The most magical night of the year is here! As Christmas Eve dawns, children and families across India and the globe eagerly await the start of Santa Claus's legendary journey. This year, the excitement is amplified by two major platforms that allow you to follow Saint Nick's progress in real-time: Google and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Both have launched their interactive Santa trackers, turning the festive wait into a global digital event.
The Tale of Two Trackers: A Rich History
The tradition of tracking Santa has a fascinating origin story, deeply rooted in one organization. NORAD's Santa tracking program began in 1955 due to a charming mistake. A child accidentally dialed the hotline of the then-Continental Air Defense Command, thinking it was Santa's number. The officers on duty played along, and a beloved annual tradition was born.
As Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell notes, this initiative has grown into a joyous global occasion, showcasing a lighter side to NORAD's 70-year-old serious mission of aerospace defense. Every year, it brings families together in anticipation.
Google entered the festive scene much later, in 2004. Initially building upon NORAD's established program, Google has since infused its tracker with its signature modern technology. It has evolved into a vibrant holiday hub, packed with not just tracking capabilities but also educational games, coding activities, and playful features to engage users throughout the season.
How to Track Santa with Google's Tracker
Google's Santa Tracker goes live on Christmas Eve. To join the fun, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website: santatracker.google.com on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
- Once Santa begins his flight, the interactive map will display key details:
- His current location on the globe.
- The next scheduled stop.
- Estimated arrival times at different cities.
- A running count of total gifts delivered.
- Engaging 3D animations of Santa and his reindeer team.
Beyond tracking, the portal is a treasure trove of holiday entertainment. It offers mini-games, music tools, quizzes, and short videos, perfect for keeping children engaged while they wait for Santa to approach their hometown.
How to Follow Santa via NORAD's Official Tracker
For a more traditional and official tracking experience, NORAD's platform is the original. Here is how you can use it:
- Go to the dedicated website: noradsanta.org.
- Similar to Google, the tracker activates on Christmas Eve. The live dashboard will feature:
- A dynamic 3D globe view of Santa's sleigh in flight.
- Real-time satellite tracking data.
- Fun videos captured by the 'SantaCam'.
- A detailed play-by-play commentary of his route.
- For a personal touch, you can also call the Santa hotline at 877-446-6723. A live Santa tracker operator will provide you with his latest location updates.
Both platforms offer a unique and magical way to be part of the Christmas Eve excitement. Whether you prefer Google's tech-savvy, interactive approach or NORAD's historic, official-style tracking, the spirit of the season is just a click away. So gather your family, open the tracker, and enjoy watching Santa spread joy across the world in real-time!
