Comando of Defesa Aeroespacial of América of Norte (NORAD) begins this Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the traditional tracking of the journey of The operation uses radars, satellites and monitoring technologies to follow the sleigh pulled by reindeer, which leaves the Polo Norte heading around the world. Milhões of families in more than 200 countries follow the route in real time on the official website and digital platforms.
The tradition turns 70 in 2025 and attracts volunteers who respond to calls and updates. The program turns the air defense mission into an annual festive activity, focusing on interacting with children and adults. NORAD operates the center at Peterson Space Force Base, at Colorado, with dedicated overnight personnel.
Origin of the tradition of tracking the Papai Noel
It all started in 1955, when a child mistakenly dialed the number of the CONAD operations center, the predecessor of NORAD. A department store ad in Colorado Springs’s newspaper had the wrong phone number. Colonel Harry Shoup, on duty, answered the call and decided to inform the location of Papai Noel so as not to disappoint the child.
The initiative was repeated in the following years and gained scale after the creation of NORAD in 1958. What emerged as an accident became an official program. Voluntários and corporate resources have kept the operation going for decades.
How NORAD monitors the Papai Noel sled
NORAD employs real defense systems, such as North Warning System radars and infrared satellites. Rudolph’s bright red nose emits a detectable signal, similar to missile launches. Jatos intercept the sled in North American airspace for photos and updates.
The route starts at the international date line at Pacífico, passes through Oceania, Ásia, África, Europa and Américas. Santa delivers gifts to homes where children sleep, usually between 9pm and midnight local time.
Platforms to follow the journey in real time
Families access the interactive map on the official website, which displays updated location, gift counts and videos from NORAD cameras. Aplicativos mobile devices for iOS and Android offer Christmas games, music and stories.
Social networks such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram post updates. Parcerias with companies allow voice tracking and other digital services.
Dedicated volunteers answer calls from around the world
More than a thousand volunteers, including military and civilians, operate the call center. In previous editions, they responded to hundreds of thousands of calls. 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) operates in English, with recorded updates as needed.
The operation receives contacts from children and adults. Novos features in 2025 facilitate free international calls.
Global impact of the NORAD Tracks Santa program
The program receives millions of unique visits annually from more than 200 countries and territories. Crianças send emails and messages to Papai Noel. The initiative promotes community interaction and education about defense technology.
NORAD highlights that tracking is possible thanks to integrated technology and support from collaborators. The tradition unites families and reinforces the Christmas spirit on a global scale.
Details about the sleigh and reindeer
The sled travels at high speed, guided by reindeer such as Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, NORAD monitors the entire route, without revealing the exact route in advance.
Updates include photos and videos of Santa in different regions. The program avoids revealing precise times per house to maintain the magic.
Additional activities on the NORAD website
The portal offers interactive games, countdowns and educational videos. Usuários explore the virtual Polo Norte, watch stories and listen to music. Essas tools maintain engagement throughout the day.
The site remains active after Natal with festive content. The focus remains on family fun.
Final preparations at Polo Norte
Before takeoff, Santa finalizes those present at the workshop. Voluntários from NORAD coordinate the start of the flight. Tracking begins early on the 24th and continues until the early hours of the 25th.
The operation involves global coordination to cover all time zones.