Every Christmas Eve, the excitement of tracking Santa Claus and his sleigh takes center stage for children and families worldwide. In 2024, both NORAD and Google continue their cherished tradition of bringing Santa’s magical journey to life through real-time trackers, adding a tech-savvy twist to the festive season.

NORAD’s Iconic Santa Tracker

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa Claus since 1955, thanks to a happy accident. That year, a child dialed a misprinted phone number in a department store ad, hoping to speak to Santa, but the call connected to Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup at CONAD (Continental Air Defense Command). This serendipitous event sparked a beloved tradition that NORAD has carried forward for over 65 years.

NORAD’s Santa tracker will go live at 4 a.m. MST on December 24, 2024, allowing users to follow Santa’s real-time location on their website

. Updates are also available through the NORAD Tracks Santa app, Amazon Alexa, OnStar, SiriusXM, and social media platforms. From 6 a.m. to midnight MST, families can even call the NORAD command center at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to hear about Santa’s location directly from a volunteer.

Google’s Santa Tracker

Google entered the Santa-tracking arena in 2004, combining the power of Google Maps with a festive experience. While Google’s tracker doesn’t rely on satellite technology like NORAD’s, it boasts a vibrant, interactive website that offers more than just tracking.

Google’s Santa tracker features a live map showing Santa’s current location, upcoming stops, and estimated arrival times. It also includes live video feeds of his travels. For the entire month leading up to Christmas, the platform transforms into a winter wonderland filled with minigames, educational activities like coding lessons, and fun features like Quick Draw, which teaches image-recognition AI.

Comparing NORAD and Google

Both trackers have their unique strengths. NORAD’s offering is steeped in history and features a team of volunteers answering calls, as well as an AI chatbot named Radar for automated updates. Its partnership with Verizon and simple interface keep it a nostalgic favorite.

Google’s tracker, on the other hand, is visually polished, interactive, and accessible, making it particularly appealing to children and families who enjoy games and learning experiences.

The Joy of Tracking Santa

Whether you prefer NORAD’s tradition-rich service or Google’s modern, interactive platform, both trackers bring holiday magic to life. Watching Santa’s journey from the North Pole to homes across the globe adds an extra layer of excitement to Christmas Eve, making it a cherished tradition for families everywhere.

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