, and jet fighters, NORAD is able to keep tabs on Mr. Claus' globetrotting journey.
17. NORAD uses military radar and satellites to track Santa's flight. This technology allows them to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Santa's location to children around the world.
18. First Lady Michelle Obama has volunteered to answer calls for the NORAD Santa Tracker in the past, demonstrating the program's cross-party appeal and community spirit.
19. Col. Harry Shoup's daughters recall that their father received letters from all over the world thanking him for starting a tradition loved by so many. This personal touch highlights the family involvement in the program.
20. Col. Harry Shoup is remembered as the "Santa Colonel" for his role in starting the tradition. His legacy continues through the efforts of volunteers and staff who keep the program alive each year.

Technology and Innovation

The NORAD Santa Tracker has embraced technology to enhance the experience for children and families worldwide.

21. The NORAD Santa Tracker has a significant global impact, bringing families together and creating a sense of community during the holiday season. It is a testament to the power of tradition and technology.
22. NORADSanta.org starts receiving inquiries from families in November, indicating the growing anticipation for the holiday season and the tracker's role in it.
23. The program relies entirely on corporate sponsors, ensuring that it remains free for children to enjoy. This model has been successful in maintaining the program's integrity and popularity.
24. The team at NORAD coordinates with service members and past participants to schedule volunteers for the busy Christmas Eve period. This coordination ensures that every call is answered and every child is informed about Santa's whereabouts.
25. The space where the tracker operates is decorated to create a festive atmosphere. This includes decorations, lights, and a sense of excitement that reflects the magic of the holiday season.
26. Santa’s journey is tracked using a combination of military radar and satellite technology. This allows NORAD to provide real-time updates on Santa’s location as he delivers gifts around the world.
27. The NORAD Santa Tracker has become an integral part of holiday traditions worldwide. It is a historical event that has evolved over time, reflecting changes in technology and societal values.
28. The program engages with the community through various channels, including social media, email, and phone calls. This engagement helps to build a sense of belonging and shared experience among families.
29. The NORAD Santa Tracker provides an educational experience for children, teaching them about technology, geography, and the importance of community service. It also highlights the role of military and defense operations in everyday life.
30. The program has a significant cultural impact, transcending national boundaries and age groups. It is a cultural phenomenon that brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy during the holiday season.

Volunteer Efforts and Preparation

The success of the NORAD Santa Tracker relies on the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers.

31. Volunteers are motivated by the desire to bring joy to children and families. Many volunteers return year after year, demonstrating their commitment to the program and its values.
32. The preparation timeline for the NORAD Santa Tracker is extensive, starting in the fall months and culminating on Christmas Eve. This preparation ensures that every aspect of the program is ready for the surge in activity.
33. Santa’s sleigh is added to the glass board in the command center used to track flights over the United States. This visual representation helps to engage children and provide a tangible connection to the tracking process.
34. Radio stations call the command center regularly to ask about Santa’s location. This public engagement adds to the festive atmosphere and provides an additional layer of community involvement.
35. The NORAD Santa Tracker website attracts visitors from over 200 countries and territories each year. This global reach underscores the program’s universal appeal and significance.
36. In 2017, the website received 18 million pageviews, and the Facebook page had 1.75 million followers. These numbers reflect the high level of engagement and interest in the program.
37. In addition to the website, children can call 1-877-Hi-NORAD (446-6723) or email noradtrackssanta@outlook.com to find out where Santa is. This multi-channel approach ensures that every child can participate and enjoy the experience.
38. The program relies on corporate sponsors like Microsoft, which has helped upgrade the website and provide maps for the project. This partnership model ensures that the program remains free and accessible to all.
39. The NORAD team uses Google Analytics data from previous years to prepare for the surge in traffic they see each Christmas Eve. This data helps them manage the high volume of visitors to the website.
40. Volunteers are guided by an 11-page playbook that provides answers to the most commonly asked questions. This ensures that every child receives accurate and festive information about Santa’s journey.

Social Media and Public Engagement

The NORAD Santa Tracker has a strong presence on social media, engaging with a wide audience and promoting the program.

41. The NORAD Santa Tracker has over 1 million Facebook fans and more than 8 million views on its YouTube channel. This presence helps to engage with a wider audience and promote the program.
42. In 2012, the website was visited by 22.3 million unique visitors. This number has continued to grow each year, reflecting the program’s increasing popularity and engagement.
43. Despite its popularity, the NORAD Santa Tracker has faced some controversy. In 2023, an animation on the site depicted Santa’s sleigh being escorted by fighter jets, sparking complaints from a children’s advocacy group.
44. NORAD has competition in the form of Google’s own Santa tracking operation. However, NORAD remains the most popular and enduring tradition.
45. The team at NORAD begins preparing for the big day in the first months of fall. They start scheduling volunteers, decorating the space, and plugging in phone calls to ensure they are ready for the surge in activity on December 24.
46. The tracker launches at 6 a.m. ET on December 24, when Santa begins his approach to far eastern Asia. With the help of radars, satellites, and jet fighters, NORAD is able to keep tabs on Mr. Claus’ globetrotting journey.
47. NORAD uses military radar and satellite technology to track Santa’s flight. This technology allows them to provide real-time updates on Santa’s location as he delivers gifts around the world.
48. Col. Harry Shoup’s daughters recall that their father received letters from all over the world thanking him for starting a tradition loved by so many. This personal touch highlights the family involvement in the program and its legacy.
49. The NORAD Santa Tracker has a significant global impact, bringing families together and creating a sense of community during the holiday season. It is a cultural phenomenon that transcends national boundaries and age groups.
50. The NORAD Santa Tracker is a testament to the power of tradition and technology. From its humble beginnings as a misprinted phone number to its current status as a global phenomenon, the program continues to captivate children and families around the world.

The Magic of NORAD Santa Tracker

The NORAD Santa Tracker has become a cherished holiday tradition, starting from a simple misprint in a Sears ad. Over the years, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, engaging millions of families worldwide. Volunteers from NORAD and the Department of Defense dedicate their time to answer calls and emails, ensuring every child knows Santa's location on Christmas Eve. The program's success relies on corporate sponsors, like Microsoft, who help keep the technology up-to-date and the experience magical.

From its humble beginnings to its current status, the NORAD Santa Tracker brings joy and excitement to the holiday season. It showcases the power of community, technology, and a bit of holiday spirit. As families gather to follow Santa's journey, they participate in a tradition that spans generations, proving that even the smallest mistake can lead to something truly wonderful.