Follow Santa with the NORAD Santa Tracker
Every Christmas Eve, families around the world watch Santa's sleigh travel the globe. Here is how to join in, plus a few cozy ideas for the big night.
Please note: The Santa Hotline is not affiliated with NORAD. We link only to the official NORAD Tracks Santa website.
How to track Santa
- Visit the official NORAD Tracks Santa site on December 24.
- Watch the live map as Santa visits each time zone.
- Check in before bedtime, and remember Santa only comes when kids are asleep!
Make a night of it
Start Christmas Eve with a call to Santa, pick a film from our 2026 holiday movie guide, then check the tracker before bed.
A cozy Christmas Eve plan
- Afternoon: bake cookies and pour milk for Santa, plus carrots for the reindeer.
- Early evening: call Santa with a parent's permission and share last minute wishes.
- After dinner: watch a holiday movie together.
- Before bed: check where Santa is on the tracker, then off to sleep!
Tips for parents
- Use the tracker as a gentle bedtime cue: once Santa gets close, it is time to sleep.
- Look up a few of the places Santa visits and talk about how families celebrate there.
- Bookmark the official site ahead of time so there is no searching on the big night.
Leave Santa a message before he takes off
📞 Call SantaFrequently Asked Questions
What is NORAD Tracks Santa?
It is the official NORAD program that follows Santa's journey around the world on Christmas Eve, with a live map, games and countdowns on its website.
When can we start tracking?
Tracking usually begins on December 24. The NORAD site often opens with games and a countdown earlier in December.
Is the NORAD tracker free?
Yes. NORAD Tracks Santa is a free program on its official website.
Is The Santa Hotline part of NORAD?
No. The Santa Hotline is an independent family site and is not affiliated with NORAD. We simply link to the official site.
Can we still call Santa on Christmas Eve?
Yes. With a parent's permission, kids can leave Santa a voicemail on any of our local lines.