Get Ready for Santa’s Arrival with the FREE NORAD Santa Tracker!
If your family is anything like mine, the anticipation of Santa’s arrival is nearly as magical as the big day itself.
One of my favorite ways to build that excitement—without spending a dime—is by using the FREE NORAD Santa Tracker.
I’ve been doing this with my own three kids for years, and it’s now a beloved tradition in our household.
When and How to Check Santa’s Location
Come December 24th, gather the family and tune in to the website. That’s when the live Santa Tracking feature really kicks off.
Throughout Christmas Eve, you can see exactly where Santa and his reindeer are in real-time, which is endlessly fun for kids who want to know how close he’s getting to their hometown!
My own kids love to check in periodically during the evening—just before dinner, again after their baths, and once more right before bedtime.
It keeps them giddy with excitement and keeps the holiday spirit alive and well.
Why It’s So Much Fun
There’s nothing quite like watching Santa’s sleigh creep closer and closer to your part of the world. It’s a great way to channel that last burst of holiday energy your kids have as they wait for Christmas morning.
Plus, you can tap into that excitement from practically anywhere! The NORAD Santa Tracker works on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, making it a flexible tool for busy families on the go.
If you’re traveling on Christmas Eve, it’s the perfect way to keep spirits high while you’re on the road—or waiting in line at Grandma’s house.
And for those who prefer old-school methods, you can also call NORAD directly at 1-877-HI-NORAD to find out where Santa is!
Mobile Apps and Countdowns
If you find yourself away from your computer, download the free mobile apps to track Santa from anywhere.
This option has been a lifesaver for us in years past, especially when we’re finishing up some last-minute Christmas shopping and the kids beg to know, “Where’s Santa right now?”
They can see his progress in just a few taps, keeping the holiday spirit alive no matter where we are.
Another highlight for the kids is the Santa Countdown timer at the bottom of the NORAD website.
Starting well before the 24th, this countdown clocks down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until Santa takes flight.
Checking this countdown became a nightly ritual in our home in the weeks leading up to Christmas—my kids love seeing that number get smaller and smaller!
More than Just a Tracker—Fun Activities for the Whole Family
The NORAD Santa Tracker website offers a whole host of activities to keep families entertained throughout December:
- Arcade: Play a new, festive game each day leading up to Christmas. It’s a fun way to reward the kids after chores or homework.
- The Music Stage: Listen to Santa’s favorite holiday songs. In our home, it’s become the soundtrack to gingerbread house decorating and tree trimming.
- The Library: Learn about Santa, his magical sleigh, and various holiday traditions around the world. My kids love discovering new Christmas customs each year.
- The Theater: Watch short films about Santa and NORAD’s mission. These bite-sized videos are great for quick breaks between holiday prep tasks.
- Gift Shop: Pick up NORAD and Santa-themed merchandise if you’re looking for a unique holiday gift.
- NORAD HQ: Learn about the North American Aerospace Defense Command and how they’ve made it their mission to track Santa for decades.
Making Memories, Year After Year
What I appreciate most about the NORAD Santa Tracker is that it’s completely free and incredibly engaging.
In a season that can sometimes feel expensive, it’s comforting to know that we can enjoy the magic of Santa’s journey without spending a penny.
Every year, I’ve watched my kids grow a bit older, but their excitement when they see Santa’s sleigh inch closer to our hometown hasn’t faded one bit—it’s one of our most cherished traditions.
So, as December 24 approaches, don’t forget to bookmark the FREE NORAD Santa Tracker, download the mobile apps, or keep the number 1-877-HI-NORAD handy.
From countdowns to Christmas Eve tracking and all sorts of games, music, and educational fun, the NORAD Santa Tracker makes the big night even more special.
Happy Holidays—and happy Santa tracking!