For seven decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has transformed from a Cold War-era defense operation into the world’s most beloved Christmas tracking service. What began as a mistaken phone call in 1955 has evolved into an annual tradition that captivates children and adults worldwide.
The program operates through a dedicated hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) staffed by over 1,000 volunteers who field calls from Christmas Eve morning until midnight Mountain Standard Time. Last year alone, approximately 380,000 calls flooded into a specially decorated hangar at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs—NORAD’s current headquarters.
This year marks a significant technological advancement: for the first time, Santa seekers outside North America can place calls through the program’s website, which also allows users to monitor Santa’s journey in nine languages, including English and Japanese.
NORAD employs its sophisticated defense technology—typically used for monitoring aerial threats—to track Santa’s progress starting from the international date line over the Pacific Ocean. According to NORAD spokesperson Colonel Kelly Frushour, Rudolph’s nose emits a heat signature similar to a missile, which is detected by the organization’s satellite network.
The tradition originated in 1955 when a child mistakenly called the Continental Air Defense Command (NORAD’s predecessor) after seeing a Sears advertisement. Rather than dismissing the call, the duty commander, Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, played along and instructed staff to begin tracking Santa. This spontaneous decision launched a cultural phenomenon that has endured for generations.
Heartwarming anecdotes abound from the program’s history. One special needs individual named Henry calls annually, once requesting that jet pilots escorting Santa deliver a note confirming he was ready in bed. Another concerned child worried when Santa appeared headed toward the International Space Station where astronauts were stranded, but was reassured when he changed course.
Despite its joyful purpose, the program maintains its connection to NORAD’s serious mission—the same radar, satellites, and jets that protect North America from threats simultaneously enable the magical tracking of Santa’s global journey each Christmas Eve.